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THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 25
Luke 1:57-66

Psalm 99:1-5

 

“…the everlasting Father…”

 

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
 
It was a joyous occasion when John was born. No one dreamed that this elderly couple would ever have a child (Luke 1:57-58). It was the custom of the Jews to name a child when he was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. At that time, relatives and neighbours gathered and wanted to name the child Zacharias, after his father. But Elisabeth replied that her child would be called John. Since Zacharias could not speak, having been struck dumb by the angel for his initial doubt of God’s promise, we must assume he had written for Elisabeth the account of what happened in the Temple. But their friends and relatives disagreed saying the child could not be named John as this was not one of the family names. Zacharias then called for a writing tablet and wrote that the child’s name should be John (Luke 1:59-63).
 
Immediately after this, Zacharias was able to speak and he praised God for all those things that were taking place. Everyone was amazed at the events and the news spread rapidly. All who heard recognised that the hand of God must be upon this newborn child (Luke 1:64-66).
 
Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy. He announced that the Day of Salvation was at hand and the Redeemer would come as prophesied by the prophets (Luke 1:67-70). Nothing further is known about the childhood of John except that he grew in a normal manner and developed spiritually. He later went out into the desert to live until it was time to begin his ministry (Luke 1:80).
 
There is an important lesson for us here. Zacharias was a man of faith. Yet his momentary doubting of the Lord’s promise caused him to lose his speech, thus his ability to serve God for some nine months. How important it is that we be firm in our trust in the Lord and in our obedience to Him.
 
THOUGHT: What is the important lesson for me today?

PRAYER: Father, Thou art always faithful, may I be faithful in return.

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