A prophecy that ties the Old Testament and the New Testament

Zechariah’s song of praise was given by the Holy Spirit and serves as a prophecy that ties the Old Testament and New Testament. This song can be divided into four parts: thanksgiving for the coming of the Messiah (v 68-70), the great deliverance (v 71-75), John’s mission (v 76-77), and salvation through the Messiah (v 78-79). Let us take note that before rejoicing over the birth of his son John, Zechariah rejoices in and gives thanks for the coming of the Messiah. Phrases such as “house of His servant David” (v 69) and “the oath which He swore to our father Abraham” (v 73) are used. Zechariah understood that the appearance of the Messiah is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12) and the Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7). In human eyes, it can sometimes feel as though the fulfillment of the promise is taking far too long. However, God is the One who fulfills His promises when the time comes. Even in the time of the Exodus, 400 years passed before the people of Israel were set free. Yet when the fullness of time came, God’s direct intervention began. Are you feeling discouraged because answers to your prayers have not come? God is faithful to His promises and hears our prayers. Do not be discouraged, rather let us continue to pray.

A prophecy that connects the Old and New Testament times

Zechariah prophesies concerning the work of his son John: “And you, child, also will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; to give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins” (v 76-77). At that time in Israel, no prophet had appeared for several hundred years. John was born as a prophet who would connect the Old Testament time with the New Testament time. The appearance of John signifies that a new era had arrived for Israel. The new era is one governed not by “the principle of the Law” but by “the principle of grace.” Zechariah sang, “Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (v 78-79). Do you have a tendency to view things in a legalistic way? When you act only out of a sense of obligation, you lose the life of faith, constrain yourself, and begin to judge others. To live by grace is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live in love. As a result, you will find that the requirements of the Law are also being fulfilled. Let us once again give thanks for God’s grace.