Faith and Promise in the Shadow of Doubt - Nov. 26th, 2023

Luke 1:5–25 KJV

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

Introduction:

The current text finds Israel in the midst of very dark days. The people had heard no prophetic word from God since the prophet Malachi had promised the coming of Elijah over four hundred years earlier (Malachi 4:5-6).

Malachi 4:5–6 KJV 1900

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, And the heart of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The nation's spiritual leaders were shackled by tradition and, in some instances, outright corruption. The king, Herod the Great, was a tyrant and an extremely wicked man. He had nine wives, one of whom he had executed on a whim.

But no matter how spiritually dark the day might be, God always has a remnant of people who are devoted to Him. Zacharias and Elisabeth were a part of that remnant of believers. Regardless of the wickedness that may be exhibited in the lives of earthly rulers, God is still on His throne in Heaven, and He is still sovereign over the affairs of men. In the midst of these circumstances, God was still at work and sent a man to prepare the way for His Son. That man was John the Baptist.

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, was prophesied to come by the prophet Malachi (Malachi 3:1).

Malachi 3:1 KJV 1900

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: And the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, Even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: Behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.

John was a type ofElijah at Christ's first advent (Luke 1:17).

Luke 1:17 KJV 1900

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

In addition to this, John the Baptist was the last prophet to announce the coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:11-13).

Matthew 17:11–13 KJV 1900

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

The prophet John was sent to prepare the people for the soon coming of Jesus.

Verse five tells us that all of this was taking place "in the days of Herod." Herod was the provincial king of the Jews, appointed by the Roman Senate at the suggestion of Octavius and Mark Antony. As already mentioned, Herod was a very cruel man, exhibited when he ordered the slaughter of the firstborn sons. Many of the buildings he commissioned can still be seen in Jerusalem and Caesarea.

This passage takes us to the Jerusalem of the first century. This was the city God had appointed as the central place of Jewish worship. At the time of Christ, Jerusalem was a city of roughly 100,000 people. One of the most impressive structures in the city was the Jewish Temple, which had been destroyed in 598 B.C. but was later renovated during Herod's rule.

The Jewish people journeyed to the Temple to worship God at least three times each year-the Passover, Pentecost, and Feast of Tabernacles. The passage tells us that Zacharias was a priest and was therefore involved in the sacrifices at the Temple.

We will discover from this passage how God prepared John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.

I. Godly Parents in Living in Dark Days (Luke 1:5-7)

Luke 1:5–7 KJV 1900

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Zacharias and Elisabeth show us that despite the godlessness around us we can still live for God. They were faithful believers, serving the Lord. This godly couple was successful in standing for God, even in the spiritual darkness surrounding them.

Ephesians 6:13 KJV 1900

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Quote: "Zacharias and Elisabeth represent the best of Old Testament piety and as the faithful remnant received the good news of the gospel (Luke 1:19). They are an indication that the good news Jesus brings does not conflict with the faith of Israel in the Old Testament." - New American Commentary

Zacharias and Elisabeth were referred to as "just" or "holy." This means that they had more than just an external conformity to the law. This was an honorable testimony of their "piety" toward God.

A. A Faithful Father (v. 5a)

John would have received an excellent training in the home of Zacharias, who was a priest of the Levites. According to the historian Josephus, there were twenty thousand priests at that time. Because of so many priests, they were divided into twenty-four courses. (Zacharias was of the course of Ahia.) Each course served two weeks out of the year, plus the special feast days.

Definition: Zacharias - the Lord remembers.

"And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless."(Luke 1:6)

B. A Devoted Mother (v. 5b)

Elisabeth was a daughter of Aaron, similar to what people today would call a "preacher's kid." She was a godly woman who served God her whole life.

Definition: Elisabeth - God's oath.

Quote: "The mention of Zechariah and Elizabeth's childlessness and their being past childbearing age points to the human impossibility of the events to come and heightens the miraculous character of God's intervention in their son's birth." - Robert H. Stein, The New American Commentary: Vol. 24

In the Jewish culture, it was a reproach and a difficulty for a couple to be childless. It was the constant prayer of Zacharias and Elisabeth that God would bless them with children. Many modern Christians have an idol - the family. If their family is happy and healthy, they will serve God. However,

Zacharias and Elisabeth chose to serve God even when He had denied them the privilege of rearing children.

II. Gabriel’s Promise to God’s Faithful Servants (Luke 1:8-17)

A. Zacharias - Serving God (Luke 1:8-9)

Quote: "Poverty-stricken as the church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of prayer. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few prayers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere." - Leonard Ravenhill

The Greek word for "temple" in verse 9 is naos, referring to the sanctuary or the Holy Place. The word for "temple" in Luke 2:27, 37, 46 is hieron, referring to the entire temple complex.

As a priest, it was the privilege of Zacharias to offer prayers to God in the Temple. The privilege to offer incense was given to a priest only once in his lifetime. After the morning sacrifice was offered upon the altar, Zacharias would have entered the Holy Place alone, bearing the censer of fresh incense. To his left would be the glow of the golden candlestick. At his right was the table of shewbread. As he moved toward the altar of incense, he could see beyond to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies: where the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat were. Zacharias would then place the fresh incense on the altar, waiting for it to catch fire and begin to smolder. He would worship the Lord and pray, then back out and return to the courtyard outside.

It is probable that Zacharias would have prayed for the deliverance of Israel, and perhaps that God would bless him with a son.

While it is amazing to think of the incredible privilege that Zacharias had to enter the Temple and pray, believers today can enter God's presence anywhere, at any time. There is no priest or pastor between us and God. We have direct access through the blood of Jesus Christ. When we pray to God, it pleases Hirn.

