Announcement of John the Baptist Part IV
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C. Summer Wemp, pastor and author wrote this:
While at the beach in Jacksonville, Florida, one summer, I saw a lifeguard suddenly jump to his feet in his tower. He took the Red Cross flag out of its standard and waved it frantically so they could see him at the main life guard station. He then threw it to the ground, jumped down, grabbed a life buoy and rushed out into the water. With strong strokes he swam toward a man waving for help.
While at the beach in Jacksonville, Florida, one summer, I saw a lifeguard suddenly jump to his feet in his tower. He took the Red Cross flag out of its standard and waved it frantically so they could see him at the main life guard station. He then threw it to the ground, jumped down, grabbed a life buoy and rushed out into the water. With strong strokes he swam toward a man waving for help.
In a few seconds, sirens wailed as an ambulance came up and three other guards swam out to help. They rescued the man and gave him artificial respiration. Scores gathered around. All were deeply moved as the man was revived. The same scene was repeated several times that day, for the undertow was unusually strong.
Late that afternoon I went to the main station to say thanks as a private citizen for the dedication of these men. When I walked into the station I was struck by a sign on the wall in large red letters which read,
IF IN DOUBT, GO!
It struck me that this ought to be on the wall of every church and on the table of every heart as we see the multitudes around us and read the command of God to “Go!”
***PRAY***
Let’s Recap
Let’s Recap
People were waiting outside for Zacharias to return from burning the incense…to see if he had received a sign from God.
The sign they were waiting for was for the Sun of Righteousness…the S.U.N. Zacharias sung about in 1:78-79 the same SUN prophesied by Malachi…the last prophet to speak for God in the last 400 years.
The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias in the Holy Place to announce that he and Elizabeth would have a son in their old age. Not just any son, but the forerunner of the long waited Messiah.
Gabriel said that this was an answer to his prayer. NOT the prayer for a son, because Zacharias had long since stopped praying for that...but his prayers for a Messiah.
God sent his #2 angel Gabriel to break 400 years of silence to announce to Zacharias
He would perform a miracle in Zacharias and Elizabeth through the birth of a son.
The nation of Israel’s darkness was ending because The Sun of Righteousness was rising.
Their prayers for the Messiah to come have been answered with the announcement of the forerunner.
And we ended our study last time with another woeful response from Zacharias.
SLIDE
18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”
18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”
We saw that he TOTALLY missed it.
Luke 1:18
He didn’t listen to all the words of God spoken by Gabriel.
And this is where we will begin in our text
He didn’t listen to all the words of God spoken by Gabriel.
He didn’t listen to all the words of God spoken by Gabriel.
Because if he did, he would have heard that God was actually announcing the coming of the long waited for Messiah, the Christ…via the announcement of his son the forerunner
Because if he did, he would have heard that God was announcing the coming of the long waited for Messiah, the Christ via the announcement of his son the forerunner.
Zacharias was doubting the very words of God. He did not believe that God could accomplish what He said.
Let’s continue and see what the consequences are for his doubt or unbelief.
Zacharias’ Unbelief ()
Zacharias’ Unbelief ()
18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 “And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home. 24 After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”
SLIDE
18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”
How will I know this for certain? I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.
19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 “And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home. 24 After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”
I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.What did Zacharias miss because he was thinking about being too old?Why as a priest, did he not have the faith that God could do the impossible? This has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts. Who is Gabriel? What are the implications of him “who stands in the presence of God”? ****This is the most of his life standing in the presence of God. What has he seen? When were Angels created vs. humans? If Angels were created first, this means he saw the world created and man created with a word.***He’s like DUDE!!! Look at me…I have fire coming out of my eyes and my voice is like a multitude. I appeared from thin air. How are you so dense, studying the Scriptures and serving God, hearing the stories passed down. Don’t you know that the words that I’m speaking are directly from God!!!I’m bringing you GOOD (GREAT) News…why in the world would you care about anything else but having a son?What could have been Zacharias’ heart condition at this point in his life that he would immediately go to the place of unbelief?
Zechariah was overwhelmed. He could not take in this angelic announcement. Too old for this to happen, he needed a sign that he was not hallucinating. He acted like Gideon of old ().Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 9.
