His Name Is John.

Luke 1:57-80

You just have to be delighted for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Here was a couple who thought there was no way they could have a child. And when Zechariah was told they would have a son, he questioned the angel and said that he was old and Elizabeth was barren.

For his disobedience Zechariah became mute throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy. I bet there were some people who thought he was nuts, what do you think? He went into the temple to burn incense. When he left the temple, he was unable to talk, and for nine months he remained mute.

That surely tells us something about us, doesn’t it. I know I talk way too much and don’t have much to say sometimes at that. But I keep blithering on. I am blessed that God has not made me mute just to shut me up sometimes.

But Zechariah’s ability to speak when he needed to speak. When the time came to circumcise and name his son, the people were going to name him after his father. At that very moment Zechariah was able to speak and said, “No! He is to be called John.” Those who were there argued about the name as nobody named John had ever been in the family. But this time Zechariah not only obeyed the Lord, but he also prophesied about his son’s life.

His name was John, and he prepared the way for Jesus.

Carol

Bible Breath: Preparing the way / For Jesus