Sorry I've been slacking here. I've been through a lot the past couple months (in every aspect). Work has been eating me up. That's both a good thing and bad. It's good that I'm occupied and that I'm getting things done, but it's bad in that that's almost all that consumes my life right now. I need to be able to do other things; you know, keep my interests in other aspects of life going. That's the biggest problem with working life. You go to work, spend almost the entire day there, then come home and not want to do anything cause you're exhausted. It's time for me to change that.
Spiritually I've been attending church, but nothing more. I haven't really been studying all that much at all. I was a normal Sunday Christian. Everyday I know that I should, but I don't.
I'll try to post other things here from here on out, but looking at my past history, things don't look too good. We'll see.
February 8, 2010
September 27, 2009
Luke 2:8-20
The Shepherds and the Angels
I've been hopping around churches a lot the last couple weeks, trying to find one that I like. I'm leaning to towards the one that I started with. The church has a great pastor and isn't that big, something I prefer. I'll try to update you guys on my church hunt.
It's not Christmas, but it's always refreshing to read this story about the birth of Christ. We start with the shepherds. They are attending their business and an angel appears. Like Zechariah and Mary, the shepherds are scared, but the angel again assures them to not be afraid. It's a recurring theme, it seems, to be "terrified" when an angel appears. That brings to question, how would you react? If an angel appears to you, would you think it's for a good purpose or for bad? I think the inital reaction would be one of horror because we would think about all the sins we've committed. If an angel appears, we might think surely it's not cause I did anything good.
Fortunately the angel appeared to these shepherds for a good reason: to tell them about the coming of Christ. Then more angels appear to praise God. One thing to note about their praise is who that they mention: "men on whom his favor rests." Who are these men that God finds favor? Is it all of us? Christians only? Whoever these angels are singing about, it isn't everyone inclusive.
How do these shepherds respond? Is it more like Zechariah? Or like Mary? I think the shepherds react more like Mary in that they are excited and immediately go to Bethlehem to see all that was told. They then spread the word of all the things that have happened. They are extremely happy and praise the Lord.
Mary was a little different. She seems a little more conservative with her emotions. Like I mentioned before, I think Mary really shows her maternal personalities here. She's happy for Jesus, but worried at the same time.
The coming of Christ was an exciting thing. People probably all had different views on it. The important thing to take here, I think, is that this isn't necessarily for everyone. Jesus came to save us all, but only those who have been found in favor by God will truly be saved. It's important to remember that we won't all necessarily walk into the kingdom of God.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
-Luke 2:8-20
I've been hopping around churches a lot the last couple weeks, trying to find one that I like. I'm leaning to towards the one that I started with. The church has a great pastor and isn't that big, something I prefer. I'll try to update you guys on my church hunt.
It's not Christmas, but it's always refreshing to read this story about the birth of Christ. We start with the shepherds. They are attending their business and an angel appears. Like Zechariah and Mary, the shepherds are scared, but the angel again assures them to not be afraid. It's a recurring theme, it seems, to be "terrified" when an angel appears. That brings to question, how would you react? If an angel appears to you, would you think it's for a good purpose or for bad? I think the inital reaction would be one of horror because we would think about all the sins we've committed. If an angel appears, we might think surely it's not cause I did anything good.
Fortunately the angel appeared to these shepherds for a good reason: to tell them about the coming of Christ. Then more angels appear to praise God. One thing to note about their praise is who that they mention: "men on whom his favor rests." Who are these men that God finds favor? Is it all of us? Christians only? Whoever these angels are singing about, it isn't everyone inclusive.
How do these shepherds respond? Is it more like Zechariah? Or like Mary? I think the shepherds react more like Mary in that they are excited and immediately go to Bethlehem to see all that was told. They then spread the word of all the things that have happened. They are extremely happy and praise the Lord.
Mary was a little different. She seems a little more conservative with her emotions. Like I mentioned before, I think Mary really shows her maternal personalities here. She's happy for Jesus, but worried at the same time.
The coming of Christ was an exciting thing. People probably all had different views on it. The important thing to take here, I think, is that this isn't necessarily for everyone. Jesus came to save us all, but only those who have been found in favor by God will truly be saved. It's important to remember that we won't all necessarily walk into the kingdom of God.
