Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Luke 1:76-80
by: Andrew J. Camenga.
Parents tell stories about how they just know that their child is going to be incredibly influential in the world. Yet, I've rarely heard parents say that they knew from the moment of birth that their child was going to be a disaster. We expect parents to be supportive of their offspring. So, when Zechariah starts to speak about the expected work of John the Baptizer, it would be easy to write it off as the glowing remarks of a pride-blinded father-an expected response.
Yet, scripture makes it clear that Zechariah was not making this up as he went along. His soul was thrilled by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and he desired to praise God. His words were guided, and he came forth with an answer to a question that was being asked across the countryside (v. 66). The expected response can sometimes also be truthful and justified.