God Who Removes Reproach
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 20 2025 | Luke 1:23-25
KEY VERSE: “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25, NIV)
MESSAGE:
In our last devotion, “When God’s Work Becomes Visible,” we saw how Zechariah’s silent return from the temple became a living testimony to God’s hidden activity. Today, the narrative shifts from the public to the deeply personal - from Zechariah’s silence to Elizabeth’s quiet joy. For years, Elizabeth carried the weight of longing, disappointment, and the cultural reproach of barrenness. Yet in Luke 1:23–25, we see God reversing her shame and replacing it with grace. Today’s passage reveals that:
God finishes what He begins. “When his time of service was completed, he returned home” – (Verse 23). Zechariah returned home in silence, but God’s word continued working. Zechariah finishes his priestly duties faithfully despite his silence. God’s servants keep serving even when circumstances are difficult or mysterious. Advent teaches us that God’s promises don’t depend on our strength but on His faithfulness.
God Often Works Quietly Before He Works Publicly. “After this, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion” (Verse 24). God’s promise begins to take physical form. Elizabeth withdraws in quiet reflection - not out of fear, but in awe of God’s mercy. Some blessings require seasons of sacred stillness. Elizabeth’s five months of seclusion symbolise a sacred waiting.
God Is the One Who Removes Reproach. “The Lord has done this for me… In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people” (Verse 25). Elizabeth’s joy is deeply personal. The burden she carried for years is lifted by God’s gracious action. In Elizabeth, we see the gospel in miniature: God’s favour breaking into personal pain and rewriting a life story for His glory. Advent announces that Jesus Christ comes to remove spiritual reproach - sin, guilt, shame - and restore us to honour before God.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What “reproach” or deeply personal burden do you need God to lift this Advent season? Advent reminds us that the God who sends His Son into the world is also the God who steps into our personal stories to remove reproach, restore dignity, and make His mercy known.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for being the God who remembers, restores, and removes reproach. Heal the hidden burdens of my heart and let Your favour rest on my life. Help me trust Your timing, welcome Your mercy, and testify to Your goodness. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: FAVOUR The word favour comes from the Greek charis, meaning grace, kindness freely given, or unearned goodwill. It speaks of God’s generous action toward a person, not because of merit, but because of His loving purpose.
Elizabeth recognises that what has happened to her is not chance or delayed luck. It is God’s gracious intervention. Favour here is not applause from people, but God’s deliberate choice to act.
Reflect on this:
Where do you need to recognise God’s favour at work in your life today? Ask God to help you see His grace, even in quiet or personal ways, and to trust that His favour is shaping your story.
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