September 23, 2009
Luke 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus
This passage may seem somewhat trivial, but I think it may be one of the bigger things in the Bible. It may not be as spritually moving as some of the other passages, but if you're studying the Bible, this means a whole lot. This passage can apply to not only Christians, but non-believers as well. This is a bold statement saying, "Look, we have proof."
The Bible has existed for many many years and people try to contest it. Yet, nobody has ever disproved the Bible. They may not have said it's the truth, but they never denied any facts were false. Quite interesting if you think about how much the Bible is under scrutiny. There is not another book in the history of mankind that is not tested more than the Bible. For what? One wrong information, and the entire belief is in jeopardy. Yet, the Bible withstood those tests and still remain strong.
This census that Joseph took part in is another one of those historical proofs that the Bible throws at us. It's funny how a lot of historians, both believers and non-believers, use the Bible as a reference for history. Whenever something is discovered, it is always compared to what the Bible had to say. Then they try to match it. This census is one example of this.
The main thing I take away from this passage, other than the fact that the Bible tries to show the validity of Jesus Christ's birth, is that the Bible is the truth and foundation of Christianity. It is our weapon. It is our reasoning. Without the Bible, Christianity really has nothing to base off of. So if you're a believer, whether you're strong or struggling, reading is quite possibly the one of the most important things you can do.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
-Luke 2:1-7
This passage may seem somewhat trivial, but I think it may be one of the bigger things in the Bible. It may not be as spritually moving as some of the other passages, but if you're studying the Bible, this means a whole lot. This passage can apply to not only Christians, but non-believers as well. This is a bold statement saying, "Look, we have proof."
The Bible has existed for many many years and people try to contest it. Yet, nobody has ever disproved the Bible. They may not have said it's the truth, but they never denied any facts were false. Quite interesting if you think about how much the Bible is under scrutiny. There is not another book in the history of mankind that is not tested more than the Bible. For what? One wrong information, and the entire belief is in jeopardy. Yet, the Bible withstood those tests and still remain strong.
This census that Joseph took part in is another one of those historical proofs that the Bible throws at us. It's funny how a lot of historians, both believers and non-believers, use the Bible as a reference for history. Whenever something is discovered, it is always compared to what the Bible had to say. Then they try to match it. This census is one example of this.
The main thing I take away from this passage, other than the fact that the Bible tries to show the validity of Jesus Christ's birth, is that the Bible is the truth and foundation of Christianity. It is our weapon. It is our reasoning. Without the Bible, Christianity really has nothing to base off of. So if you're a believer, whether you're strong or struggling, reading is quite possibly the one of the most important things you can do.
September 22, 2009
Luke 1:67-80
Zechariah's Song
I read my past entries a little bit just to see what I've studied thus far. I must say I have kind of deviated from what was normally intended. The posts are meant to be studies and not sermons of any sort. They kind of sounded sermon-y when I read them. Please, if you are reading this, do not take anything I say to be the absolute truth. Challenge it. The truth is the scripture and I'm merely trying to see what it's telling me. I'm not qualified for that kind of stuff and this is actually to help me jump back on the train that I've fallen off of.
Having said that, when reading this passage I thought more about the situation of things, rather than the song itself. The song seems to be written for his son John, telling him all the great things God has done and all the great things He is going to do through Christ. Jesus will be the "horn of salvation" and great things are to come with Him. I think Zechariah probably said this jumping up and down, excited about his son and excited about all that is to come.
I also think that Zechariah is excited for the truth. Remember that when he heard the news of his son, he doubted Gabriel and was silenced till the day of John's birth. In that period of being mute, Zechariah probably had a very big reflection on his life. He also probably studied the word even more than ever. Having this huge shock, he must have spent all the days till the birth of his son studying the word and trying to get back on track. Zechariah was a priest, but he probably was like the rest of us: tired and uncertain. As a result, he was excited and when John was born, Zechariah was at a peak of his belief again.
Many times, we all need this kind of time to get back on track. I find Zechariah's situation pretty close to what I'm feeling now. I've been in the church atmosphere for a lot of my college years, and now that I'm out, I'm kind of lost, confused, and uncertain. I admit I skipped church more than I should have. I didn't even read a single word from the Bible. Prayer was kept at a minimum and even started wondering about the validity of it. I didn't really have a shock like Zechariah, but I think I'm in a period where I get to do a little bit of studying on my own. I'm just casually attending church and doing more of an independent research. Hopefully, like Zechariah, the end result will be my rejoicing.
