Memorize: John named by Zacharias
Key Verses: 3-4, 13, 17, 20, 34, 42, 45, 62,
Luke did careful research as he prepared to write this Gospel. He wanted to make sure that he not only got the facts right, but that the meaning of the facts was portrayed as well, because dry facts are not important. It is when those facts impact our lives that facts gain meaning.
So an angel shows up, a very rare thing indeed. The normal reaction to angel’s visit is fear. I don’t think there is a single time that fear is not the first reaction. Even with Abraham, he treats them as the most honored guests. The angel gives good news, but Zechariah does not immediately embrace it. His desire for confirmation leaves him speechless. The mission of the baby to be born: turn hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to wisdom. We could use some of this kind of ministry today, couldn’t we! His lack of speech is the confirmation of God’s promise.
An angel appears to Mary, a young woman who has never had sex, and tells her she is going to be pregnant without having sex. He question, How can this be? The angel’s answer does not solve the mystery, but solves Mary’s troubled heart. This was the real problem. Mary would spend a life as the tail end of many jokes. Her heart needed reinforcement in order to withstand the coming onslaught. Her relative Elizabeth is a sign to Mary of God’s power to accomplish what is viewed as impossible.
As Mary visits Elizabeth the baby signals Jesus presence. Elizabeth responds by proclaiming that Mary is blessed because she believed. We too are blessed when we believe what the Lord has said.
And then the story turns back to Zechariah. Was Zechariah also deaf for this year, or were people just lowering their communication to his level? He is only speechless, not deaf. It is like when someone speaks louder and slower to someone who doesn’t understand English. We just do it, even though we know it doesn’t do any good. If they don’t understand, they don’t understand. Slow and loud are not the universal translation magic. So using hand signals became a part of Zechariah’s life, and those around him adopted his communication method, even though it does not make sense. He could hear just fine. When he writes “John” his speech returns and nothing is said about his hearing. That is because his hearing was never an issue.
REVIEW: Romans
The Arnold Journey 