The baby and the Benedictus
John the Baptist was born and was the talk of the town. Why?
We because first of all the age of the parents. We are told they were well on in years. This was their first child. God had intervened. The Lord had shown great mercy.
Secondly it was the talk of the town because of the baby's name. Zechariah you remember was struck dumb by the angel much earlier in the story.
The family and neighbours because Zechariah couldn't speak said he should be named after his father.
Elizabeth however spoke up and said no. The boy is to be called John. The neighbours and family were shocked and asked Zechariah what he thought. Zechariah wrote his name is to be called John. This is of course what the angel had told Zechariah 9 months ago.
Thirdly the talk of the town was the speech of the father. Zechariah after 9 months Began to speak. His first words were words of praise.
The people wondered what kind of child this was going to be. They knew he wasn't just going to be an ordinary boy.
Zechariah answered in verses 67 - 80 with a song.
Although this song includes John it is actually about God.
1/. A redeeming God. 68 - -75.
Zechariah although a proud dad doesn't speak of his son. He begins by praising The Lord. Praise The Lord, he says.
His praise was focused on God the redeemer. God would free His people by a ransom. He has sent a saviour from the line of David. God promised David an heir would succeed him and reign forever.
A future ancestor of David would reign forever. Zechariah was saying here the time had come.
Zechariah also reminds those listening that God had also made a promise to Abraham in verse 73 that was also being fulfilled.
God never forgets His promises. God always keeps His promises. His promises are unbreakable.
2/. A preparing prophet. 76 - 77
Now we come to young John. John will be a prophet of the Most High. He would prepare the way of The Lord. John would be the forerunner of Jesus. He is the prophet of God preceding the Son of God.
John is not as important as Jesus but he is important to Jesus.
He preached forgiveness through repentance.
John's message is still the same today. We still can have forgiveness of our sins today.
3/. A rising Sun. 78 - 79.
Yes Sun. The Son of the Most High would light up the world just like the Sun.
He would light up the darkness, death and distress in this world.
Jesus brings light, life and peace.
Jesus is light for a dark world.
Jesus is life for a dead world.
Jesus is peace for a world in distress.
Have you experienced that light, life and peace in your life?
If not trust in Him today to be your saviour.
Created 6 months ago
