Zechariah's Prophecy: Episode 1 (Luke 1:67-79)

Hello All,

I have written a poem on the prophecy that Zechariah gave after the birth of his son, John the Baptist.

The birth of John the Baptist was foretold before the birth of Jesus Christ. God’s purpose for John the Baptist was to point others to the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ.

However, today we will not be looking at Zechariah’s prophecy because I thought it would be helpful to begin with a summary of the background and context of the prophecy.

Zechariah's Prophecy: Episode 1 (Luke 1:67-79)

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (27th Nov 2014)

There once was a Jewish priest named Zechariah

Who was from the priestly order of Abijah

His dear wife was from the priestly line of Aaron

Her name was Elizabeth and she was barren

They were righteous and upright before the Lord's eyes

His commandments and decrees they did not defy

They lost hope of having a child for they were old

Until the birth of John the Baptist was foretold

By Angel Gabriel and fulfilled quite soon after

His miraculous birth brought much joy and laughter

Zechariah, filled with the Spirit, joyfully

Broke into songs of praise and gave this prophecy:

TO BE CONTINUED...

Points for Reflection:

[6] And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.

[7] But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

(Luke 1:6-7 ESV)

·         Have you ever heard people attributing the reason for their misfortunes to God’s judgment due to their sin?

·         Although it is true that the folly of men can plunge them into a ravine of predicaments but that is not relevant to everyone and all situations.

·         Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous before God and yet they were childless.

·         Their childlessness was not due to any personal sin on their part but to God’s sovereign and wise plan.

·         God miraculously opened the womb of Elizabeth who was advanced in age and biologically speaking, had no hope of conception.

·         There may be times when we do not understand God’s delay in intervening in our situations.

·         But God teaches us patience through the long waiting periods of our lives.

·         Are you hoping and praying for something? Do you get impatient with unanswered prayers? How have you been responding to unanswered prayers?

·         We may or may not have our prayers answered. But one thing we can be certain of is God’s wisdom and sovereignty. We may think that what we want is what we need; but God knows better.

[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

[9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

(Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)

·         Even though things may be out of our control, God is always in control. Not only is He in control but He loves and cares for us. And it is in that comforting knowledge that we can commit our worries, disappointments and grief into His loving hands.

Cast all your anxieties on God, because He cares for you.

(1 Peter 5:7 ESV)