December 14 - Zechariah's Song

December 14 - Zechariah's Song - Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah opened his mouth and began to praise God (Luke 1:64). People were wondering about who the child was going to be as he grew up because they could see that the Lord's hand was on him (Luke 1:66).

Zechariah, however, was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy. I think that he is one of those people that I would like to meet in heaven. He'd lived his life in service to the Lord. He screwed up and questioned the Lord when the angel Gabriel was standing right there. His son was destined to be the one that prepared the way of the Lord. This man has some interesting stories to tell.

He begins this word of prophecy by singing out praise to the ancient Covenant God of Israel, a people chosen. Psalm 18:2; 75:10; 132:17 all speak of the strength of the horn (Luke 1:69). The horn is a symbol of strength and courage and was also found on each corner of the altar of sacrifice. These words prophecy the coming of the Messiah and echo (Luke 1:70) the prophets of long ago.

We see again the reminder of the Covenant that God set forth with Abraham in Genesis 22:16-18. The promised Messiah would come to fulfill that Covenant and to return righteousness to the people of Israel. We see the continuation of this prophecy in Revelation as the Messiah, the Lamb returns to strike down the nations. He will be Lord of Lords and King of Kings. (Revelation 19:11-17)

Zechariah then begins to prophesy regarding his son, John. Zechariah knew of the prophecy from Malachi 3:1. Can you imagine the thrill that tore through his heart as he realized that his son, the son that he had waited 9 months to name, John was the fulfillment of that prophecy.

John did exactly what Zechariah said he would do. Luke 3:3 tells us that he preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He prepared an evil world to accept the holiness of the Lord, the Messiah, Jesus.

As he finishes this song, he refers an Old Testament passage ... Luke 1:79 refers to Isaiah 9:2 (The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.)

The old priest has been blessed by God with a visit from an angel, a son in his old age and the knowledge that his son will prepare the way for the Messiah. He knows the Messiah is coming! Praise be to the Lord!