River Community Church

This week we'll be looking at the faith (and lack thereof) of Zechariah, the father of John "the Baptizer".   Zechariah, whose name means "Remembered of the LORD", is "remembered" by the LORD.  He has apparently prayed for a child (like Hannah from last week's narrative), and the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah telling him that his prayers have been heard (remembered).  Gabriel told Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth (who was "barren" and "advanced in years"), would give birth to a son...and his name was to be "John".  Zechariah expresses lack of faith when he questions Gabriel's promise:  "How shall I know this?" (emphasis mine)   For this, Zechariah is struck mute until the day that all Gabriel had predicted would be fulfilled.  

The LORD in his graciousness fulfills his promise to Zechariah, and a child is born to Elizabeth.  And Zechariah's tongue is loosed and he proclaims, in faith, the child's name and the nature of God all in one sentence:  "His name is John."  A name that means "the LORD is gracious."  And John grew up, like Samuel, to play a huge role in God's redemptive plan for the entire cosmos!  As Samuel anointed David to be King over Israel, in a similar way John anointed Jesus, "The Son of David", through the waters of baptism and initiated Jesus' calling to become "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"....forever and ever, hallelujah, hallelujah.  

O come let us adore Him this weekend...together!

Dave