Too often, we rush and we fail to slow down and consider the common sense of a Bible passage - in context. Like a learner in a reading class, let's break down a passage to see if we can comprehend it better. | Luke 1 (NASB) 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham, |
What does Zechariah make it a point to mention that he does not want to forget?
Who does Zechariah address beginning in verse 76?
How does Zechariah feel about the huge responsibilities his son will shoulder?
What can be noticed about John from reading the 80th verse?
Let's Think:
When John is born, his daddy is proud. Zechariah rejoices out loud, his words reminding anybody who happens to be standing around that God has always promised salvation and forgiveness. He remembers history - his people being held in captivity (on more than one occasion), but being taken care of and set free by the Almighty.
Now, it will be Zechariah's own son who will pave the way for the Promise to arrive. The baby can't understand him, but Zechariah talks to him, starting in the earliest hours of John's new life to teach him about his purpose.
The last in the chapter sets the stage for John's big debut as an adult. We don't get to see any more between infancy and adulthood for this very important figure, but isn't it interesting that he remains in the desert, away from the big city until that moment when he will appear at the Jordan River?