His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us--to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High: for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
-Luke 1:67-80
I read my past entries a little bit just to see what I've studied thus far. I must say I have kind of deviated from what was normally intended. The posts are meant to be studies and not sermons of any sort. They kind of sounded sermon-y when I read them. Please, if you are reading this, do not take anything I say to be the absolute truth. Challenge it. The truth is the scripture and I'm merely trying to see what it's telling me. I'm not qualified for that kind of stuff and this is actually to help me jump back on the train that I've fallen off of.
Having said that, when reading this passage I thought more about the situation of things, rather than the song itself. The song seems to be written for his son John, telling him all the great things God has done and all the great things He is going to do through Christ. Jesus will be the "horn of salvation" and great things are to come with Him. I think Zechariah probably said this jumping up and down, excited about his son and excited about all that is to come.
I also think that Zechariah is excited for the truth. Remember that when he heard the news of his son, he doubted Gabriel and was silenced till the day of John's birth. In that period of being mute, Zechariah probably had a very big reflection on his life. He also probably studied the word even more than ever. Having this huge shock, he must have spent all the days till the birth of his son studying the word and trying to get back on track. Zechariah was a priest, but he probably was like the rest of us: tired and uncertain. As a result, he was excited and when John was born, Zechariah was at a peak of his belief again.
Many times, we all need this kind of time to get back on track. I find Zechariah's situation pretty close to what I'm feeling now. I've been in the church atmosphere for a lot of my college years, and now that I'm out, I'm kind of lost, confused, and uncertain. I admit I skipped church more than I should have. I didn't even read a single word from the Bible. Prayer was kept at a minimum and even started wondering about the validity of it. I didn't really have a shock like Zechariah, but I think I'm in a period where I get to do a little bit of studying on my own. I'm just casually attending church and doing more of an independent research. Hopefully, like Zechariah, the end result will be my rejoicing.
September 21, 2009
Luke 1:57-66
The Birth of John the Baptist
This rather amusing story about the birth of John the Baptist is often skimmed over. I am guilty of this as well, but reading it this time around, I find this story to be actually really amusing. This story Luke tells us builds on the humble nature of Elizabeth. She does not forget why the child was given to her and keeps her end of the deal. She remembers that this is a gift from God and not something that she would have been able to do on her own will.
This story also happens to be another test for Zechariah. Remember how Zechariah failed his test the first time by doubting Gabriel's words? Well this was a chance to redeem himself. He could have easily been swayed with excitement and named his son, his only son, after himself. Yet, he remembered what the Lord has said. He, like Elizabeth, kept his end of the deal and named his son John. In fact he wrote it on a tablet, showing that there was to be no doubt about it.
On top of the humbleness of both Zechariah and Elizabeth, I think this passage tells us that we all ultimately belong to God. We seem to lose focus of that a lot. We have to remember that whatever we do, we're just running around on the palms of God. We belong to Him. Just like John belonged to God. That's not a bad thing. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Like God had great things for John to do, He has great things for us to do as well.
When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."
They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."
Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.
-Luke 1:57-66
"His name is John"
This rather amusing story about the birth of John the Baptist is often skimmed over. I am guilty of this as well, but reading it this time around, I find this story to be actually really amusing. This story Luke tells us builds on the humble nature of Elizabeth. She does not forget why the child was given to her and keeps her end of the deal. She remembers that this is a gift from God and not something that she would have been able to do on her own will.
This story also happens to be another test for Zechariah. Remember how Zechariah failed his test the first time by doubting Gabriel's words? Well this was a chance to redeem himself. He could have easily been swayed with excitement and named his son, his only son, after himself. Yet, he remembered what the Lord has said. He, like Elizabeth, kept his end of the deal and named his son John. In fact he wrote it on a tablet, showing that there was to be no doubt about it.
On top of the humbleness of both Zechariah and Elizabeth, I think this passage tells us that we all ultimately belong to God. We seem to lose focus of that a lot. We have to remember that whatever we do, we're just running around on the palms of God. We belong to Him. Just like John belonged to God. That's not a bad thing. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Like God had great things for John to do, He has great things for us to do as well.
September 20, 2009
Luke 1:46-56
Mary's Song
Today's passage is on the special Magnificat. I've known about this song, but have never really made anything out of it. I always regarded it as one of those rituals certain denominations took part in; however, it is scripture. It is the word, and the word is truth.