***Especially since this is the first time ANYONE has heard from God in 400 years!Is there something significant about when Zacharias came out to the people and couldn’t speak? ****He was supposed to preach a sermon****
SLIDE
Yet another woeful response from Zacharias. And it makes me ask questions like:
What has he seen? When were Angels created vs. humans?
Why as a priest, did he not have the faith that God could do the impossible?
Why as a priest, did he not have the faith that God could do the impossible?
This has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
Who is Gabriel?
What are the implications of him “who stands in the presence of God”?
A trance-like event where a person sees or understands a communication from a supernatural being.
***Talk about the angels just a bit. Give scriptural evidence that they were created before the world so Gabriel has watched all of God’s created acts.
***Talk about the angels just a bit. Give scriptural evidence that they were created before the world so Gabriel has watched all of God’s created acts.
***Gabriel stood on God’s left while Michael was on the right. He was #2 only to Michael and has heard everything God has said, Saw everything that God has ever done.
This has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
****This is the most of his life standing in the presence of God. What has he seen? When were Angels created vs. humans? If Angels were created first, this means he saw the world created and man created with a word.***He’s like DUDE!!! Look at me…I have fire coming out of my eyes and my voice is like a multitude. I appeared from thin air. How are you so dense, studying the Scriptures and serving God, hearing the stories passed down. Don’t you know that the words that I’m speaking are directly from God!!!I’m bringing you GOOD (GREAT) News…why in the world would you care about anything else but having a son?What could have been Zacharias’ heart condition at this point in his life that he would immediately go to the place of unbelief?
Zechariah was overwhelmed. He could not take in this angelic announcement. Too old for this to happen, he needed a sign that he was not hallucinating. He acted like Gideon of old ().Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 9.
***Especially since this is the first time ANYONE has heard from God in 400 years!Is there something significant about when Zacharias came out to the people and couldn’t speak? ****He was supposed to preach a sermon****
This has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
What has he seen? When were Angels created vs. humans?
If Angels were created first, this means he saw the world created and man created with a word.***
If Angels were created first, this means he saw the world created and man created with a word.***He’s like DUDE!!! Look at me…I have fire coming out of my eyes and my voice is like a multitude. I appeared from thin air. How are you so dense, studying the Scriptures and serving God, hearing the stories passed down. Don’t you know that the words that I’m speaking are directly from God!!!I’m bringing you GOOD (GREAT) News…why in the world would you care about anything else but having a son?What could have been Zacharias’ heart condition at this point in his life that he would immediately go to the place of unbelief?
Zechariah was overwhelmed. He could not take in this angelic announcement. Too old for this to happen, he needed a sign that he was not hallucinating. He acted like Gideon of old ().Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 9.
***Especially since this is the first time ANYONE has heard from God in 400 years!Is there something significant about when Zacharias came out to the people and couldn’t speak? ****He was supposed to preach a sermon****
19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Gabriel says who stands in the presence of God.
Now that statement seems very simple to understand. Right?
Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that standing in the presence of God is something that is trivial.
This is actually standing by God’s side.
But there’s a little more to it...so let me unpack it just a little bit.
But let me unpack it just a little bit.
First, we know that Angels exist because we believe, as Billy Graham says:
the Bible says there are angels; and I/we believe the Bible to be the true Word of God.
And if we believe they exist, they must have been created, despite there being no formal teaching in the Bible about the creation of angels.
Despite there being no formal teaching in the Bible about the creation of angels.
And now you’re saying…SO WHAT??
I believe that the timing of their creation is important to understand better Gabriel’s description of himself as one
who stands in the presence of God
In we find God rebuking Job. God says:
Where were
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? who laid its cornerstone,
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?
who laid its cornerstone,
Or who laid its cornerstone,
Where were you when the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
And all the asons of God shouted for joy?
1 Lit know understanding
a ;
a
a
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Job
7 When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Sons of God refers to angels. So this implies that angels were not only created before man in the 6 days of creation...it appears that angels were present when the earth was created.
***Gabriel stood on God’s left while Michael was on the right. He was #2 only to Michael and has heard everything God has said, Saw everything that God has ever done.
