Zechariah is convinced that God is a God who makes promises, and keeps them. Well of course – he lived in Bible times, they all thought that way, didn’t they? Hang on a second. Zechariah was toward the end of a long life during which he had seen nothing happening from heaven. No angels, no prophecies, no miracles, nothing. Nor had his parents or grandparents seen anything like that. It was four centuries since the last of the Old Testament prophets had spoken. He lived in a day much like our own. It would be easy to think that if God ever did such things, the time for that is now past. Either God is not able to do such things any more, or maybe God doesn’t care.
Zechariah strongly disagrees.[1]
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When Zechariah’s son was born, Zechariah didn’t give a list of options for what name he could be given. Instead, he said that “’John is his name (already)!’” Why? As Peter said in the video and wrote in the book, Zechariah would’ve poured over Malachi – the last Book of the Old Testament that Gabriel had quoted to him. What Zechariah found and meditated on there captivated his heart.
The birth of John signified something more miraculous than his conception and birth. It pointed to the conception and birth of the One who comes before John, and for whom John was sent ahead of time to prepare the way for. God had visited His people.
Let’s Chat
How has this chapter captivated your heart with who God is and what He has done?
[1] Peter Mead, Pleased to Dwell,
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Standing Before God, This We Are and No More 
Yes, “captivate your heart,” turns the text and discussion in fresh directions!
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Thanks! I think these truths are thought provoking, and I’m glad to have your encouragement as I write about them. Thanks for stopping by!
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