The Song of Salvation

"Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.” Luke 1:67-68 (NIV)

Advent is a time of preparation as we ready our hearts to joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the last two weeks, we've been looking at all of the "good news, great joy" encounters recorded in the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. So far, we've witnessed two angelic birth announcements; the joyous in utero encounter between John the Baptist and Jesus; Mary's Magnificat, and considered other songs of God's deliverance. 

Today we once again focus on Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-79). Following his son's birth, Zechariah's God-imposed silence is miraculously broken as soon as the new father writes the words, "His name is John." The name John means "Jehovah has been gracious." Indeed He has! Elizabeth and Zechariah, both old and barren, have been given a son after years and years of waiting, longing, and disappointment. From now on, each time they call this little one's name, John will be a reminder that God has been gracious, not just to them, but to Israel.

Zechariah immediately joins heaven’s chorus with his own joyous song that arises from a father's full heart. Where is Zechariah’s focus? It’s not on his own son; it is on his Savior. (Luke 1:67-75) His eyes are UP! Zechariah's first words aren't about his newborn son John or his own restored voice. Instead, Zechariah's first words are those of praise and worship to God: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people." (Luke 1:67-68) 

Like Mary, Zechariah looks up and sees:

·      Redemption, salvation, and deliverance

·      God’s mercy, covenant, rescue

·      Freedom from fear

·      Holiness, righteousness, forgiveness, peace

·      Light & life

Beyond praise, Zechariah prays for his newborn son. He doesn’t pray for John to bring Zechariah glory, but for his son to bring God glory. There’s a lot we can learn from Zechariah’s parental perspective and prayer. With his prayer Zechariah realizes that his son John is not the Point, but he will be the Pointer. John the Baptist is the last OT prophet and the fulfillment of a promise made some 700 years before his birth. John prepares the way for the promised Messiah by delivering a national message of repentance. John the Baptist could never save anyone from his or her sin, but he points the way to the Savior who can and will save us, not just from our sin, but also from ourselves.

Deliverance demands praise and worship is the 'thank you' that can't be silenced. This Christmas season as we sing traditional Christmas carols, let's think about the reality of the words we sing.

    Joy to the world the Lord is come

    Let earth -and each one of us -receive her king

    Let every heart prepare him room

    And heaven and nature sing- the song of God’s salvation

Good news; great joy!