But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. …And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (Luke 1:13, 16-17).
A priest named Zechariah is married to Elizabeth, who is barren. They are righteous people who walk with God. An angel named Gabriel appears to Zechariah with the good news that God has heard his prayer; he and Elizabeth will have a son who will be called John. Zechariah doubts this is possible (even though it seems this is what he’s been praying for). Since he doesn’t believe the angel’s words, Zechariah is unable to speak until Gabriel’s message is fulfilled. After the baby is born, Elizabeth names him John. Everyone questions why she wouldn’t name him after his father or at least give him a family name. When Zechariah confirms her choice in writing, his voice returns. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesies that his baby boy will be called the prophet of the Most High. He will go before the Lord to prepare the way and point others to the long-awaited Messiah.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:76-79).
All-knowing God, thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for your tender mercy, light, and peace. Help us to rest in who you are and give you all the praise.
