The Spirit of Hope

By: Melissa Abello

Columbia, MO, USA

Scripture: Luke 1:67-79

Earlier in Luke 1, we learn that Zechariah is a priest who would become the father of John the Baptist. He is childless, but the Lord has promised him (via the angel Gabriel) that he will have a son. Not just any son, but a son whom God will use to do great things (Luke 1:15-17). Zechariah struggles to believe the promise and even asks the angel how this could be because he and his wife, Elizabeth, are so old! God makes Zechariah mute for some time because of his unbelief. During this time, his wife becomes pregnant, then Mary becomes pregnant with Jesus. Zechariah witnesses this amazing miracle coming true and yet cannot even speak of it! He is not able to talk again until after his son John is born!  When Zechariah speaks, he praises God (v. 64) and then goes on to sing a song about the Messiah.  

The first words out of Zechariah’s mouth praise God for salvation! Many thought that the Messiah to come would free them from the Roman government and oppression, but God’s plan was much greater. Jesus would save us from slavery forever.

Then Zechariah talks about how God has raised up a horn of salvation for us. The horn in scripture always symbolizes strength, power and dignity. He tells them that the Messiah is STRONG to save and that He is the descendant of a King. He then goes on to remind the people of the promise made to Abraham and how faithful God is to His promises. 

Furthermore, Zechariah speaks to his newborn son John and tells of the prophecies he will fulfill. John will go before Christ and actually prepare the way for Him and preach the forgiveness of sins possible only because of God’s great mercy! What powerful words Zechariah spoke on that day!

If you were mute for nine months, what would be the first words out of your mouth? Would you thank and praise God? I cannot imagine what it would be like to not speak for that long. I do not know if I have even gone a day being silent! 

God does a miracle in the heart of Zechariah during this time. I can only imagine how hopeless Zechariah must have felt as someone who could not have children for years, especially as a man in that society. When God tells Zechariah of this hope for a child, he struggles to believe that God will and can do this miracle. What I love about God is that He does not shame Zechariah. God mutes Zechariah and allows him to watch this amazing miracle.

Zechariah watched God work despite his unbelief and, for nine months, stored up in his heart the gratitude for God’s faithfulness not just to him, but to Israel. He saw God work a miracle in his life and began to believe and tell of the greatest miracle of all time — Jesus Christ.  Zechariah confidently speaks of Jesus and the prophecies being fulfilled. What amazes me is that Jesus had not yet done these miracles, but John believes! Not only that, but Zechariah also believes his son will become a herald of this miracle.  

Sometimes we need to sit back, be quiet for a moment and reflect on the miracles God has done in our midst. Sometimes in hardship we have to look closer. When we reflect on the miracles God has done, let us remember and be grateful for the greatest miracle of all time and be like John the Baptist by preparing the way for the Lord to come into the lives of others.

Reflection:

•   How have you felt hopeless this year?
•   What miracles has God done in your life?

Practical:

•   Sit in silence for 10 minutes and reflect on the miracles God has done this year. 
•   Spend time praising God for those miracles and the promise of salvation through Jesus.
•   Be a herald today to someone God puts in your path.