Thoughts for the Day

The birth of John the Baptist

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The story of God's great plan continues by going back to the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. The months have gone by since Mary came to visit her relative Elizabeth and the latter's baby has been born. But when the day comes to name him what will he be called? When Elizabeth says the baby's name should be "John", the family query it with Zechariah. Almost comically they 'begin motioning to the baby's father', but Zechariah is mute, not deaf! The poor man has had a lot to put up with if this has occurred for the previous nine months.

Names are important in the Hebrew scriptures. They can exert power over events and lives, and are also important for their meanings. Indeed many believed that in their name lay their very soul and self, for in that name lay the history and past of the family as well as their hopes and blessings for a child's success. It was therefore the custom for many children to be given family names, and calling the baby Zechariah (meaning 'God remembers') after his father, might well have been expected. However, Zechariah has learnt his lesson. Having doubted the angel Gabriel, he will not make the same mistake again. The baby will be called 'John' which means 'God is gracious', and on Zechariah's assent to this his voice is restored. God has given him a second chance - a chance that God gives to all His people when they truly repent.

Father, God,
may we learn from Zechariah's experience
of Your patience and understanding
when we return to You and
admit our mistakes.
All too often we think we know best
and go our own way,
whatever the consequences.
May we turn to You in humility,
determined to obey Your will
now and in the future.
Amen.