Word@Work Luke 16 - Luke 1:61-66
Published: Wed, 01/13/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
FAITH AT LAST
Luke 1:61-66 They said to her, "There is no-one among your relatives who has that name." Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbours were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him. (NIV)
Zechariah, the elderly priest, had not believed the angel Gabriel. The announcement that the geriatric couple would have a child (and that his name was to be John), was met by logical doubt about their biological capacity, instead of faith in God's ability. So Zechariah was struck dumb as a sign that God's word was true. Now, at the circumcision and naming ceremony, it is left to his wife Elizabeth to resist the family's pressure to call him Zechariah. But the relatives refused to accept her word, and asked Zechariah. This time, faith propelled his pen. By declaring that he agreed with God's name for the child, immediately he was able to speak again.
The dumbness had been a sign to Zechariah and Elizabeth that they must dare, after years without intimacy, to 'try for a baby'. How much faith was involved we do not know. But by writing, "His name is John"; he demonstrated his faith that this child was no accident of nature, but a direct fulfilment of the angel's prophecy. The instant healing of dumbness was then a sign to the whole family and community that the Lord was responsible for this miracle; and that he was born for a purpose.
Verbal confession that Jesus is Lord, is an essential part of faith (see Rom 10:8-10), and is the normal response of those who are saved. Those who refuse to acknowledge the grace of God, lose both their joy and their usefulness. Although we may use words lightly, God treats what we say very seriously. Words are the currency of truth and the personal certificate of faith. Of course they can be misused, or even made up (lies), but God knows what we mean when we speak and every word spoken in faith is precious to Him. So, if you love the Lord, speak it out! When you do so, you may well encourage other believers to emerge from their caves of fear, and start to experience the blessing of all those who confess His Name (see Hebrews 13:15). Once the Name of Jesus and the truth of His Word starts to be spoken where you live and work and worship, others will be convicted by the Holy Spirit that God is among you (1 Cor 14:24-25).
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for speaking to me. Please forgive me for the many times when I have failed to confess that Jesus Christ is my Lord. Thank You for the opportunities You give me to speak out what is true; but please help me to recognise them. May I seize the occasion to show my devotion to You, by witnessing to the grace of Christ. May I be truthful and courageous to speak of my Saviour as You open the way in my home and workplace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Zechariah, the elderly priest, had not believed the angel Gabriel. The announcement that the geriatric couple would have a child (and that his name was to be John), was met by logical doubt about their biological capacity, instead of faith in God's ability. So Zechariah was struck dumb as a sign that God's word was true. Now, at the circumcision and naming ceremony, it is left to his wife Elizabeth to resist the family's pressure to call him Zechariah. But the relatives refused to accept her word, and asked Zechariah. This time, faith propelled his pen. By declaring that he agreed with God's name for the child, immediately he was able to speak again.
The dumbness had been a sign to Zechariah and Elizabeth that they must dare, after years without intimacy, to 'try for a baby'. How much faith was involved we do not know. But by writing, "His name is John"; he demonstrated his faith that this child was no accident of nature, but a direct fulfilment of the angel's prophecy. The instant healing of dumbness was then a sign to the whole family and community that the Lord was responsible for this miracle; and that he was born for a purpose.
Verbal confession that Jesus is Lord, is an essential part of faith (see Rom 10:8-10), and is the normal response of those who are saved. Those who refuse to acknowledge the grace of God, lose both their joy and their usefulness. Although we may use words lightly, God treats what we say very seriously. Words are the currency of truth and the personal certificate of faith. Of course they can be misused, or even made up (lies), but God knows what we mean when we speak and every word spoken in faith is precious to Him. So, if you love the Lord, speak it out! When you do so, you may well encourage other believers to emerge from their caves of fear, and start to experience the blessing of all those who confess His Name (see Hebrews 13:15). Once the Name of Jesus and the truth of His Word starts to be spoken where you live and work and worship, others will be convicted by the Holy Spirit that God is among you (1 Cor 14:24-25).
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for speaking to me. Please forgive me for the many times when I have failed to confess that Jesus Christ is my Lord. Thank You for the opportunities You give me to speak out what is true; but please help me to recognise them. May I seize the occasion to show my devotion to You, by witnessing to the grace of Christ. May I be truthful and courageous to speak of my Saviour as You open the way in my home and workplace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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