When Zachariah, the aged priest, had heard the promise of a son, his response was doubt, and his lips were sealed by that unbelief. But when the promise was fulfilled through the birth of John the Baptist, his tongue was loosed and he sang this hymn of gratitude to God.
Doubt is always depressing. Doubt has no real hymns. But, faith is jubilant with thanksgiving, faith actively praises and rejoices in our Lord and Savior. Faith is naturally expressed in song!
Zachariah understood that the coming of his own son, John the Baptist, was the signpost that Messiah was at hand. Zachariah understood that God was working actively in human history to redeem his promise! Do we really realize that today?
“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.” Luke 1:68-69
The supreme note of this hymn is salvation. This is the truest ground for Christian joy. Our God has planned and provided for our eternal life! God has sent rescue to a dark and dying world. God has fulfilled his promise of redemption! Zachariah knew all of this was at hand for him - how much greater our joy to know it is fulfilled!
"...to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." - Luke 1: 74-75
Zechariah's song also rejoices in the purpose of salvation - he understood that salvation makes possible not only a glorious eternal life with God in the future, but a meaningful and purposeful life here on this earth, serving our Lord in "all our days."
In 2013, many people feel their life lacks purpose. 2,000 years ago, Zechariah pointed to the only purpose that will ever bring meaning or fulfillment to life - living for our Holy, awesome God.
The Benedictus is a real Christmas gift to hungry souls. It speaks both of the tender mercy of the God who made a way back to him through our Savior Jesus, and praises Him who has come to guide our feet in the way of peace. It recognizes the excitement of knowing a faithful God who keeps His promises to secure our eternity, and it points the way to joy in the here and now!
Holy Father God, our souls rise with Zachariah's to praise You, and our hearts swell with awe that the Holy Spirit delivered this prophecy in song to the father of Elizabeth’s child, John the Baptist. You revealed to him that Mary’s child would be The Deliverer and his own son, John, would be the Prophet of the Highest and would prepare the way of the Lord. It is another Christmas miracle pointing to Jesus as the Christ, our Redeemer. Praise Your Holy name! Amen.
For His Glory!
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity