I imagine that in your diary, last Sunday was called ‘Father’s Day’. In the calendar of the Church this week, we remember the birth of John the Baptist and so we are very much reminded of John's Father, Zechariah. He was puzzled about a baby being born to him and his wife Elizabeth when they were both “advanced in years", despite the announcement of the child to come being given to him by an angel. But a few days after the baby was born, the puzzlement completely evaporated, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied in words that have come to be called ‘the Benedictus’(Luke1.57-80). These words have been considered so important that you will find them both in the morning service in the Book of Common Prayer and in the Common Worship service book.
OK, but so what, Godfrey, you politely ask. This matters to us now, because these few verses are full of truth, wonder and encouragement for us. Luke records the events around the birth and naming of John as part of his determined drive to show all who will listen, then and now, that with the coming of Jesus into the World, God’s promised redemptive plan of salvation is bursting out into history and into the story of humankind.
Zechariah first blesses God – not a bad way to begin your prayers. Then he declares the fulfilment of God’s promises, prophecies and covenant with Abraham, in the arrival of God Himself in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom salvation comes “in the forgiveness of... sins”. Zechariah reminds us that “...because of the tender mercy of our God” He delivers us, that we might “serve him without fear” - we are saved, to serve the God of our salvation.
John the Baptist is the great announcer of the Lord’s arrival, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, his Father Zechariah gives us a wonderful preface to the Gospel record of the work of Christ in the World. How about taking this as the theme for your personal devotions this week?
With you in God’s service
Godfrey