Luke 1:57-80

Luke 1:57-80
John is born and in this gospel he only gets two verses that announce his birth. Amazing the start of God’s plan is recorded by 2 verses. God bucks tradition at every turn. First we have a woman well advanced in age pregnant. Then we have a virgin birth. The next is we have Elizabeth naming her son John instead giving him his father’s or a family name. It was also unheard of for a woman to name the child that was the father’s right. What happens next should have really given the people around a clue about this child’s birth. As soon as Zacharias writes “His name is John.” his tongue is “loosed” and he is able to speak. Not only did he speak but he praises God. Can you imagine how many things you would have liked to say after 9 months? I wonder if he suddenly had the words to speak about the prophecy or if he had these words already in his mind. He praises God but he also tells everyone of what is to come. I wonder how many that were there realized what he was telling them. God chose to have every aspect of his prophecy stand out and be different than the traditions that had formed. God was telling them even then that things were about to change. How many present at the beginning were just as terrified of change as those who were intricate members of the end. Sometimes God has plans for us that we cant understand and cant see the end of if we trust that he is our Savior shouldn’t we trust that he will hold us close even when everything else is falling away
Interpretation now 6/23/10
The first thing that struck me as I read this passage was that Zacharias and Elizabeth must have had a special marriage and relationship with God. Zacharias doesn't condemn his wife for speaking for him he immediately praises God and confirms that her choice of name was to be followed. God puts everything into motion long before we can even think to ask why. Then we see that Zacharias praises God and all but shouts the blessed plan that God has chosen for his family. Now think on this he has proclaimed what God has in store for his family, I wonder did he every think later I have got to live up to this! I hope he didn't, that is a burden that we should strive not to carry. I pray that all of us live up to God's plan not out of duty but out of love and reverence. Dear Lord remind us to be ourselves and trust that you have been forming the plan you have for us for a very long time. When we have doubts if we can complete the task you set before us may you send someone to remind us of your divine wisdom in all things and that you never fail or make mistakes so your choice of using us can't be wrong. Amen