Zechariah’s Song of Salvation
We've been focusing on Mary, but let’s circle back to Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah. Remember him? He was the priest who, earlier in the story, doubted the angel Gabriel’s promise that his aged wife, Elizabeth, would conceive a son (John the Baptist). Because of his doubt, he was struck speechless until the child was born.
For nine months, Zechariah was forced into a profound, disciplinary silence. Imagine having the greatest news in the world to share yet not being able to utter a single word! But on the day his son was born and named "John," his tongue was finally loosed.
And what was the first thing he did? He sang!
His song, found in Luke 1:68-79 (KJV), is a powerful prophecy, beginning with this triumphant declaration: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people."
Zechariah didn't spend his first words complaining about the nine months of silence. He didn't rush to tell everyone about his new son. He immediately focused on Christ. He praised God for visiting and redeeming His people!
His prophecy confirms that the baby born to Mary (Jesus) would be the true "Horn of salvation," the One who would save them from their enemies and remember the holy covenant (v. 69-72). He confirmed that his own son, John, would be the prophet who would prepare the way for the Lord (v. 76).
What I find so encouraging here is the power of a restored voice. Zechariah’s silence, though painful, purified his first words. When God finally restored his ability to speak, he didn't waste it on trivial matters; he immediately spoke prophetic truth and praised the ultimate purpose of the whole story: salvation through Christ.
Have you ever been in a silent period? A season when you felt unable to speak, influence, or make your plans heard? A time of waiting when God seemed to press the mute button on your life?
Take heart from Zechariah’s story. Sometimes, God enforces silence not as punishment, but as preparation. He is preparing a pure, focused message within you so that when He restores your voice, your first and most powerful words will be used to magnify Him and point to His ultimate plan of redemption.
Let's trust that God is working in the quiet, preparing our hearts. And when He breaks the silence, let us use our restored voice to bless the Lord, because He hath "visited and redeemed his people," and that is always the greatest news of all.