And wrote: “John is his name”

John is his name! Today we hear about the birth of John the Baptist. Elizabeth seems defiant and Zechariah goes with the flow. Hmmmm? Let’s see how this plays out.

luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 

When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 

So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”

I read this Gospel early this morning and contemplated it all day as I ran around on my busy schedule. A few thoughts came to mind throughout the day. Basically, I can narrow them down to three words: Counter-cultural, participation and witness. Here’s what I mean.

Counter-cultural

First, the mention of “her neighbors and relatives” struck me. Also, all the fuss around what the name “should” be got me thinking. Apparently, in those days, it was customary to name a child after his grandfather. The fact that they named him something out of the ordinary and departed from custom made me think Elizabeth and Zechariah were being counter-cultural. They acted in accord with a higher power rather than cultural norms.

participation

The focus on Zechariah, his acceptance of Elizabeth’s decision to name the child John and his sudden ability to speak afterward seems to be an indication of the power of silence. Through his silence, Zechariah was able to contemplate the significance of the angel’s message (which he initially doubted) and participate in God’s plan for his family. His voice returned once he actively participated in God’s plan.

witness

There’s an important ingredient that must be present if we are to participate fully in what God has planned for us. We must be counter-cultural.

This Gospel illustrates what a powerful witnessing tool being counter-cultural can be. By choosing to be counter-cultural, Zechariah and Elizabeth were powerful witnesses to God and the power of his hand. Can you follow their lead? How will you witness to God and the power of his hand? Is there any other way? God bless you!

O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, savior of all people, come and set us free, lord our God