March 15th

By Randall L. Broad

Read: Numbers 22:21-23:30; Luke 1:57-80; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 11:12-13

In the reading today we receive more insight about John the Baptist as revealed by the Holy Spirit to his father Zechariah.

Zechariah was a religious leader and man of influence amongst the Jewish people. Like his son John, he was one of the last Old Testament believers to prophecy. With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost the nature of prophesy would change. In Old Testament times God spoke to his people through a prophet set apart, but in New Testament times, and particularly after Pentecost God communicated with his believers through the Holy Spirit. Being a prophet was no longer an office or occupation held by people specially chosen by God but rather become what the Apostle Paul would define as an “activity of the Holy Spirit”–one of the gifts of the Spirit-filled life. From Pentecost on God would no longer speak to his people through a designated “prophet” or angels, but rather through a gift available to all the Spirit-filled believers. Though Pentecost was still years away, we see echoes of this change in the narrative of John the Baptist and the prophecy his father spoke after his birth:

⁶⁷Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:

⁶⁸“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. ⁶⁹He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, ⁷⁰just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.

⁷¹Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.

⁷²He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant—⁷³the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. ⁷⁴We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, ⁷⁵in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

Luke 1:67-75

We know Zechariah was well versed in Messianic prophecy and like many people of his generation expected the coming of the Messiah to be soon. In addition, John’s father was instructed earlier by an angel in the first chapter of Luke’s gospel (Luke 1:5-23) that his son would be the messenger who would prepare the way for the Savior to come. He was skeptical then–but now empowered by the Holy Spirit he declares it boldly to everyone who would listen.

⁷⁶“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.  ⁷⁷You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.

Luke 1:76-77

Finally and most importantly, Zechariah gives Glory to God:

⁷⁸Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,

 ⁷⁹to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Luke 1:78-79

When we read the words of Zechariah now we can debate whether his understanding was based more on his messianic expectations, the instructions he received from God’s messenger or the Holy Spirit as we understand Him today. But one thing is certain–nothing like this happened in the Old Testament. Just in the first chapter of Luke the Holy Spirit is promised to John (v. 15); comes upon Mary (v. 35); fills Elizabeth and the child in her womb (v. 41); and then fills Zechariah (v. 67) who prophesies to John’s greatness (vv. 68-79). From the very beginning of the New Testament Age, even before Jesus is born, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in Jesus’ life and ministry touching all those who will be part of his narrative then and now.

Walk with the Lord …

Ephesians 1:17

(RLB250315)

© Copyright 2017: Randall L. Broad

Disclaimer: This commentary is written by Randall L. Broad. It is in no way affiliated with or represents any denomination, university, church, or pastor. Any errors or omissions are purely my responsibility.