A Covenant Remembered

When John is born, all are astonished when Zechariah speaks. His muteness falls aways, and he announces the name that the angel gave him for the child. Luke tells us that fear came upon all their neighbours and they wondered, "What sort of child will this one become? For indeed the Lord's hand was with him." This echoes the question that will be marveled at later about Jesus - "What sort of man is this?" But Zechariah prophesies and answers that very question - what sort of child John is! He's the fulfillment of God's promise - God's covenant remembered. He's a witness to the fact that God has provided redemption for his people. That salvation has been raised up in the house of David. He is a reminder that the Lord has dealt mercifully and rescued his people. He goes before the Lord to prepare his ways and give people knowledge of salvation. Because the dawn from on high will certainly visit us! Shining on all who live in the darkness!Should we not live in a manner that the same could be said of us? What sort of people are these? They are the fulfillment of God's promise to ransom a people for his own possession from the nations! They are evidence that God remembers his covenant. They are witness to the redemption provided by God on meritless sinners! They testify that salvation has been raised up in the house of David - a reminder that God deals mercifully with his people. They are a people who walk in the Lord's ways and prepare hearts to receive him! They give people knowledge of God's salvation! Glory to God for he has visited us and shined on our darkness!⁠