I want to get a wholistic view of today’s verse by reading Luke 1: 5-25. The story begins with an elderly couple by the names of Zechariah and Elizabeth…
“Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. […] But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid,” Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.”
This miraculous story gave birth to John the Baptist, the man described in verse 17. A Jewish prophet who baptized Jesus. A man who preached about God’s return and baptized many. I’m thankful that we serve a God who is in the details, who has a plan and is going to carry it to completion.