This passage marks the end of the story of the birth narrative of John the Baptist. The main character continues to be Zechariah. His is a story of one who questioned whether or not God was really going to engage with His world and found his own call difficult to accept.
But it is in embracing anf fulfilling God's call on his own life that he finds his own personal freedom and fulfillment. This is done in completing the work to be done - naming his baby John as directed. The name cements the purpose of John's life which John is then raised to fulfil - the name means "The Lord is gracious" and the work God is doing in Christ which John is to herald and prepare others to receive is just hat - gracious.
But I can't help feeling for Zechariah. The process of accepting the will of God for one's own life can be very painful. It does demand that a person reconsiders their whole life, let's go of ideas and actions that have been survival mechanisms for many years. More than that, it involves the apparently risky business of faith and hope. Faith in the extraordinary intervention of God as he lays a hand on an individuals life - hope that God will remain to true and enable and empower.
This is real and difficult.
And the truth is that there is no peace or joy without accepting this call. And in acceptance there is release and joy - which is of course Zechariah's experience here as he opens his mouth to affirm God's will.
Of course, in hind sight the best thing to do is submit sooner!! But that is always easier said than done!
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