Week 1 Reflection
Zechariah’s Song | Luke 1:67-79
Zechariah, a priest in the days of Herod, King of Judea was filled with joy because God had miraculously fulfilled his lifelong prayer for a child. He had been a faithful priest for many years as he waited to become a father. His wife Elizabeth, of the daughters of Aaron, who was well along in years (Luke 1:18 NKJV) had given birth to a son, who would be great in the sight of God and filled with the Holy Spirit (1:15). This baby would later become John the Baptist, chosen by God to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Zechariah now worshiped God in song, with the prophecy of God’s faithfulness in meeting the needs of His people. He praises, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David” (1:68-69). A raised horn in Scripture was a symbol of victory, of being rescued from oppression. Jesus, in the royal lineage of David as the horn of salvation would save His people from their enemies, and from death itself.
Zechariah’s prophecy recalls the covenant God originally made with Abraham. His oath promised protection and land to Abraham, and his descendants, if they followed his commandments and ordinances. Verses 74-75 record, “that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life” (1:74-75). How much easier to serve the Lord when we are not consumed with worry, and fear that holds us firmly in place, that keeps our focus inward, instead of looking beyond ourselves to the needs of others.
Zechariah points to his baby son, “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins. (1:76-77). John the Baptist, unusual though he was 2 in his camel’s hair coat, and leather belt (Matthew 3:4 NKJV), would prepare the way for Jesus. He would teach the people the error of their ways, and how to gain salvation by repenting of their sins, and believing in Jesus to forgive and cleanse them of unrighteousness.
God displays His unconditional, loving-kindness, grace and mercy by offering us His Son who brings Light and Life dispelling the darkness and worry of death, to guide us by His Spirit into the way of peace (1:78-79). Finally, after centuries of silence, God spoke through Zechariah whose prophecy that the promised kingdom of God, and salvation through the long-awaited Messiah, was at last dawning. He would bring a Savior Redeemer to save the world, and restore humanity to right relationship with Himself.