Foretelling the Forerunner

The first episode of Luke’s formal history is the foretelling of the Forerunner - the messenger who comes before Messiah. His focus is on words, challenging us with our reactions to God’s actions as we look through the eyes of key individuals.

Here there are words of context, setting the scene. There are words of promise, as the angel tells Zacharias about the works that God is about to do in fulfilment of his word. There are words of doubt, as Zacharias demands proof that God will do what he says. There are words of rebuke, as Gabriel exposes Zacharias’ unbelief. There are no words, because Zacharias is mute - he cannot even report the good news he has heard. But, at the end, there are still words of delight, for the promise of God does not fall to the ground, and Elizabeth rejoices at the removal of her reproach.