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.
