His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.
Luke 1:64
The Gospel of Luke begins with the story of Zechariah’s experience with God.
To me, among all the characters in this beautiful story, Zechariah makes me think of a jovial, happy soul.
His story reveals Spirit inspired trust.
It reminds me of simple child-like faith. You know how it is for a believer. We start off stumbling, but God helps us grow.
What really reveals his happy heart is his Spirit filled prayer after the birth of his son, John.
Check out these verses to get a telling view of Zechariah. (Luke 1:6, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:76-79)
If you just read those passages, then you know that all of Zechariah’s story is really the story of God. Our Savior.
In Luke’s account, we learn that Zechariah was a priest, who served in the temple. Luke 1:8-9. Not just anyone could be a priest. It could only be a relative of Aaron, Moses’ brother.
The duty entrusted to these men was blessed. They had the privilege of blessing the Lord’s Name and to keep the incense burning, perpetually.
They also took care of the Temple and offered blood sacrifices for sin.
It was during his service in the Temple when Zechariah had an encounter with Gabriel, the angel of God. Gabriel also acknowledged that God heard and answered the aging Zechariah’s prayers for a son.
Speechless
Luke 1:78 “Because of God’s tender mercies….”
The reason for Zechariah’s glad heart was the news he received. He was told that John would be a joy and a delight to him. John would introduce the ministry of Jesus to the world.
Now Zechariah was not perfect. As you read the story you will see that he doubted the message that Gabriel brought to him. His punishment was being struck mute.
Yet, once the baby was born, God gave him the opportunity of redemption.
When Zechariah was asked what the baby’s name was to be, He wrote his name for all to see. “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63)
Then he began to speak. He joyfully praised God for all the miracles he had seen. He also praised God for the One yet to come.
His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.
Luke 1:64
I hope you will take the time to re-read the Christmas story for yourself this year.
God’s blessings are everywhere in His Word. His Promise is true. His love for you is evident in the life story of His precious Son. Our Savior. Jesus.
Here are some verses for further study:
1 Chronicles 23:13
Leviticus 16:2
Habakuk 1:13 (God is too holy to look at sin)
Matthew 27:50-51 (Jesus ended our separation from God)
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 