The conclusion of the story of the birth of John the Baptist reminds us of some of the same truths we saw in yesterday’s passage: With God nothing is impossible, but sometimes we have to wait for God’s will to be done. Elizabeth and Zacharias had waited a long time to have a child, and of course they had waited during the course of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Now that the baby was born, it was only natural that they should celebrate.

So, why did the parents both insist on naming the baby John? And why did Zacharias have to write the name down on a tablet? At the beginning of this chapter, when the angel Gabriel first told Zacharias he and Elizabeth would have a child, Zacharias did not believe him. As a result, he was rendered unable to speak – and given that verse 62 says that the people had to make signs instead of speaking to him, probably unable to hear as well. In this enforced solitude, he had a lot of time to think and pray.

But Gabriel had told him something else, that he and Elizabeth should name the baby John, which means “Yahweh is gracious.” And so when the baby was born, when Zacharias could see the grace of God for himself, he responded not in skepticism but in faith, given the baby the name God wanted him to have. And that’s when his speech and hearing were returned to him.

So, what does Zacharias’ experience have to tell us? Of course that we should not be skeptical of God’s promises – if God says something, it is as good as done. But more than that, it shows us that our response to God’s promises and to God’s grace should be obedience. James said that the best way to show our faith is by our works (James 2:14-18). May we follow Zacharias’ example today, opening our mouths to praise our gracious God and following His law of perfect love.

Luke 1:57-66 (KJV)

57 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.