The Sound of Silence

Hello everyone. 

I will continue my journey through Luke today, in Luke 1:57-66, the birth of John the Baptist. 

Elizabeth gives birth to a son, just as the angel Gabriel had said. Many neighbors and relatives come and rejoice at his birth. Word had spread as to how God had lifted Elizabeth up and shown her mercy.  She who had felt the reproach of God, through her childlessness, was now the one being shown mercy.  Her reproach was removed. 

When the day of circumcision came, Elizabeth insisted on the name John.  Everyone was telling her that this name was not the right one, insisting that she name the child after his father.  I've always wondered why these people think it was their business to object to the name the parents had chosen and insist on a different name. My understanding, however, is that it was customary to name the child after a relative, perhaps the father or grandfather. That is why they say, "no one among your relatives is called by that name." (verse 61.) However, they did not understand something that Zechariah and Elizabeth knew. God had already chosen a name for this child. 

Being frustrated by Elizabeth, they began signaling to Zechariah about the name.  I have also wondered this this.  The Bible tells us that Zechariah was unable to speak.  The fact that they are making signals to hum indicates that he may have been struck deaf as well. Otherwise, it seems silly to make hand signals to man who's hearing is fine.  

Zechariah wrote on a tablet for everyone that the boy’s name was John. His obedience in this moment lifted the punishment and Zechariah was able to speak (and possibly hear) again, and he began to rejoice. Zechariah has apparently learned from this long period of silence. Now, he trusts God and is obedient to him. 

The events at home of Zechariah and Elizabeth caused fear of the Lord to come upon everyone there and word about all of this quickly spread throughout the countryside. The Lord is performing miracles that lead people to fear Him and rejoice in Him.  And Zechariah’s time of suffering causes him to recognize that God is good for his word. What he says will happen, happens. 

Tom