December 20
Luke 1:21-22 (NKJV) And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
Luke 1:57-66 (NKJV) Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
I used to be puzzled as to why Zacharias was made mute…and then it hit me…God was not just punishing his unbelief…He was using it for His Glory and to bless those who knew Zacharias and Elizabeth. Notice it says that, after he wrote down what the baby was to be called, everyone marveled. Then God opened his mouth and loosed his tongue.
The first words out of his mouth were praises to God…then fear came on all. Also notice that the sayings Zacharias shared were discussed throughout all the hill country. It seems to me that they truly understood all that had happened and that is why fear came upon them. Could this be what Zacharias shared with them?
1. That all the things that had happened in Elizabeth and Zacharias’ life leading up to the birth of their son had happened for a reason.
2. That their son was the one to prepare the way of the Lord and that he had been prophesied about over 400 years before.
3. Every detail of the angel’s announcement.
4. That the Messiah was coming.
God used Zacharias’ muteness and his “sayings” as the means to spread the news that the Messiah was near. God was on the move again. It had to be an exciting time for them…something to be talked about and discussed. I can see people asking questions like this, “So what exactly was prophesied about this child and the Messiah?”
What are your thoughts about this portion of scripture? Spend time in prayer and rejoice in God for today and for the blessed fortune that you have to be able to read His Word and learn from Him ~ He loves you.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
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