In the course of time the baby was born. Zechariah had obviously communicated to his wife that the child was to be called John. This surprised the people who expected the child to be named after his father. Elizabeth told them otherwise, and Zechariah confirmed the name. At that point Zechariah was enabled to speak again. Notice that he began by praising God. Zechariah was focused on God rather than himself.
All the events surrounding the birth of John were a sign to the people that he was going to be someone special. The hand of the Lord had been involved in John's life from before the moment of conception. God was also preparing the way for John to prepare the way.
Zechariah then bursts out in song himself. Zechariah knew that God was coming to redeem His people. How has God done this? By raising up a "horn of salvation". Horn is a symbol of strength and we do well to remember that Jesus is a God of strength. He will bring salvation from all who hate us. This is all in fulfilment of the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2,3.
Zechariah knew that John was to be a prophet who would prepare the way for Jesus. He would preach a gospel of repentance. Forgiveness of sins is central to the gospel. This means that first we must acknowledge our sins, only then can we receive forgiveness. We see in current debates a refusal to acknowledge sin, and some think they are being kind when they say that sexual immorality is not a sin, they are not being kind, rather they are denying people the chance of salvation.
John then grew up becoming strong in spirit.
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