Consider: What would be your first words after not being able to speak for nine months?
Learn: Read Luke 1:67-79. There are a number of truths found in this Song for the Savior, but today I would like you to focus on one simple truth: God keeps his promises. Notice the emphasis on promise-keeping throughout Zechariah’s hymn.
First, God kept his promise to keep someone on David’s throne (68-71). We find this promise in 2 Samuel 7:11-13. That promise was fulfilled in the short term by Solomon, but it anticipated an even greater ruler than Solomon, a greater house than the temple, a greater throne than an earthly seat. God was about to display the promised King of kings through the one to follow John (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Second, God kept an even older promise to Abraham. You can read of these promises in Genesis 12:1-3, 15:17, and 22:16-18. God promised to Abraham that through his descendant all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Zechariah rejoiced because his son would be the forerunner for the one who would fulfill this promise.
Third, God kept his promise to Zechariah. God did exactly what he said he would, even though Zechariah didn’t believe at first. That’s probably one of the most amazing parts of this story. Yet Zechariah knew that there were even greater things that were happening, so he didn’t praise God for his son until the end of the song. God was keeping all of his promises – what joy that brought to the heart of Zechariah!
Apply: Let Zechariah’s worship help prepare you for worship this Sunday, as you meditate on it this weekend.
I Commend Joy! 