Old Testament – Confident.Faith

Isaiah 51–57

Isaiah 51 through 57

Today we commemorate Zacharias and Elizabeth. Remembered as examples of faithfulness and piety, Zacharias and Elizabeth became the parents of John the Baptist despite their old age. Initially disbelieving the promise, Zacharias was struck mute by the angel who announced that Zacharias and Elizabeth would have a son; upon confirming his wife’s chosen name for their son, John, Zacharias was restored to his ability to speak. Upon regaining his speech, Zacharias sang the Benedictus, a summary of the promises in the Old Testament and a prophecy of John the Baptist’s ministry as a forerunner of Christ.

Isaiah 45–50

Isaiah 45 through 50

Today we commemorate Moses. Greatest amongst the Old Testament prophets, Moses spoke with God face to face. Moses’ life was divided into three parts of forty years each: First, he lived in Egypt in the royal court, having been rescued by the daughter of pharaoh (and the intervention of God); second, he lived as a shepherd in the land of Midian after fleeing Egypt; and, third, he led Israel during the wandering in the desert. Prohibited from entering the Promised Land due to disobedience at Meribah, Moses was nevertheless allowed to view the land from Mount Nebo, where he then died and was buried (in an unknown location) by God.

Isaiah 40–44

Isaiah 40 through 44

Today we commemorate Gregory the Great, Pastor. Gregory served both as mayor and, later, as bishop of Rome. Before entering full-time service in the Church, Gregory helped to strengthen a Rome weakened by enemy invasions and plague, and sold his considerable possessions and donated the proceeds to help the poor. As bishop of Rome, Gregory contributed to the Church by establishing a Church Year calendar, which some church bodies still use to this day, and overseeing musical and liturgical development, advancing missionary work in Northern Europe, and composing a book on pastoral care that would long serve as a standard in the Church.