December 9th

Luke 1:1-25

We will come back to Matthew’s gospel in a few days’ time, but for now we go from the Jewish witness to Jesus’ birth to Luke, the Gentile physician and the writer of our other account of Jesus’ birth. Luke is a second-generation believer, not an eyewitness, and has taken on the role of an investigative reporter in order to convey a clear report to Theophilus. We do not know who he is other than that he seems to be a new believer and anxious to learn. His name means ‘lover of God’, as such we could say it is addressed to anyone who will believe.

We start with this wonderful story of two older godly people who would never have imagined what was about to happen to them. That they would have a child would be enough, but this of course is not just any child. This child will be the herald for a king.

The last verse of the Old Testament, Malachi 4:5, prophesies that Elijah will come to turn people’s hearts to God before the Messiah comes. For centuries generations have waited for this event and now the angel explains to a terrified Zechariah how this will happen. It’s hardly surprising he found it hard to believe that he is now caught up in the story of the coming Messiah. Zechariah would have known the scriptures and what was said about the Lord’s herald, to hear that it will be his son who will accomplish this is more than he can take in. The angel is clear that John is not Elijah reborn, he comes in the spirit and power of Elijah

Zechariah is struck dumb, literally.  No more words of doubt from him. Elizabeth is just simply grateful that her prayers have been heard and the longed-for child is to come.

Remember – there is a plan.

Reflection

Zechariah and Elizabeth are the right people for the job, the ones who will raise John in the faith, ready for his ministry. They have experienced great disappointment in not having a child and must have wondered why God had not answered them, and now they know. Trust involves not just believing in God’s ways but also his timings. Their disappointment had not stopped them walking in God’s ways although it clearly effected Zechariahs ability to believe the angel Gabriel. Whilst he is kept silent, he, like us, is not excluded from being part of the divine plan.