The Power of the Lord Be With All Evangelists…

“All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, ‘What then is this child going to be?’ For the Lord’s hand was with him” (Luke 1:65-66, NIV).

As I meditate on this passage, I wish to receive the lesson it gives us:

(1) Why “all the neighbors were filled with awe” (Luke 1:65, Modern Translation)

The reason was that Zechariah the priest had not believed the angel Gabriel’s words: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John” (v.13). Because of his unbelief (v.20), Zechariah was struck mute until the child was born (v.57). Then, at the child’s circumcision on the eighth day (v.59), Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John” (v.63). Immediately, “his mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God” (v.64).

(a) From the neighbors’ perspective, they remembered that about 9–10 months earlier, when Zechariah had been chosen to burn incense in the temple (v.9), “the people were wondering why he stayed so long in the temple” (v.21). When he finally came out, he could not speak (v.22). They knew about this. Now, months later, when the baby was born and named John, they saw Zechariah’s mouth opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to praise God (v.64). How could they not be filled with awe? (v.65).

(i) The “fear” mentioned here does not mean terror but rather a religious “awe” that arises when one encounters a supernatural event. They were filled with amazement at witnessing God’s meticulous providence and plan being carried out (Hoekma commentary).

This awe is similar to Zechariah’s own reaction when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense (v.11). Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear (v.12).

To “fear the Lord” means reverence and respect for His authority and holiness, not terror (Ex. 20:20). It is the natural response of sinful humans when confronted with God’s holiness (Ex. 19:16). It is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7) and a fountain of life (Prov. 14:27). Those who fear the Lord treasure His name, receive His mercy (Ps. 103:13), glorify Him (Ps. 22:22-23), and grow in holiness (2 Cor. 7:1).

(2) “This news spread throughout the hill country of Judea, and everyone who heard it treasured it in their hearts” (Luke 1:65b-66a)

The “news” was about John’s birth and Zechariah’s miraculous recovery of speech, praising God (commentary).

(a) Thinking about “news,” I am reminded that Satan spreads false “rumors” to attack the church—words made up in people’s hearts (Neh. 6:8, Modern Translation: “a story you have invented”)—to break the unity of the church community.

(i) I also thought of the renowned Antioch and Thessalonian churches. I pray that our church may also be like them, known for the report that “the Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21-22). And like Thessalonica, may “our faith be reported everywhere” (1 Thess. 1:8).

(b) Reflecting on the news of Zechariah praising God after regaining speech, I was reminded of two funerals in early 2008 in our church—Grandma Eul Soo Jang and Pastor Andrew Kim. At their services, we sang their beloved hymn, How Great Thou Art.

(i) Even as they neared death, they praised the greatness of the Lord, with tears of gratitude for salvation. I also remember them reciting Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want… Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Their last moments on earth were a beautiful testimony of praising the greatness of the Lord. I also desire to live a life praising God’s greatness until I stand before Him.

(c) Scripture says those who heard the news “treasured it in their hearts” (Luke 1:66). This reminds me of Luke 2:19: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

(i) In context, after the shepherds saw the baby Jesus lying in a manger (v.16) and spread the angel’s message, people were amazed (vv.17-18). But Mary “treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart” (v.19).

Mary did not let these words pass by lightly but deeply reflected on their meaning, seeking to understand God’s will and plan. This meditation prepared her to obey God’s word and to trust in Jesus’ life and ministry.

Likewise, we too must store God’s word deeply in our hearts, reflecting on its meaning, and humbly obeying what the Spirit reveals to us.

(3) “What then is this child going to be? For the Lord’s hand was with him” (Luke 1:66)

The people knew “the Lord’s hand was with him.” This meant they recognized that God’s mighty power would clothe and guide John (Hoekma).

(a) That is why they said, “What then is this child going to be?” (v.66). They sensed he would become a remarkable and special figure (Hoekma).

(i) Hoekma commentary explains this as a mixture of expectation and curiosity about what John, as God’s servant, would accomplish for the nation.

Thinking about their expectations, I am reminded of Acts 11:21: “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (Modern Translation: “The Lord’s power was with them, and many people believed and turned to the Lord”). I pray for this to be fulfilled in our church, Victory Presbyterian Church.

Just as the Lord’s hand was with John (Luke 1:66), and just as the Lord’s hand was with those scattered believers who preached the Lord Jesus to Greeks in Antioch (Acts 11:19-21), I pray that the Lord’s hand—the Lord’s power—be with all our evangelists at Victory Presbyterian Church, so that as they boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, multitudes may believe and turn to the Lord, and that God’s mighty work of salvation may be revealed.