The Bible does not undebatably state the time of their creation. Angels were created before man in the sequence of the six days of creation. It appears that angels observed Gods early creative activity; they were present when the earth was created (“sons of God,” ) so their creation had to be prior to the creation of the earth.
So there’s much more depth to this statement I am Gabriel who stands in the presence of God.
**Gabriel stood on God’s left while Michael was on the right. He was #2 only to Michael and has heard everything God has said, Saw everything that God has ever done.
SLIDE
**Gabriel stood on God’s left while Michael was on the right. He was #2 only to Michael and has heard everything God has said, Saw everything that God has ever done.
Gabriel was present when God said in Genesis 1
his has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
his has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
SLIDE
Gabriel was there when God said
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Gen 1:26his has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
SLIDE
He was there when God said to Noah
13 Then God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.
Gen 6:13his has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
Gabriel has seen EVERY creation act...heard EVERY creation word
…NOBODY has seen more…NOBODY has heard more than Gabriel.
Literally a second before appearing to Zacharias....Gabriel was standing next to God receiving instructions on what to say to him.
And so in his statement I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God Gabriel is saying,
Zacharias how are you so dense, you’ve studied the Scriptures and served God as a priest your whole life. You’ve , heard the stories passed down from your fathers. Don’t you know that the words that I’m speaking are directly from God!!!
And how do you ask the God of the universe for a sign to prove that He will do what He said he do?
Suit yourself, here’s a sign for you:
Warren Wiersbe says:
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)
You would think that the presence of an angel and the announcement of God’s Word would encourage Zacharias’ faith, but they did not. WHYInstead of looking to God by faith, the priest looked at himself and his wife and decided that the birth of a son was impossible. He wanted some assurance beyond the plain word of Gabriel, God’s messenger, perhaps a sign from God.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)
You would think that the presence of an angel and the announcement of God’s Word would encourage Zacharias’ faith, but they did not. Instead of looking to God by faith, the priest looked at himself and his wife and decided that the birth of a son was impossible. He wanted some assurance beyond the plain word of Gabriel, God’s messenger, perhaps a sign from God.
He would have known what Gabriel was announcing…that he and his wife would be given the forerunner as a son which ultimately means the Messiah was coming.
He would have known what Gabriel was announcing…that he and his wife would be given the forerunner as a son which ultimately means the Messiah was coming.
It really makes you scratch your head in disbelief.
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 171.He would have known what Gabriel was announcing…that he and his wife would be given the forerunner as a son which ultimately means the Messiah was coming.
He would have known what Gabriel was announcing…that he and his wife would be given the forerunner as a son which ultimately means the Messiah was coming.
It really makes you scratch your head in disbelief.
rhis has implications for our lives. Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
***Emphasize that Zacharias should have known all this.
But, even in this mind boggling moment of doubt, we actually can find some comfort.
Remember what God said about Zacharias and Elizabeth back in:
SLIDE
6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.
Not righteous in the sight of men, but in the sight of God.
The comfort we find is...even a man that is righteous in God’s eyes; even a man that has been serving God his whole life can experience doubt.
Calvin writes:
but while he was convinced generally that God is faithful, he was cunningly drawn by the craft and wiles of Satan to draw a wicked distinction. It is all the more necessary for us to keep diligent watch: for which of us shall be secure against the snares of the devil, when we learn that a man so eminently holy, who had all his life maintained strict watchfulness over himself, was overtaken by them?
Neither I nor Calvin are saying its ok to doubt God and I’m definitely not saying that God thinks its ok, but we can find comfort in knowing that we’re not the only people of God that experience doubt.
Even a man that has been serving God his whole life has doubts.
Now I’m not saying its this is ok and I’m definitely not saying that God thinks its ok, but we can take comfort in knowing that we’re not the only believers that experience doubt.
No having doubt is one thing, but calling on God for proof that he will or can accomplish what He says he will... well that takes it to a whole other level.
So God’s like…you want a sign…I’ll give you a sign.
Verse 20:
SLIDE
20 “And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
Wiersbe again says:
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)
WHATThis, of course, was unbelief, and unbelief is something God does not accept. Zacharias was really questioning God’s ability to fulfill His own Word!
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)
This, of course, was unbelief, and unbelief is something God does not accept. Zacharias was really questioning God’s ability to fulfill His own Word!
