A Story of Redemption

The last time he spoke, his words conveyed his unbelief, and silence settled over him. Then, the miracle happened. His wife Elizabeth was pregnant. Through her entire pregnancy, Zacharias remained silent. These nine months filled him with hope and joy, yet his voice was gone. His precious son, promised by God, was born. I can only imagine that Zacharias longed to speak to his wife, to share the message God had given him, and most importantly to speak words that showed now, he believed.

I would also imagine that the day his son was born, Zacharias anticipated his voice returning. But that didn’t happen. Eight days later, following God’s commandments, Zacharias and Elizabeth prepared to dedicate their son to God.

The way the Bible records this story is almost comical. It seems that the family and friends had decided the baby would be named Zacharias after his father. Elizabeth disagreed and informed them the boy would be named John. Instead of listening to the mother, they argued with her. It seems that even back then everyone had an opinion on what a child would be named, and this group was convinced the boy should carry on the family name.

Despite Elizabeth’s insistence on the name John, the family and friends went to Zacharias for his opinion. They thought surely this godly man would agree with them and carry on the family legacy, however, they were in for a surprise. Zacharias motioned for a tablet and wrote out one simple phrase, “his name is John.” (Luke 1:63 NASB) Everyone was in shock.

Then it happened. The moment Zacharias had been waiting for. “At once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise to God.” (Luke 1:64) What a beautiful picture! Zacharias went from doubting to speaking praise.

To a people who had experienced God’s silence for 400 years, Zacharias spoke a prophecy straight from God. His message began with these words, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people.” (Luke 1:68) Zacharias was proclaiming the Messiah, Jesus would be born very soon, and He would bring redemption and salvation to the people of Israel.

When I read this encounter I can’t help but think about the personal redemption Zacharias experienced. God took a man who spoke words of uncertainty and used him to speak a message of hope. He took a man who doubted and used him as a part of his plan.

When Zacharias spoke these first words after his season of silence, it caused the entire community to talk about what was happening. They saw the hand of God and began to wonder what kind of child this boy John would be.

Aren’t you thankful that Zacharias story didn’t end with his silence? Aren’t you thankful that God didn’t give up on him? Aren’t you thankful that the very same tongue that expressed doubt was later used to express praise to God?

I am. I’m thankful because we serve that very same God. The God who sent His Son to a broken world. The Son who was fully God and fully man. The Messiah who came to redeem His people.

Just like for Zacharias, the story of redemption is not just for the masses. It is for us personally. Our mistakes are never too big. Our challenges are never too much. Our doubts don’t have to be the end. Because our God is our Redeemer.

This Christmas season, remember the hope of redemption. Don’t give up on God. And don’t give up on yourself. Instead, allow the message of hope to fill you with joy and anticipation.