God is Gracious (Luke 1:57-80)

Journey with Jesus to the Cross: Friday, March 4

Read Luke 1:57-80

For nearly a year, Zechariah had been speechless and deaf. The unlikely pregnancy of his elderly wife was announced to him while fulfilling his priestly duties, but his disbelief had forced him to witness it all unfold in silence.

What did he contemplate during the months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy? Perhaps his reflections were revealed in the first words which he spoke after the birth of their baby. After writing, “His name is John,” a beautiful song of praise flowed from his lips:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people….

At last, Zechariah says, God is fulfilling his promises to the nation of Israel. Although much had gone wrong in their history, now God will set everything right. We have been in the dark; God will bring us into the light. Winter is nearly over; spring is in the air!

No doubt, Zechariah is still dumbfounded when he reflects that he and Elizabeth have been invited to play a role in this unfolding drama. Unbelievable! What a blessing! John is aptly named, for it means “God is gracious.” Indeed. God is gracious to Israel. God is gracious to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Amazing Grace! 

Looking in the face of his infant child, he predicts a glorious future: 

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people

From our own distant vantage point, we, too, can’t help but marvel. On the macroscopic level, we see the beautiful picture of God fulfilling his promise to Israel; but through the microscopic lens, we see the small, human story of an elderly couple who shared the unexpected joy of becoming parents and becoming participants in God's redemptive plan. 

God, it seems, delights in accomplishing his big plans through very ordinary people. People like Zechariah and Elizabeth. People like Mary and Joseph. People like you and me. Amazing Grace! God is gracious!

“Lord, thank you for using everyday people like us to accomplish your big plans for the world."