We can bless God with our praise and Thanksgiving. He is good and faithful to those who fear and serve Him. Zachariah and Elizabeth blessed God for blessing them with a child that played major part in preparing Israel for the coming Messiah. Psalm 34: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. The followings are discussed: John's Naming and Zachariah's Miracle; Blessing God for Salvation, and Blessing God for Messiah's Forerunner.
John's Naming and Zachariah's Miracle: Zachariah and Elizabeth rejoiced over the birth of John, the promised child. They thanked God when they discovered it was by His mercy they had a child in their old age (Luke 1:57). John's birth put an end to their barrenness.
Zachariah had been dumb since he doubted the power of God in an encounter with the angel that told him God's plan for his family. But he was able to speak again at the naming of his son. There was a misunderstanding as regards naming of the child: the family wanted the child named Zachariah, after his father, according to the tradition, while Elizabeth wanted him named John as told by the angel.
The disagreement was settled when Zachariah was giving a table to write down the name he would give the child. Zachariah affirmed that his son would be named John, and surprisingly, he was able to speak immediately (Luke 1:64-66). His first words were praises to God. He thanked God for choosing his family to take part in His redemptive work. God will bless those who obey Him and work for His purpose to be accomplished.
Blessing God for Salvation: Zachariah was filled with Holy Spirit, and he began to prophesy in songs concerning the coming Messiah, the redeemer, and the 'horn of salvation' (Luke 1:67-70). The Jews had expected Messiah that would engage Israel's enemies in physical battle and win for them. But God's plan was for spiritual renewal and salvation of all souls. Zachariah prophesy also ascribed the root of David to the coming Messiah.
Messiah's role was revealed in Zachariah's song. He would deliver the Jewish people, show mercy to his followers, and fulfil God's covenant with Abraham. Messianic deliverance aims to set people free from moral decadence and spiritual oppression, and to create an environment that permits true worship of God (Luke 1:71-75). The Messiah was not to overthrow the Roman government and reestablish the sovereignty of Israel as the Israelites had expected. However, God's plan was to overthrow the kingdom of darkness. He wanted people to come into the light and serve Him in holiness and righteousness. Zachariah's prophesy also revealed that God covenant with Abraham for all nations and people would be fulfilled (Gen 12:3).
Blessing God for Messiah Forerunner: Zachariah didn't start his prophetic song with John, his own son. He would have understood his son's role would be meaningless if there was no Messiah. Thereafter he began to say the prophetic message about his son. John would prepare the way for the coming Messiah ( Luke 1:76; Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6). He would let the people of Israel understand their need for repentance, forgiveness and salvation. John preached concerning new living that the new covenant, through the gospel would bring to the world.
John's preaching could not have been different from the message of repentance and worship of God in the past. But with the declaration that Messiah would bring about spiritual worship and inner desire to be in right relationship with God, he pointed to salvation found in Christ (Luke 1:78). Those who follow the Messiah and enter into right relationship with God would live in peace and save their souls. Lesson texts: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80.
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