John the Baptist
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. Luke 1:41 KJV
In this Bible verse the babe turns out to be baby John the Baptist. He is growing inside his mother, Elizabeth, when he realizes that his Savior is near. On this realization, he leaps inside his mother’s womb! We can safely assume that baby John is overwhelmed with joy and other emotions as he becomes aware of his Lord being so near within Mary’s womb. John is to prepare the way for this unborn babe as he grows older. Just think of what Elizabeth must have been thinking as she recalled God’s wonderful providence in taking away her reproach among men by blessing her with a child.
The words that God spoke to Jeremiah are very applicable to baby John as well as every other unborn baby. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) Now certainly not every baby is ordained a prophet as Jeremiah or John were, however, they are all formed in their mother’s bellies by our Heavenly Father. They all have intrinsic worth and unmeasurable value as they are all made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27)
Unfortunately, not every mother in our world recognizes the value in their unborn baby. Nevertheless, we have here the wonderful examples of virtuous women such as Elizabeth and Mary who took care of their babies. The tender care of these two women directed towards their infants and their faith in God’s promises were richly rewarded.
Look around you today and observe your fellow man and woman. Do you see those whom God created and loves when you look at your friends, your family, or the unborn baby in a mother’s womb?
Lord, help us to value all life and remember that you died for all of mankind’s sin. Amen.