Zechariah's Song

Read Matthew 1:68-79

The conception and birth of a baby to a couple who have struggled with infertility for a long marriage is a BIG deal in itself. But when Zechariah is told of this miracle, he doubts this angel-delivered announcement. So God gives him the whole pregnancy in silence to "think about it," including the time when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, comes for a long visit with her cousin Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife.

When the time comes for John the Baptist's birth, Zechariah is more than ready. He gets his speech back just in time to agree with Elizabeth about John's name. Then "the rest of it" comes pouring out of Zechariah's heart/mouth in a remarkable "awe-hymn" that puts its arms around Zechariah's whole BIG picture of God's mercy and faithfulness.

This is more than a miracle baby. God is very specifically at work in bigger ways than even Zechariah's awe-hymn can describe. This is a prelude to another bigger baby miracle.

Awe is what comes from both stories. Awe also comes from things in our lives as they unfold in the mercy and power of God's grace to us and through us. Awe is our response, our worship, our praise.

QUESTIONS:

1. Can you remember times in your life when things turned out bigger/better/more than you could have imagined and thought at the time?

2. What's happening right now that, in God's mercy, might be more and better? Can you trust God for what's happening? Can you pray for awe?

PRAYER:

God, give us AWE at Your mercy. Help us see Your faithfulness in big and little things. Open our eyes and hearts to Awe. Amen.

Paul Ulring