Luke 1:57-80
The Spark of Redemption

Guest preacher Tyler Anderson’s sermon was a call to marvel, starting with the events surrounding the birth and naming of John the Baptist, the forerunner to the Messiah.

The neighbors and relatives who rejoiced with Elizabeth over the birth of her son also attended the circumcision and naming of the baby. They marveled when still-mute Zechariah wrote, “His name is John” and then spoke, praising God. It was evident that God was at work and that Zechariah had learned to trust Him during nine months of silence. Tyler asked, “When is the last time you marveled at God’s work in your life?” He noted that it’s wonderful to look back and recognize God’s work in your past but also encouraged us to look for His work now, in the moment. Of course, that’s harder; it’s less clear. But asking, “Lord, what are You doing?” amid our daily activities and problems reminds us that He is working and prepares us to see it and marvel.

The people who witnessed the unusual naming of this baby boy, who heard Zechariah’s Spirit-filled prophecy about him and about the One he would announce, experienced fear. (v65) Not please-don’t-hurt-me fear, but rather great awe and deep reverence, even though they didn’t know the whole picture. All they knew and only vaguely understood was that this 8-day-old baby would grow up to be the forerunner of the Lord Himself, coming to redeem them. We know so much more; how much more should we marvel and stand in awe! Now is the perfect time, as Good Friday and Easter draw near. But maybe you’re like me. During Lent, my attention tends to be human-focused. I feel sorrow at Jesus’ physical agony in the cruel hands of the Roman soldiers. I feel sympathy for Jesus’ disciples, scattering in fear for their lives, remorseful for deserting and denying him. I feel a quiet satisfaction in the faithful women intent on attending to his body. I feel relief and gratitude that I will not bear God’s wrath for sin. Perhaps we need to put the focus on our awesome God to marvel as we ought. What does the gospel story reveal about Him? If someone asked me to describe the character and attributes of God using the story of redemption as my text, what would I say? Lord, enable me to meditate and marvel and worship this week.

Noting verses 74-75, Tyler pointed out that Zechariah’s prophecy not only foretells our salvation but gives the purpose of our salvation. “We are saved to serve our King,” he said. He suggested we start each new day by asking, “Why am I alive this morning?” What a great idea, for those of us who start the day with a spring in our step, ready to take on our To Do list, for those of us who have to drag ourselves out of bed, asking despondently, “What’s the point?” and for everyone in between. Remind me that every day is a mission from You, Lord.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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