I have noted early on that the styles of writing of the gospels are different from book to book. Luke seems to focus a lot on Mary and Elizabeth. I find this to be very comforting and special. Many times Mary and Elizabeth are just supporting casts, but Luke shows that there is more to it then just the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist.
Both Mary and Elizabeth are shown to be very humble and to carry a lot of humility. Elizabeth, upon hearing the good news, wonders why God would do such a thing for a lowly woman. She feels blessed and praises the Lord. Similarly, Mary wonders why God has found such favor in her. As a response, she sings this "Magnificat."
Music is very tricky when it comes to worship for me. I cannot draw a line between emotion and true worship. I always struggle to believe whether or not what I'm singing is really "praise" or just being carried away by emotions. I grew up in a Korean church, singing hymns, so when I moved into a young adult English service, I struggled with the way service was done. I didn't know if some of the modern songs were really from the heart or just music carrying our emotions. I also think at times I was just making excuses not to worship. I struggle with this a lot.
Whichever way I think, however, I know for a fact music is an integral part of worship. Throughout scripture many believers show praise with songs. When I look at Mary's song, I believe this is the way worship should be done. Mary is so elated with the Holy Spirit that she lets it out in a wonderful song. I can just picture Mary so jubilant, dancing and singing these great words; showing love to God.
When looking at the song, she starts off by talking about the blessings God has poured down on her. She shows true happiness and is thankful for everything that He has provided. Then starting from verse 50 she talks about how God has done great things for not just her, but the world. God has shown mercy, created this world, and kept his promises. He is a loving God.
What I like about this song is I think it is a great template for how we should be singing to God. Much like the Lord's Prayer being a guide for how we should pray, this song is an example of how we should be worship. The first thing to note is the emotion. Mary isn't just singing this song because it's a custom. She is truly happy. She's so happy that she cannot hold still and worship. She has to let it out in songs. I think this is the approach we should take as well. Whenever we're singing songs, it's not just because it's the normal thing to do. When we're at church, we're truly happy to be there. And to show that happiness, we sing songs.
Mary then talks about why she's singing these songs. She's singing about the blessing God has poured onto her, and then to everyone else. I think the fact that she mentions the blessings that God has poured down on her specifically is very important. Some might think it's somewhat selfish. I really don't think so. I think it's important to tell God that we recognize the blessings and are truly thankful for them. That's why we're singing these songs and that's why we're worshiping. Then finally, we're also singing because He's just great and merciful; a loving God.
When we sing songs for worship, we always talk about "finding the meaning." We try to listen to the words and make them mean something. This really shouldn't be that hard. I really think the moment we try to make them mean something, that's when we start struggling. If we follow the example Mary has shown us, we will know what singing songs to God is like. I hope that in the future, singing songs will come more naturally.
Magnificat in D, Johann Sebastian Bach
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
-Luke 1:46-56
Today's passage is on the special Magnificat. I've known about this song, but have never really made anything out of it. I always regarded it as one of those rituals certain denominations took part in; however, it is scripture. It is the word, and the word is truth.
I have noted early on that the styles of writing of the gospels are different from book to book. Luke seems to focus a lot on Mary and Elizabeth. I find this to be very comforting and special. Many times Mary and Elizabeth are just supporting casts, but Luke shows that there is more to it then just the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist.
Both Mary and Elizabeth are shown to be very humble and to carry a lot of humility. Elizabeth, upon hearing the good news, wonders why God would do such a thing for a lowly woman. She feels blessed and praises the Lord. Similarly, Mary wonders why God has found such favor in her. As a response, she sings this "Magnificat."
Music is very tricky when it comes to worship for me. I cannot draw a line between emotion and true worship. I always struggle to believe whether or not what I'm singing is really "praise" or just being carried away by emotions. I grew up in a Korean church, singing hymns, so when I moved into a young adult English service, I struggled with the way service was done. I didn't know if some of the modern songs were really from the heart or just music carrying our emotions. I also think at times I was just making excuses not to worship. I struggle with this a lot.
Whichever way I think, however, I know for a fact music is an integral part of worship. Throughout scripture many believers show praise with songs. When I look at Mary's song, I believe this is the way worship should be done. Mary is so elated with the Holy Spirit that she lets it out in a wonderful song. I can just picture Mary so jubilant, dancing and singing these great words; showing love to God.
