Scripture: “And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” – Luke 1:56
Observation: This section of Luke chapter 1 details the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. Elisabeth is rejoicing with her family and friends at God’s mercy and grace for her new son. 8 days later, she and Zacharias go to the priests for the circumcision and official naming of their baby. It is at this time that Zacharias formally names his son, John, and at that moment, his muteness is healed. Zacharias’ his first response is to lift his voice in praise to God.
Application: When Zacharias first heard the news from the angel Gabriel, he was doubtful that he and Elisabeth could have a child in the old age and as a consequence, he was struck dumb. This inability to speak lasted for the duration of Elisabeth’s pregnancy and until obedience of Zacharias in the formal naming of the baby. Once Zacharias confirmed the name of John for his son, his voice was restored, and he immediately began to praise the Lord! Zacharias went against tradition, choosing to obey the Lord instead in giving the baby the name of John. This act of obedience resulted in God’s forgiveness and restoration for Zacharias.
Being saved is not a “fire insurance” policy as some say. While true believers have the assurance of not going to hell, it remains important to strive for a godly lifestyle. The Scriptures are clear that salvation is not a gift on which God reneges, but nowhere does the Bible state that Christians can continue to live sinfully as the world does. In fact, we are to be different from the world in how we live. Romans 12:2 states, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Additionally, we must remember that sin does have its consequences, and those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ are not immune to those consequences as Zacharias discovered.
Like Zacharias, we make choices constantly regarding what we are going to say or do. They should be aligned with God’s will, but many times, they are not, and we suffer the consequences of choosing our flesh over the Lord’s will. Remember, God is a gentleman. He never forces anything upon us. Salvation is a gift IF we choose to accept it. His blessings are given IF we obey Him. His favor is upon us IF we choose to walk in His ways.
When we choose to sin… choosing our will over His… there are often dire consequences, some lasting a lifetime, but God is ready to forgive and restore our relationship with Him whenever we repent and return to Him. It is important to remember that forgiveness does not eliminate the consequences of our actions or the guilt associated with our sinful choices. However, we must remember 1 John 1:9, where God promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Zacharias could have rebelled against God and name his son after himself or a family member, but he chose to obey the Lord. When he did, God restored the priest’s voice and blessed both Zacharias and Elisabeth greatly. When we choose to obey, expect God to bless! Luke 11:28 records Jesus as saying, “… blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Let us purpose to be trusting in and obedient to God’s Word!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, how great You are! Your Word is truth; Your counsel is perfect. You have always promised to do what is best for me. Strengthen my faith, O God, and help me to hunger for Your will. Empower me by Your Spirit to follow in the footsteps of my Saviour, and please order my steps daily that I might walk worthy of whatever You desire for me to do each day. Help me to be faithful to You in all things. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, I pray. Amen.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
(from “Trust and Obey” by John H. Sammis)
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“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” – Psalm 119:2