He Shall Reign预览

If you remember our reading from Day 3, Elizabeth and Zechariah were expecting their firstborn after believing for so long that it wasn’t possible. Fast forward to the passage we are at today, and the time came for Elizabeth to bring her son into the world. In these few verses, we see the promises of the Lord fulfilled, just as Gabriel announced they would be. He always keeps His promises! 

When it came time for them to name their son, traditions and customs would have said to name him Zechariah after his father. But, Gabriel said otherwise in his command in Luke 1:13; it was clear that it was part of God’s plan for this baby to be named John. Zechariah and Elizabeth knew they had to step outside of societal norms in this moment in order to walk in obedience, despite the pushback from spectators. Zechariah responded in total faith and authority when the opportunity presented itself; he recognized that what the angel told him was indeed factual, and bluntly wrote, “‘His name is John.’” Even though Zechariah had failed before in trusting God’s plan for his family, by God’s grace, he was given a second chance at faith. Isn’t that a powerful example of the grace that we still receive today?

As soon as Zechariah wrote this response, he was able to speak again. God said that many would rejoice because of John’s birth and now Zechariah was proving that to be true. He recognized God’s promise fulfilled and had the most fitting response: to praise his Heavenly Father! His punishment for his disobedience several months prior had not made him bitter. Instead, he strived to trust God even more and respond in faith, at whatever opportunity or cost. 

After these events took place, the news spread like wildfire. Your translation of the Bible may say that fear came on all those who were around. This fear is similar in context to what we mean when we talk about fearing God: a deep form of reverence. The people of Judea didn’t realize it, but their hearts were being prepared for the greatest promise of all to be fulfilled. 

APPLICATION:

Spend some time in reflection and ask God to reveal which areas of your life you have let doubt creep into. Write what He reveals to you down, and spend some time in prayer surrendering those areas to Him. As The Passion Translation paraphrases Psalm 73:26, pray this aloud: “Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace. But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence protecting and anointing me. Forever you’re all I need!”