I join with Zechariah and say, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David…that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days” (Luke 1:68–75). Hallelujah for a God who redeems his people! You rescued me from the slavery of sin, and I exalt and worship you today. Praise the Lord!

As I thought about what you told me today, I was uplifted by your faithfulness to keep your word. You told Zechariah he would have a son, and when the time came, Elizabeth gave birth to the one who would be the herald of the Messiah. You told David you would establish the throne of his kingdom forever (2 Sam 7:16; Luke 1:69), and when the time came, you placed in Mary’s womb the King who would fulfill this promise. You told Abraham you would bless the world through his offspring (Gen 22:18; Luke 1:72), and when the time came, Mary was pregnant with the One who would bless the world by the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 3:25–26). All that you promise will surely come to pass, and I can rest in the knowledge that you will keep your word.

It’s clear from his prophecy that Zechariah had been doing a lot of thinking during his silence. After all, he had been Mary’s host for three months, and I have no doubt his writing tablet had been busy with questions. The contrast between Mary’s simple faith and his unbelief was obvious, but I don’t think he sat in a corner and sulked. No, I think he was sorry for how he responded to Gabriel, and I believe he spent those months thinking about what the prophets said of the Messiah. Then, when he obeyed your command and called his son John, he burst forth in praise for your faithfulness. His last words had been filled with doubt; his first words now were filled with delight. And in this way, Zechariah shows me how to humble myself under your mighty hand.

Elizabeth probably had her own ideas about what to name her son, but she was firm when the time came: “No; he shall be called John” (Luke 1:60). Am I willing to give up my desires in deference to your will? Do I yield to the Spirit when he wants the opposite of what I would prefer?

Father, my desire is to follow the example of Zechariah’s son John, who gave knowledge of salvation to his people and light to those who sat in darkness (Luke 1:77, 79). Help me to share with boldness the glorious news of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for being a God who keeps your word. You are not like those who lie or change their minds. When you say it, you will do it; when you speak it, you will fulfill it (Num 23:19). I’m grateful to know that my life is grounded on the foundation of your steadfast word!