How are you so dense, studying the Scriptures and serving God, hearing the stories passed down. Don’t you know that the words that I’m speaking are directly from God!!!
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)
Faith is blessed, but unbelief is judged; and Zacharias was struck dumb (and possibly deaf, Luke 1:62) until the Word was fulfilled. “I believed, and therefore have I spoken” (2 Cor. 4:13). Zacharias did not believe; therefore he could not speak.
This
This just doesn’t seem fare does it?
Didn’t Abraham do the same thing, yet Paul applauded his faith when he doubted that God would give him and Sarah a child in their old age.
WhatThis, of course, was unbelief, and unbelief is something God does not accept. Zacharias was really questioning God’s ability to fulfill His own Word!
SLIDE
19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;
And was Gideon disciplined when he asked God for a sign NOT ONCE…but twice? (
So Why does Zacharias get disciplined for nothing less than what these guys did?
I think that John Calvin explains this really well:
if the words only are considered, either all were equally to blame, or Zacharias did nothing wrong. But as the actions and words of men must be judged from the state of the heart, we ought rather to abide by the judgment of God, to whom the hidden secrets of the heart are naked and opened, (Heb. 4:13.)
Unquestionably, the Lord beheld in Zacharias something worse than his words may bear, and therefore his anger was kindled against him for throwing back with distrust the promised favour.
SLIDE
And then he rightfully warns us:
We have no right, indeed, to lay down a law to God which would not leave him free to punish in one the fault which he pardons in others.
He says
WHYAbraham did the same; and yet his faith is so highly applauded that Paul declares, he “considered not his own body now dead, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb,” (Rom. 4:19,) but unhesitatingly relied on the truth and power of God. Zacharias inquires how, or by what proof, he might arrive at certainty. But Gideon was not blamed for twice asking a sign, (Judges 6:17, 37, 39.) Nay more, we are shortly after this informed of Mary’s objection, How shall this be, since I know not a man? (ver. 34,) which the angel passes over as if it contained nothing wrong. How comes it then that God punishes Zacharias so severely, as if he had been guilty of a very heinous sin? I do acknowledge that, if the words only are considered, either all were equally to blame, or Zacharias did nothing wrong. But as the actions and words of men must be judged from the state of the heart, we ought rather to abide by the judgment of God, to whom the hidden secrets of the heart are naked and opened, (Heb. 4:13.)
God sees the depths of our hearts and it is evident that God was able to see something in Zacharias’ heart that was far different than Abraham and Gideon...not written in the text.
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 171. just doesn’t seem fair.
Therefore, knowledge of it must be left to God.
Besides the fact that Zacharias was struck dumb here, there are several other important things that can be observed from this verse:
But it is very evident that the case of Zacharias was widely different from that of Abraham, or Gideon, or Mary. This does not appear in the words; and therefore the knowledge of it must be left to God, whose eyes pierce the depths of the heart.
That this is indeed a sign, though a punitive sign, a sign none-the less and a miraculous sign for sure.
The Holman Bible Dictionary says:
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Muteness
An exception is Zechariah’s muteness (Luke 1:20, 22) which served as a sign of the truthfulness of Gabriel’s message as well as a punishment for Zechariah’s unbelief.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Muteness
Zechariah’s muteness (Luke 1:20, 22) which served as a sign of the truthfulness of Gabriel’s message as well as a punishment for Zechariah’s unbelief.
There are more examples of muteness as a sign.
SLIDE
God made Ezekial mute in response to Israel’s failure to listen to his message.
26 “Moreover, I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be mute and cannot be a man who rebukes them, for they are a rebellious house.
The Psalmist considered muteness an appropriate punishment for liars.
SLIDE
18 Let the lying lips be mute, Which speak arrogantly against the righteous With pride and contempt.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Muteness
God made Ezekiel mute (Ezek. 3:26) in response to Israel’s failure to listen to his message.
Muteness is a sign
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Muteness
The psalmist considered muteness an appropriate punishment for liars (Ps. 31:18).
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Muteness
An exception is Zechariah’s muteness (Luke 1:20, 22) which served as a sign of the truthfulness of Gabriel’s message as well as a punishment for Zechariah’s unbelief.
