Today’s passage: Luke 1:57-80
Helpful thoughts:
- Zechariah and Elizabeth had to break social custom and risk disappointing their family to obey God. The fear of man doesn’t always reside out there in the big world. It can even dwell in our homes and in the church among well-meaning people who are doing things because, “That’s how we’ve always done it.”
- At the birth of his firstborn son, having been born by a miracle of God through his barren wife, just having received his voice back, Zechariah’s first words are about…Jesus. Then, Zechariah gives an announcement of what John’s God-given role was to be.
- Why did John (And any of us) get to proclaim salvation through the forgiveness of sin? Because of the tender mercies of our God! (Verses 77-78)
Questions to consider:
- Are there any customs or habits that we might have (In the culture of our nation/region OR in the culture of our church) that are not wrong in and of themselves, but that prevent us from doing the things that God has commanded us to do?
- Why was it right for Zechariah to speak first of the coming Messiah? Why was John’s role as a forerunner and as a supporting act more significant than trying to be the star? When do we find our greatest joy and reward, when we do for ourselves, or when we become servants to the God of the universe?
- Have you become a recipient of the tender mercies of God? Please check out this website to learn more!