Psalm 141:2 KJV 1900

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

B. Zacharias - Surprised by Gabriel (Luke 1:11-15)

1. A Divine Appointment for Zacharias (Luke 1:11-12)

Luke 1:11–12 KJV 1900

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Moments before, Zacharias had been praying to God and now finds himself standing face to face with the angel Gabriel. This is the first revelation or supernatural appearance from God in four hundred years to anyone in Israel.

2. The Delivered Answer: for Them; for All (Luke 1:13-15)

Luke 1:13–15 KJV 1900

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

Gabriel relayed God's message to Zacharias that, in answer to his prayer, God would give him a son. The angel instructed Zacharias to name his son "John."

Definition: John - Favored of Jehovah, the Lord hath given grace.

Zacharias learned from Gabriel that John would be great in God's sight. The child would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would take the vow of a Nazarite, abstaining from wine or strong drink (Luke 7:33).

Luke 7:33 KJV 1900

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

It is interesting to note that God often speaks to His people and calls them while they are busy living their daily lives. Both Moses and David were caring for sheep, Gideon was threshing wheat, and Peter was fishing when God called them. It is difficult to steer a car when the engine is not running. When we are busy, God begins to direct us.

The Scripture here tells us that John would be filled with the Holy Ghost, "even from his mother's womb:" Being "pro-life" is a biblical position, not a political position. Many people today want to defend abortion in the name of their personal rights. However, the Bible is very clear that the unborn child is just as much a person as a child after birth.

Isaiah 44:2 KJV 1900

Thus saith the Lord that made thee, And formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

C. John the Baptist - Sent to Show the Way (Luke 1:16-17)

1. To Turn Israel to the Lord their God (Luke 1:16-17a)

Luke 1:16 KJV 1900

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

The message he shared was for the people to repent and turn to Jesus.

Lamentations 3:40 KJV 1900

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.

2. To Make Ready a People Prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:17b)

Luke 1:17 KJV 1900

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of Jesus.

Malachi 4:6 KJV 1900

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, And the heart of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

III. God’s Providence will Make a Way (Luke 1:18-25)

Even though Elisabeth and Zacharias did not understand what was happening, God did. He is always in control of every situation, providing in ways we cannot see.

A. Despite Our Doubting (Luke 1:18-20)

1. Doubters Seek for Signs (Luke 1:18)

Luke 1:18 KJV 1900

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

Zacharias had waited his whole life for a son. He knew that God had miraculously intervened in the births of Isaac and Samuel so many years before. Zacharias was not an atheist; he believed in God.

Why do we so often doubt God? He has proven Himself so many times in the past.

Seek not, therefore, after visions, fancies, miracles, signs, and wonders, but believe when God speaks to your heart, according to all the statutes and testimonies, the precepts and promises, which are contained in the sure word of revelation.

Assurance Sought, Volume 63, Sermon #3546 - Psalm 35:3

Charles Spurgeon

Jeremiah 32:17 KJV 1900

Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

2. Doubters Receive Their Sign (Luke 1:19-20)

Luke 1:19–20 KJV 1900

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

After seeing the doubt on Zacharias' face, the angel revealed his name as Gabriel, and stated that he stands in the presence of God. This statement gives additional weight to the truth of the message Gabriel was delivering.

Zacharias was punished with dumbness for his unbelief.

Quote: "Faith is blessed, but unbelief is judged; and Zacharias was struck dumb ... until the Word was fulfilled." - Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary

Quote: "...Zacharias' tongue which had uttered unbelief, was struck speechless ... " - R. Kent Hughes, Luke: That You May Know the Truth

B. Deliverance without Delay (Luke 1:23-25)

1. An Accomplished Ministry (Luke 1:23)

Luke 1:23 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

God is always working behind the scenes in our lives, even when we can't see the work He is doing. Sometimes the waiting periods seem endless, but God has a plan, and He is in control.

Quote: "When we bless God for mercies, we usually prolong them. When we bless God for miseries, we usually end them. Praise is the honey of life which a devout heart extracts from every bloom of providence and grace." - C.H. Spurgeon

2. An Impossible Miracle (Luke 1:24)

Luke 1:24 KJV 1900

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

The Lord had miraculously provided a son to Elisabeth in her old age.

3. God’s Amazing Grace (Luke 1:25)

In the Jewish society, failure to bear children resulted in earthly disgrace. The reproach that Elisabeth had received from others had now been removed by God's grace. Zacharias' failure to believe God resulted in the inability to speak. But when they acknowledged and obeyed God, He swept away the disgrace, and they praised Him.

Illustration: The Apostle Paul wrote about the grace that God gives through trials of life ...

2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV 1900

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Conclusion:

Elisabeth rejoiced because her reproach had been taken away. God is able to take away any reproach that we may have. But there is one reproach that is shared by all men, and that is sin.

Galatians 3:22 KJV 1900

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Romans 3:23–25 KJV 1900

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

If you do not know Jesus as Saviour:

We have already seen that all of us share in a common reproach called sin. But this reproach, this sin, can be removed if we trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour.

If you are a parent:

Will you commit to stay faithful to God, to pray for your children as they are raised in a spiritually dark world? Zacharias and Elisabeth did, and God blessed them for it.

If you are the child of goodly heritage:

Will you stop and thank God for the privilege of having those who love, protect, provide, and most importantly pray for you? John the Baptist was blessed because he had godly parents.

If you are struggling to trust God to provide:

Remember that God is always at work in our lives behind the scenes. He often calls us when we are busy with the normal events of life. He is faithful, and He will provide.