Despite this being a punishment, there is a promise hidden here.
I’m bringing you GOOD (GREAT) News
God promised that Zacharias’ voice would return with the statement
unable to speak until the day when these things take place
There is ALSO an assurance in Zacharias’ and OUR lack of faith.
Suit yourself, here’s a sign for you:
Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke B. Preparing for the Forerunner (1:5–25)
Be assured, your unbelief cannot stop God’s plans. My words will come true.
Be assured, your unbelief cannot stop God’s plans. My words will come true.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says:
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 1:18–20
A sign in the Old Testament was often associated with a confirming observable phenomenon which accompanied a word of prophecy. For the next nine months Zechariah’s attempts to speak would prove the reality of Gabriel’s message.
Let’s continue at verse 21:
Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 10.here are several o
SLIDE
21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple.
The people expected the priest’s prayers to last a certain length of time, but too much time had passed already and they began to get worried.
21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.
Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke B. Preparing for the Forerunner (1:5–25)
Zechariah’s incense offering took too long. People outside quit praying and began worrying. Where is he? Do we need to do something to rescue him? What could have happened?
The people expected the priest’s prayers to last a certain length of time, but too much time had passed already and they began to get worried.
Holman’s NT Commentary on Luke says:
Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke B. Preparing for the Forerunner (1:5–25)
People outside quit praying and began worrying. Where is he? Do we need to do something to rescue him? What could have happened?
Or perhaps they were excited as Calvin alludes:
People outside quit praying and began worrying. Where is he? Do we need to do something to rescue him? What could have happened?
Zacharias had tarried in the temple longer than usual. This leads to the supposition that something uncommon has happened to him.
It was quite unusual for a priest to stay very long in the Holy Place.
Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 10.
The Pulpit Commentary: St. Luke (Vol. I) Chapter 1
The Talmud tells us that even the high priest did not tarry long in the holy of holies on the Day of Atonement. The same feeling of holy awe would induce the ministering priest of the day to perform his functions with no unnecessary delay, and to leave as soon as possible the holy phace.
A Walk with God: Luke 2. Gabriel Sent to Zechariah (Luke 1:5–25)
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and WHATwondering why he stayed so long in the temple.’ They expected the priest’s prayers to last a certain length of time, but too much time had passed and they were becoming apprehensive.
There were few, probably no visions at that point and time. In fact, I’ll say it again…there’s been no word from God for 400 years,
Continu
But the people remembered the stories of their fathers, where visions were frequent. So it is not without reason, that they think something unusual was going on with Zacharias.
True, there were few or no visions in that age, but the people remembered that formerly, in the time of their fathers, they were of frequent occurrence. It is not without reason, therefore, that they draw this conclusion
Continuing
SLIDE
22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.
Author RC Sproul makes a very interesting observation:
A Walk with God: Luke 2. Gabriel Sent to Zechariah (Luke 1:5–25)
WHATThe order of Luke’s words is unusual for he says the people realised Zechariah had seen a vision before he made signs to them. The words seem to suggest that the people realised immediately. As soon as they saw his face they knew he had seen a vision. Perhaps as Zechariah walked out of the temple, he reflected the light of Gabriel’s countenance, and the people knew he had been in the presence of a heavenly messenger.
A Walk with God: Luke 2. Gabriel Sent to Zechariah (Luke 1:5–25)
The order of Luke’s words is unusual for he says the people realised Zechariah had seen a vision before he made signs to them. The words seem to suggest that the people realised immediately. As soon as they saw his face they knew he had seen a vision. Perhaps as Zechariah walked out of the temple, he reflected the light of Gabriel’s countenance, and the people knew he had been in the presence of a heavenly messenger.
Commentator H.D.M. Spence adds
The Pulpit Commentary: St. Luke (Vol. I) Chapter 1
We know that, in the old days of the desert wanderings, the children of Israel could not bear to look on the face of Moses when he came down from the mount after dwelling for a brief space in the light of the glory of the Eternal. Zacharias had been face to face with one whose blessed lot it was to stand for ever in the presence of God. We may well suppose that there lingered on the old man’s face, as he left the sanctuary, something which told the beholder of the presence just left.
