HOPE: Zechariah’s song

Summary

The STORY | Luke 1:5-26, 57-66

Christmas is often remembered by a miraculous birth, yet before the “silent night” when baby Jesus was born to a virgin outside an inn and laid in a manger there was another birth as unlikely as it was necessary. Before the arrival of the Savior King, God tells the OT prophet Malachi He will send a messenger who will preach to the people and prepare the way for the Kings arrival. In Luke 1 we begin to see this prophecy fulfilled. It is here we meet an aged, faithful, childless couple, Zechariah a Jewish priest and his wife Elizabeth. While fulfilling his priestly duties he is met by an angel who tells Zechariah his wife will have a son who is to be name John who will have the prophetic spirit foretold in Malachi. Zechariah is silenced for the duration of pregnancy for his disbelief. Elizabeth, advanced in years, conceives months before her young niece Mary will have her own angelic encounter promising a miraculous birth. John (Later known as John the Baptist) is born, dedicated to the lord and the first recorded words from Zechariah after nine mute months is a Holy Spirit inspired prophetic song.

The SONG | Luke 1:68-79

The opening notes of this song ring out with satisfying sound of Hope realized. God is to be praised because He has come to His people with a purpose, their redemption. Where sin has separated people from God, He remembers His promises to redeem His people from the slavery of sin. Many prophets for generations have sung in anticipation of God intervention in history to provide there salvation. John will be the prophet of the Most High who will prepare people for the arrival and ministry of Jesus, the divine savoir king who will redeem His people FROM sin and fear, TO holy righteous service. While there is sin in the world our God “sings” redemption.

 

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