Zechariah’s Worship 14 April 2024
Zechariah was an aged priest serving in the Temple at Jerusalem. He was temporarily struck dumb by an angel for not believing the message that his wife would have a baby. Friends gathered to celebrate when the baby was born. They wanted to name the baby Zechariah after his father. Zechariah wrote on a tablet the name given by the angel, “His name is John!” Immediately, he could speak again. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, worshipped God, and gave this prophetic message–
1. God has come to redeem us. v68-75 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”
- A strong leader– “a horn of salvation”– Ancient kings had to be strong and competent to lead an army, fight and save their countries from invading enemies.
- Fulfilling God’s promise– descended from king David (2 Samuel 7); oath to Abraham– “I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant….” (Gen.17:19).
- Rescuing us a) “from the hand of our enemies” b) “to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.”
2. A prophet will prepare the way for him. v76-77 (addressing his son) “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, …”
John the Baptist called people to repent and be baptised for the washing away of sin. This prepared them for the coming Kingdom of God, where no sin can dwell. We have a similar role, calling people to be ready for the return of Christ.
3. God’s love guides us to the path of peace. v78-79 “because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Jesus came from heaven to earth to rescue those living in darkness and on the cusp of death. He came to guide our feet onto the path of peace. … to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; (Malachi 4:2)