We know that, in the old days of the desert wanderings, the children of Israel could not bear to look on the face of Moses when he came down from the mount after dwelling for a brief space in the light of the glory of the Eternal. Zacharias had been face to face with one whose blessed lot it was to stand for ever in the presence of God. We may well suppose that there lingered on the old man’s face, as he left the sanctuary, something which told the beholder of the presence just left.
Verse 23
SLIDE
23 When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home. 24 After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”
H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed., St. Luke, vol. 1, The Pulpit Commentary (London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909), 6.
Ok…so imagine having to work the rest of the week with the news that Zacharias possessed.
He couldn’t really tell his fellow priests without writing. implies that he couldn’t hear
I know that when I have big news…I can’t wait to tell my Zemer
Imagine having to walk back the roughly 7 kilometers home to tell his wife.
It’s not like he could text her or hit her up on his celly.
...and it’s not like he could run home…they didn’t have NIKE Airs then…he was wearing sandals.
He couldn’t wait to tell her the news and you know...
Anyway, like God had promised, Elizabeth became pregnant and worshipped God by giving praise to Him for removing her shame.
The fact the Elizabeth was keeping herself in seclusion…that was a personal choice.
There is no known custom that would require her to do this.
Some commentators suggest that nobody would believe her that she was pregnant in her old age.
So, she hid herself for 5 months because by then she would have a little baby bump and nobody could dispute her claims of being pregnant...not to mention that she was carrying the forerunner of the coming Messiah.
...not to mention that her child was the forerunner of the coming Messiah.
SHEWWWW!
We’re finally got through that section. We finally completed the Announcement of John the Baptist. And it only took us 2 months.
But before we end, we need to talk about the consequences of unbelief here.
We need to see what Zacharias encountered due to his doubt.
I want to emphasize, that the cause of Zacharias’ unbelief, was he didn’t completely listen to God. He heard what he wanted to hear.
He completely ignored
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5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
And you know he has heard this a time or two growing up as a priest’s son, grandson
...and in his lifetime as a priest.
But there are secondary consequences resulting from his loss of speech and hearing.
The same things we miss out on in our lack of faith in the power and sovereignty of God.
He missed out.
The question is...What did he miss out on?
The same things we miss out on in our lack of faith in the power and sovereignty of God.
1. He missed out on the privilege to bless the people outside waiting for him.
It was customary for the priest to pronounce Aaron’s blessing to the people when he came out after burning incense to God.
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How many
Everyone who has ever blessed anyone knows it is a great feeling deep down in your soul when you bless people out of obedience to God.
24 The Lord bless you, and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’
Aren’t there times when we feel the prodding of God to bless people with our time, talents and treasures but we don’t.
Everyone who has ever blessed anyone...knows it is a great feeling deep down in your soul when you bless people out of obedience to God.
Everyone who has ever blessed anyone knows it is a great feeling deep down in your soul when you bless people out of obedience to God.
It’s a privilege actually.
But how many times have we missed the opportunity to bless somebody because of our lack of faith?
I can think of several. I know that God has been burdening my heart to be much more forward about my faith. Often times I have found myself in conversations with young men where I know that God is making a connection with. The door is open for me when they ask “How do you like Kosovo?” “Why are you here?” “How long are you here for?” etc. They’re very interested in me and seem comfortable. Then they ask questions about the election which are perfect opportunities to discuss my faith and how my beliefs lead me in my decisions, but NO…I don’t trust God and I don’t go there.
Yes...many of us reach in our pockets and give change to a poor kid or woman. We collect our plastic to give to the needy. We all tithe…at least I hope we all tithe.
Personally, I’ve bought many of loaves of bread for the young roma girl and her baby at ETC.
I am not mocking these acts of kindness, but it doesn’t take a lot of faith to do these things.
I say this as a confession…I can’t remember the last time I gave until it hurts. That I gave of myself, my money, my time etc. in such a sacrificial way that I had to really trust God.
So, in essence, my confession is...I doubt that God will provide for me when I give in a way that causes hardship on me.
I’m not only talking about money...this includes time as well.
But like Zacharias, when we doubt God, we miss out on the privilege to bless others.
