15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
Here is one of the references in the Scriptures to beer. That’s right, beer. The term fermented drink is alcohol made from grain, hence beer. John the Baptist, as this baby would get named later in life, was not to drink even beer. This might sound strange to our Western ears where alcohol consumption has become epidemic. But the angel is telling his parents something very special which they would have understood very clearly from their Jewish culture. This baby was to be a Nazarite from birth. He was to be dedicated to God’s purposes from birth. One of the signs of being a Nazarite was not alcohol consumption. Nazarites took a vow of separateness from society and separateness to God’s service. They might be like a monk today, only they usually lived among the people, but they kept strict religious practices. If you want some more information, go to Numbers 6:2-21. So John’s father is told he will be someone special in God’s plan. This announcement takes on special significance since there has been no prophetic voice for God in almost 400 years. Since Malachi wrote his words, God has been silent. Now again God speaks announcing the birth of a baby to an elderly couple. Not only has this angel appeared to Zechariah scaring the pants off him, but now he is told that the son born to his infertile wife will be someone special in God’s plan for humankind. This was probably overwhelming to Zechariah as it would be to us if we were in his shoes, or sandals in his case. But I have news for you; God wants to use you for something great in His kingdom. He wants you to share in doing something great for Him. Are you ready to hear what God has in store for you?
The Arnold Journey 