The Birth of John the Baptist Luke 1:57-80 In the first part of Luke chapter one, we read of God’s word to men through the angel Gabriel. He had a message from God to give to Zacharias and then a message to give to Mary. In the later part of the chapter, we have the words of men to God. Mary’s words of praise and Zacharias’ words are grateful responses to God. The Holy Spirit referred both of them to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning John the forerunner and Jesus the Messiah.
There are three types of prophecies in the Bible. One kind is foretelling future events. Then there is the “forth-telling” of the word of God. The third is praising God. In the prophecy of Zacharias, all three are found. The “horn of salvation” symbolizes the power that was evident when the Lord Jesus came. That power continues today in “the power of God unto salvation.” That will continue right through the millennium. “The knowledge of salvation” was the work John the Baptist was to fulfill by telling the people to repent of their sins and prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God. “The day-spring from on high that has visited us” refers to the Lord Jesus when He comes as the promised Messiah.
When John was born, Zacharias obeyed the word of the Lord by naming his son John. That was the key to getting his ability to speak back again. The first words he spoke after nine months of silence were words of praise to God. He prophesied in general terms of fulfilling God’s promised salvation for His people. The second part of his prophecy was to contribute to bringing the message to the people of Israel that John would be the last of the Old Testament prophets. Zacharias knew he wouldn’t be able to speak until John was born, but after he began to speak, anyone who heard his words was filled with wonder at what he said about both John and Jesus.
Our speaking ability should not be taken lightly, carelessly, or for granted. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Using our tongues to praise the Lord and testify to His grace is always appropriate. God has not saved us to do as we please or say what we want. God intends us to serve Him without fear and live a holy, righteous life that backs up our words. There are times when we may have doubts about all that happens, but when we turn to the word of God, those doubts give way to faith in God and obedience to Him.
Old Testament prophecies were being fulfilled, so it was no wonder that Zacharias praised God. Messiah would come while he was alive, even though he was an old man, and his son was chosen to declare the Lord was coming. The promise to David and Abraham was coming true right before his eyes! Even though the Lord Jesus was not born, he knew John would be the one to announce his coming. He likely heard, or at least had gotten from Elizabeth, the words the angel Gabriel had told Mary.
We never know what might be a very important day in our own lives. It behooves us to live every day in anticipation of what God may do to us, through us, and for us. Anything we learn about our Lord Jesus Christ is to be treasured and kept in our hearts all the days of our lives. Then, as Zacharias said about John, we should be ready to do the work He has given us as to the Lord. To those who look for the Lord to come and are committed to “occupy until He comes,” every day is a unique opportunity to accomplish something for Him.
The “Dayspring,” or “the rising of the sun,” tells us that light has come that overcomes the darkness of this sinful world. Like John, in his day, was a forerunner of the Lord Jesus, we can help people around us learn how God can forgive sins and give light to those living in darkness. More than that, it is possible today for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to have their feet “guided in the way of peace.”
John’s parents were not likely alive when he moved to the desert and learned from God. There, he continued to grow stronger in faith and spirit. Preparation before service is an important part of a believer’s training. In the desert, he was separated from the religious and political powers of his day. His life and message were different from those around him. We need to follow that example and not get bogged down in the world’s political, religious, or social system.
“HIS NAME IS JOHN.”
What expectations! What demands! What a worldview of things! – from a child. To look ahead and see – see with clarity and with understanding – the way of the Lord. To be born out of season, supernatural, by promise, with a known purpose – God arranged it. To know and worship, to be filled with the Spirit before even being born – a real person. To be linked with Elijah, to have the same work, to have the same impact – a prophet. To be the chosen one to go ahead, the opening event after hundreds of years – the forerunner. To be the point-man of a new day, to read the signs and know the reasons – the guide. To smooth the path, thirty years of hardy self-discipline under the camel-skin coat – the desert-dweller. To live simply; basic needs met in basic ways, bugs and honey for sustenance – the Essene. Who is this? His name is John.
What a work! What a generation! What a great national need! – from the heat of the desert. It was promised – he would go before the face of the Lord – the priest’s son. It was purposed – he would prepare the ways of the Lord – his own relative. It was proclaimed – he was to give knowledge of salvation – to a lost generation. It was practical – remission of sins was essential; there was no other way – for a nation. It was poignant – through the tender (bowels of) mercies from the highest Source – our God. It was plain – from heaven is coming Light that will expose all – the Day Spring from on high. It had potential – his message would give light in the darkness and death’s shadow – the Light comes on. It was personal – he would know and show where the feet should go – he was the guide. Who does this? His name is John.
What kind of a man is this? What is he like? How can he do this work? Who is he? He grows – in his physic, in his spirit, in his coping abilities, in his strength – the child. He lives – in the deserts, in privacy, in the learning mode, in practical righteousness – the learner. He leaves- the time has come, the word of the Lord calls him to move out, time to go – the traveler. He preaches – repentance, turning from sin, flee from the wrath to come - the preacher. He predicts – the Lord is coming, get ready, prepare for what is ahead – the prophet. He challenges – make the necessary changes now, let’s see reality, salvation now – the soul-winner. He baptizes –mean what you say, make evident to others your honesty – the Baptist. He identifies – the Lamb of God, the Sin-bearer, the Savior, the Messiah – the voice. He warns – that is sin, Herod; God condemns what you are doing; repent – the martyr. His work is done! His name is John.
LUKE 2