2. He missed out on the privilege to share the Good News.
PLEASE!!! Can I count on 2 hands the amount of times I’ve missed the opportunity to share the Good News…the Gospel?
He lost the privilege to share the Good News that the Messiah was coming.
NOO!!!!
Illustration
Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes not so obvious when God is telling us to share the Good News with somebody.
That’s why Paul himself asks for prayer on this from the church:
2 tim 2:42
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
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19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Now I know that Zacharias physically was unable to speak, but isn’t the principle the same?
His consequence f
he says it refers to us and that we are to be ready to preach the word whether we FEEEEL like it or not!
But Oswald Chambers says it does not…he says it refers to us and that we are to be ready to preach the word whether we FEEEEL like it or not!
His
He says:
When we don’t listen to God, we miss out on opportunities to share the Gospel with the lost.
My Utmost for His Highest April 25th—Instant in Season
If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would do nothing for ever and ever.
As I studied for
In my study...I read this blog called Teach Me To Pray.
Chambers says that some believers refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired.
He says, they refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired.
I’m not sure who writes it, the author’s name isn’t obvious anywhere, but he tells a story about missing out on sharing the good news.
hey refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired. The proof that our relationship is right with God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not.
I was driving to an appointment with a pastor at my church. I was running late so I was kind of in a hurry. I was meeting this pastor to let them know of my desire to partner in the evangelism ministry outreach. So as I was driving, my mind was on the meeting, yet something caught my eye. There standing on a corner of town, by the bus stop was a young lady who may have been 18 or 19 years old. She was wearing all black. Her face was pale and it caused me to see that she was weeping. Black streaks were running down her cheeks. At that instant, the Holy Spirit interrupted the moment and asked me to stop and ask the girl what was the matter. I heard the Holy Spirit as if He were sitting next to me. The traffic light turned green, I continued to drive, and I didn’t stop to ask. I was headed to a meeting on evangelism to tell the world outside of the church walls about Jesus and I didn’t stop. My thoughts were not on this girl’s eternal well-being. My mind was on getting to a meeting. As soon as I entered my pastor’s office, I sat down and began to weep. The pastor asked me what was the matter. I told the pastor I needed to confess that I had turned my back on this girl when God gave me the opportunity. I didn’t know the time of His visitation with her. I had missed my opportunity.
The proof that our relationship is right with God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not.
How many of us have stories like that? I know that I have too many.
Here’s one:
But how many times have we missed the opportunity to bless somebody because of our lack of faith?
I know that God has been burdening my heart to be much more forward about my faith. Often times I have found myself in conversations with young men where I know that God is making a connection with. The door is open for me when they ask “How do you like Kosovo?” “Why are you here?” “How long are you here for?” etc. They’re very interested in me and seem comfortable. Then they ask questions about the election which are perfect opportunities to discuss my faith and how my beliefs lead me in my decisions, but NOOOO…I don’t trust God and I don’t go there.
and, like Zacharias, when we don’t listen, we miss out on the privilege to share the good news.
3. He missed out on the privilege to celebrate with his friends.
After his duty was over in the Temple, he runs home to share with Elizabeth what his week was like.
Nobody has heard from God in 400 years…NOBODY...and God chose Zacharias to break the 400 years of silence... ...and the NEWS was HUGE!
Nobody has heard from God in 400 years…NOBODY...and God chose Zacharias and the NEWS was HUGE!
I can think of no better example than the gr
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There was a lot to tell, but he could not speak. And judging from
62 And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called.
Zacharias is most likely deaf too.
I picture the two of them scribbling on a tablet, or perhaps writing in the dirt in the floor of their home.
Scribbling on a tablet, or perhaps writing in the dirt in their yard he told her the whole story.
This is how he told her the whole story.
You can imagine how frustrating it would be for Zacharias to communicate.
It would be very difficult, nearly impossible to celebrate the good news with his village.
I can appreciate this type frustration. There is so much I want to share and to discuss with my friends here in Kosovo, but sometimes it feels like I just can’t speak.
With some folks, I couldn’t celebrate either...so I just don’t try.
Moses is another example of missing out on celebrating with his people because he doubted God had the power to deliver.
