Today we are continuing to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:57-80 ESV. Zacharias and Elizabeth are old but God has performed a miracle. A child is born. And now he needs a name. [Click to Tweet]
A Child is Born
You remember the angel’s visit to Zacharias as he served in the temple…because of his unbelief nine months have passed in silence for him.
Yes, his wife Elizabeth was past child bearing and barren. But, nothing is impossible with God. Elizabeth has given birth to a son just as the Angel promised. Her neighbors are rejoicing with her after hearing about God’s mercy.
On the eighth day the baby was to be circumcised and given a name. Elizabeth’s relatives want to name him after Zacharias. Elizabeth is firm with her NO and tells them, we’re giving him the name John. The relatives make signs to Zacharias—there isn’t anyone in their family by that name. He asks for tablet and writes: HIS NAME IS JOHN.
Zacharias Speaks
At once his tongue is loosed and he begins to praise God; All the people nearby are afraid and wonder who this child will be.
Zacharias then prophesies – (I wonder if this was what the Angel expected nine months before?) His words of praise flow from his stiffened jaw and he speaks about his newborn son:
You child, will be called a prophet of the Most High. You will prepare the way before Him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.
What an entrance. What a legacy to step into. John will grow to be strong in spirit and live in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Ponder time:
Imagine everything Zacharias would have missed during Elizabeth’s pregnancy because of his inability to hear and speak. Do you think he might have replayed the encounter with the Angel over in his mind, wishing his reaction had been different?
What do you think Zacharias discovered during his silence?
The Holy Spirit didn’t indwell all believers at this time – what do you make of the Spirit’s filling of Elizabeth, Zacharias, Mary and John in the in light of the tasks God called them to do?
Can you relate this to Jesus and His directions to wait for the Holy Spirit?
I hope you’re enjoying taking this journey through the Christmas story with me during this advent season.
Did you know that ADVENT means: Someone is Coming! [Click to Tweet]
Next time we read about the Jesus – A child is born to Mary and Joseph. The Son of the Most High.
Until then, enjoy the season of His coming,