Week 4, Thursday December 22
Luke 1:57-66
Vs. 66, “ ‘What then will this child become?’ “
“The Big Reveal”
Zechariah has been mute for 9 months. Previously, we learned the people that had been with him at the sanctuary and had discovered his condition believed he had seen a vision. On the surface, Zechariah’s muteness seems to be a consequence for his unbelief in the angel’s news.
Might the untying of Zechariah’s tongue as he confirms the name of his son point to the substance of Zechariah’s vision? What is the connection between the birth of this new child, naming him John, and Zechariah’s restoration? Is the restoration of Zechariah’s speech a prediction of his son’s calling?
Are there times when we receive news: “that’s too good to be true,” or “there’s no way!” or “that just can’t be so?” Do we trust God or challenge him? Oftentimes in discerning, we’re forced to wait for God - for his perfect timing. Zechariah challenged the angel. But when his son was born, his agreement to the naming of his son indicated his trust in God. He was then filled with the Holy Spirit, and delivers a prophecy about his new son. “You, my child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways…”
John will not have a tied tongue. God has created John for service in His kingdom to proclaim the coming Messiah.
This is a time of year for trusting and waiting. Is there something you are waiting for God to reveal? We don’t know who Zechariah shared that time of waiting with. I invite you to share yours with God. Allow him to reveal Himself to you in ways perhaps you’ve not experienced before. Then as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I hope your tongue is loosened so you can likewise be witness to God’s faithfulness and His second coming. Amen.