Light of the WorldSýnishorn

Today we pick up where we left off, continuing the Christmas prequel story of John the Baptist, who had a remarkable set of parents. Zechariah and Elizabeth, righteous and blameless before God, were well aware that their son would be set apart for something special.

Just as an angel visited Mary, remember that an angel also visited Zechariah, and his initial doubt caused him to be mute for six months! Then, when John was born, Zechariah’s tongue was loosed from its cage, he experienced a breakthrough, and he went from doubt to confidence, from fear to faith! He prophesied directly to and over his infant son that he would be the herald, the fanfare announcing the coming King (see verses 76-79).

In today’s passage, Zechariah firmly and richly embraced the calling on his son’s life, in a strong, prophetic crescendo of faith, calling John “the prophet of the Most High,” (see verse 76). Everything Zechariah announced that day came to pass over the course of time.

Question:
Take a moment to revisit the closing four verses of Zechariah’s prophecies. Not everybody who was ever born was also blessed with a righteous, God-fearing set of parents like old Zechariah and Elizabeth. Have you ever felt held back because of something that was spoken over you that was not life-giving or encouraging? Have you ever felt hemmed in or pinned down in a way that you just needed, or wanted, breakthrough?

Application:
Though Zechariah first doubted and was locked down (in his speech) for six months because of it, he experienced breakthrough the day of his son’s birth! If you find yourself in a season of waiting for your breakthrough, choose to remain steadfast in your faith, thankful to Him in every circumstance. Remain humble in honoring the Lord in all things and all ways, until the day that God in His tender mercy shines His light in your dark places and guides your path to the way of peace.