In the Book of Numbers chapter 20, Moses’ sister has just died. Before he has time to mourn over his sister’s death, the people start arguing and complaining with Moses for leading them and their animals into the desert to die.
Much like Moses. Consider
They are complaining that there is no water, no fruit and no grain.
****what things in your life mute you, or blind you or even make you deaf.
****what things in your life mute you, or blind you or even make you deaf.
So God tells Moses, grab your staff and your brother Aaron and assemble around the rock. Let them see the rock and speak to the rock, basically pray to Me God for water, and let everyone see God provide the water.
But Moses was impatient, he cared more about silencing the people and told them that HE not God, would give them water and he struck the rock.
Just like how God still kept His promise of a son despite Zacharias’ doubt, God kept His promise of water, though Moses doubted, as it flowed from the rock after he struck it.
Like Zacharias, Moses was in big trouble. Zacharias lost the privilege of celebrating the good news that Gabriel had brought, Moses lost the privilege of celebrating with his people in the promised land.
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12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
Much like Zacharias, when doubt God’s promises and power, we can miss out on much.
Before we end, I want to challenge you with this question.
Where i
In what areas of your life do you doubt God can deliver that make you
unable to speak
unable to see
or unable to hear?
***PRAY***
***Consider Moses unbelief. He struck the rock for more water because he was more concerned about the cries of the people than trusting God. So he was not permitted to enter the promised land.
***Consider Moses unbelief. He struck the rock for more water because he was more concerned about the cries of the people than trusting God. So he was not permitted to enter the promised land.
***Consider Moses unbelief. He struck the rock for more water because he was more concerned about the cries of the people than trusting God. So he was not permitted to enter the promised land.
12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke B. Preparing for the Forerunner (1:5–25)
Zechariah was overwhelmed. He could not take in this angelic announcement. Too old for this to happen, he needed a sign that he was not hallucinating. He acted like Gideon of old (Judg. 6).
Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 9.
Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 9.
He acted like Gideon of old ().Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 9.
****He was supposed to preach a sermon****
Why in the world
Zacharias knew that this is a divine messenger, remember the description from last time. He knew that this description of the son is indeed the forerunner. So he knew that it was the announcement also of the Messiah.
This was words coming from God himself and he had the nerve to demand proof?
***Especially since this is the first time ANYONE has heard from God in 400 years!
***Especially since this is the first time ANYONE has heard from God in 400 years!
Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 10.
****He was supposed to preach a sermon****
Is there something significant about when Zacharias came out to the people and couldn’t speak?
****He was supposed to preach a sermon****
It’s a good time to clarify the difference between a sign and a vision.
***Get good info from the factbook
***This is an example that proves God will accomplish His will whether we’re pickin up what he’s layin down or not.
Definition
A phenomenon that is perceived to indicate something else, but especially something about future events.
A trance-like event where a person sees or understands a communication from a supernatural being.
When he sought to help his people by taking matters into his own hands, he spent the next forty years herding sheep in the wilderness (). This time his impetuous behavior cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land (). In his frustration at the peoples’ irreverence, Moses committed the very same sin, blatantly disobeying God's instructions. Moses allowed his attention to shift to the behavior of others rather than focusing on the activity of God.
Elizabeth’s Relief ()
Elizabeth’s Relief ()
Blackaby, Richard (2006-12-01). Experiencing God Day By Day (Kindle Locations 2311-2314). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Elizabeth’s Relief ()
Why did she stay in seclusion?
What does verse 25 mean?
What is Elizabeth’s disgrace among men?
Ever wonder why Zacharias might have doubted? I think John Calvin explains it well
WHYThe reason why Zacharias doubted was, that, stopping at the ordinary course of nature, he ascribed less than he ought to have done to the power of God. They take a narrow and disparaging view of the works of God, who believe that he will do no more than nature holds out to be probable, as if his hand were limited to our senses or confined to earthly means. But it belongs to faith to believe that more can be done than carnal reason admits. Zacharias had no hesitation with regard to its being the voice of God, but as he looked too exclusively at the world, an indirect doubt arose in his mind if what he had heard would really happen. In that respect he did no slight injury to God, for he went so far as to reason with himself, whether God, who had undoubtedly spoken to him, should be regarded as worthy of credit.