When looking at the song, she starts off by talking about the blessings God has poured down on her. She shows true happiness and is thankful for everything that He has provided. Then starting from verse 50 she talks about how God has done great things for not just her, but the world. God has shown mercy, created this world, and kept his promises. He is a loving God.
What I like about this song is I think it is a great template for how we should be singing to God. Much like the Lord's Prayer being a guide for how we should pray, this song is an example of how we should be worship. The first thing to note is the emotion. Mary isn't just singing this song because it's a custom. She is truly happy. She's so happy that she cannot hold still and worship. She has to let it out in songs. I think this is the approach we should take as well. Whenever we're singing songs, it's not just because it's the normal thing to do. When we're at church, we're truly happy to be there. And to show that happiness, we sing songs.
Mary then talks about why she's singing these songs. She's singing about the blessing God has poured onto her, and then to everyone else. I think the fact that she mentions the blessings that God has poured down on her specifically is very important. Some might think it's somewhat selfish. I really don't think so. I think it's important to tell God that we recognize the blessings and are truly thankful for them. That's why we're singing these songs and that's why we're worshiping. Then finally, we're also singing because He's just great and merciful; a loving God.
When we sing songs for worship, we always talk about "finding the meaning." We try to listen to the words and make them mean something. This really shouldn't be that hard. I really think the moment we try to make them mean something, that's when we start struggling. If we follow the example Mary has shown us, we will know what singing songs to God is like. I hope that in the future, singing songs will come more naturally.
September 19, 2009
Luke 1:39-45
Mary Visits Elizabeth
After Mary heard the great news she ran over to her relative, Elizabeth, who also heard similar news. At this time Mary must have been excited and troubled at the same time. Great to hear such a wonderful news of the coming of Christ, yet somewhat worried about what's to come. Who better to seek help from than one who is close to you?
The meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is interesting in that not only do the two women meet, but the babies also meet. They, while still in the womb, recognize the situation. The Holy Spirit is filled in the baby that Mary has and the baby Elizabeth has recognizes it.
Like always, I looked through other pastors' websites and sermons to see if there's anything important about this passage. I found a recurring talk about abortion and how this passage points to the importance of the babies in the womb. Science tells us that at this stage the baby isn't really human. However, I think a lot of people say this passage says otherwise. How else would one baby recognize the other inside the womb?
Now I'm not going to get into a talk about abortion. I don't know whether or not this passage has anything to do with it. In fact I doubt when Luke wrote it, that was the intention. That opinion is for you to draw and for you to determine whether it's right or wrong. One thing I want to say is not to decipher scripture in that way. It irritates me when people interpret scripture or anything that way. That's part of the reason I hate literature in the first place. Everything can imply something.
Let's not forget the importance of this passage. It's not so much about the fact that the babies did anything in the womb. It's more about the fact that Mary did in fact have Jesus in her womb and He was to be Christ. He was the Holy Spirit. And He was to do great things. Luke, I believe, wrote this to show that the baby Mary had was indeed Christ. That's the important thing to take here.
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" -Luke 1:39-45
After Mary heard the great news she ran over to her relative, Elizabeth, who also heard similar news. At this time Mary must have been excited and troubled at the same time. Great to hear such a wonderful news of the coming of Christ, yet somewhat worried about what's to come. Who better to seek help from than one who is close to you?
The meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is interesting in that not only do the two women meet, but the babies also meet. They, while still in the womb, recognize the situation. The Holy Spirit is filled in the baby that Mary has and the baby Elizabeth has recognizes it.
Like always, I looked through other pastors' websites and sermons to see if there's anything important about this passage. I found a recurring talk about abortion and how this passage points to the importance of the babies in the womb. Science tells us that at this stage the baby isn't really human. However, I think a lot of people say this passage says otherwise. How else would one baby recognize the other inside the womb?
Now I'm not going to get into a talk about abortion. I don't know whether or not this passage has anything to do with it. In fact I doubt when Luke wrote it, that was the intention. That opinion is for you to draw and for you to determine whether it's right or wrong. One thing I want to say is not to decipher scripture in that way. It irritates me when people interpret scripture or anything that way. That's part of the reason I hate literature in the first place. Everything can imply something.
Let's not forget the importance of this passage. It's not so much about the fact that the babies did anything in the womb. It's more about the fact that Mary did in fact have Jesus in her womb and He was to be Christ. He was the Holy Spirit. And He was to do great things. Luke, I believe, wrote this to show that the baby Mary had was indeed Christ. That's the important thing to take here.
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