20 DECEMBER 2023

 

Life

“To shine upon those who sit in the shadow of death.” (Luke 1:79)

What’s in a name?

In the ancient world a person’s name was more than just a way of identifying them. Your name was also intended to describe who you were, revealing your character. A good example of this is the Old Testament Patriarch, Jacob. His name means “deceiver” and for a good part of his life he was precisely that – a liar and a cheat!

The name Zacharias means “God remembers” and he certainly lived up to his name. When he is visited by Gabriel, he is informed that his “prayer has been heard.” (Luke 1:13) There has been a lot of discussion about what Zacharias’ prayer was, but it seems unlikely that he had prayed for a child. (His doubtful response to Gabriel’s announcement Elizabeth would have a son suggests he had given up that dream long ago.) It’s more probable when he went into the Temple on that momentous day to offer incense that he was praying for the salvation of Israel and deliverance from her enemies.

“Lord, save Israel!” he cries.

“Zacharias, God has remembered His people, your prayer has been heard!”

By the time John is born, Zacharias’ heart and mouth is filled with praise for God and over and over he thanks God for His salvation and most importantly, the Saviour!

“God has remembered His promises. He has heard our prayers. The Saviour has come, and He will give life to all who believe in Him!”

God has not forgotten you either. He hears your cries for help. Put your trust in Him today as your Lord and Saviour, step out of “the shadow of death” and into His life.

Read Luke 1:67-79 again. How many ways does Zacharias find to describe God’s salvation and the Saviour?