His name is John

In the first part of today’s reading, the main issue is the matter of what the new-born son of Elisabeth would be called. The community, the mother, and the father all have an input, and we can learn a lesson from each.

The general opinion of the relatives and neighbours is that he should be called Zacharias, after his father, vv. 59, 61. Here we see the danger of consensus. These people have not received a message from God, so they advocate the following of tradition rather than what God has said. We need to remember to base all our decisions on what we have received from God’s word, and not on the opinions of well-meaning people who do not know God or His word.

Elisabeth says, ‘He shall be called John’, v. 60. Clearly Zacharias must have communicated to Elisabeth what he had been told by the angel. Thus they are united in their beliefs. Here we learn the importance of communication, whether in a couple, or among believers in general. They that fear the Lord should still speak often one with another, and be of one mind.

Zacharias writes, ‘His name is John’, v. 63. What an example of conviction! He is utterly persuaded of that which he had once doubted, and there is no room for negotiation or compromise! So his tongue is unloosed. What a joy it must have been to him to be able to utter this delightful prophecy, vv. 67-79, and it is wonderful to see his emphasis in it. Delighted as he is about the birth of his son, he knows that God is about to send One even greater of the house of David, v. 69, and He is the main subject of the prophecy. Zacharias starts and finishes with the fact that God has ‘visited’ his people, vv. 68, 78. The result will be redemption, v. 68, salvation, vv. 69, 71, 77, deliverance, v. 74, remission of sins, v. 77, and peace, v. 79, all of which allow people to serve God, vv. 74, 75.

Finally, some early details of John’s life are given: the presence of the Lord with him, v. 66; the predictions of how he would serve God, vv. 76, 77; the progress he made, v. 80; the power given to him, v. 80; and the place he was in, v. 80. In obscurity, he was being prepared for the work which lay ahead.