Community

Re:Verse passage – Luke 1:57-80 (day four)

There is a character in this story that is easily overlooked – the company of “neighbors and relatives” mentioned in verse 58. This community intentionally came to rejoice with Elizabeth and Zacharias over the mercy God had shown them. This reflects the kind of community Paul calls us to in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” We are called to a communal life, one in which we prioritize physical presence with one another, one where we are close enough to recognize and rejoice over the way God is working in each other’s lives.

It doesn’t stop there, though. Because this group had gathered, they heard the prophetic call on John’s life. They witnessed Zacharias regaining his speech, and they saw that the Lord was at work among them. The community grew in anticipation and faith because of what they witnessed with this family. The miracles God works in your life are not only meant to bless you, they’re meant to minister to the community you share your life with. An answered prayer for one person turns into a testimony that strengthens the faith of another. The act of interceding in prayer on your neighbors’ behalf allows you to anticipate a move of God with them. This requires that we set our minds on deepening our relationships with one another. To live the Christian life is to live a shared life.