Luke 1:66

And all they that had heard them, layde them vp in their hearts, saying, What maner of childe shal this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. Luke 1:66 (KJV)

And all they that heard

them laid

them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. Luke 1:66 (KJV)

Luke 1:66 is situated in the narrative surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus Christ. It follows the miraculous events of John’s birth, including Zechariah’s temporary loss of speech because of his disbelief and his restoration after the child’s arrival.

When the people heard of the extraordinary circumstances and the prophetic words spoken by Zechariah, they were astonished and amazed. The phrase “laid them up in their hearts” shows that they pondered and stored these events and words, treasuring them as something extraordinary.

Their response, “What manner of child shall this be!” reveals their recognition that John’s birth was no ordinary occurrence. They sensed that God’s hand was at work and anticipated a unique role for this child in God’s plan.

The verse concludes that “the hand of the Lord was with him.” This language signifies God’s presence, power, and favour upon John. It indicates that God had chosen John for a specific purpose and would empower him to fulfil his role in the redemptive story, symbolising divine guidance, protection, and blessing.

Key themes emerge from the passage: God’s sovereign plan is evident in the orchestration of John’s birth; the people’s awareness of the extraordinary reminds believers to be attentive to God’s signs; and the mention of the Lord’s hand assures us of divine empowerment for the tasks He assigns.

Application points follow naturally. First, we should treasure God’s work by cherishing and reflecting on how He moves in our lives, keeping His promises close to our hearts. Second, we ought to seek God’s purpose, asking Him through prayer and Scripture to reveal the unique calling He has placed on each of us. Third, we can depend on God’s empowerment, trusting that He will provide the strength, wisdom, and resources needed as we step out in faith.

In conclusion, Luke 1:66 invites us to share the awe and wonder that surrounded John the Baptist’s birth, to acknowledge God’s sovereign plan, to recognize the extraordinary in His dealings, and to rely on the empowering presence of the Lord’s hand in fulfilling His purposes.