Zechariah's Prophetic Praise
Notes
Transcript
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
69 He has raised up a horn
of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Introduction
Introduction
The text that we have before us is the third song that we find recorded for us in these opening chapters of the book of Luke. We had the song Elizabeth (even though it was quite brief). We also had the wonderful song of praise that was sung by Mary as she visited with Elizabeth.
This morning we come to the song of praise that is sung by Zechariah. It is an amazing song of praise and worship to God for His great kindness, and it has a particular emphasis on salvation.
Just to remind you of the context.
You will recall that Zechariah had been mute for many months - for the duration of his wife’s pregnancy. John the Baptist had just now been born, and after Zechariah and Elizabeth both affirm that his name is to be John, Zechariah’s mouth is eventually opened again, and he praises God.
And in these verses before us we have for us at least some of the words of praise that flow from Zechariah’s lips.
As we consider this song of praise, I’d like to point something that makes this song of praise so striking for us, that is it’s focus on the Messiah, Jesus. The context is the birth of John the baptist - the one who was to prepare the way for the Messiah. And this is the father of John praising God. You would imagine quite some bias and focus on his own son; a focus on how great his own son is going to be; a focus on how good God is for giving him his own son.
But as Zechariah praises God through these verses, his focus is primarily on the Saviour that is to be born. And speaks in terms of things being fulfilled. So certain is Zechariah that what is unfolding before them at this time is God’s fulfilling of the promises made to Israel in history, that he speaks in terms of the fulfillment thereof, even though the Messiah is not yet born.
And so the birth of his own son, the one who would be the forerunner, is merely a context for praising God for the greater son, the one who was yet to be born, and yet who was soon to be born through Mary.
So let us turn our attention then to this wonderful song of praise by Zechariah.
Notice before we delve into our text, that this is again a song of praise that erupts as the Holy Spirit moves Zechariah.
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Here is a movement of the Holy Spirit of God, leading his people to deep and God-honouring praises.
You will recall the moment when Elizabeth and Mary met, as Mary went to go and confirm with her own eyes that Elizabeth was indeed pregnant and with child. And as they greeted one another, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they sang their songs of praise and joy.
Now it is Zechariah who is filled with the Holy Spirit of God. It is this Holy Spirit who moves and works in the heart of Zechariah to praise him with the words that He does.
But note, very importantly here, that the Spirit of God moves Zechariah not only to praise, but to prophecy. This is prophetic praise, because it is praise that is looking forward to the Messiah that is yet unborn, and yet singing his praises as though fulfilled already.
Notice also that there is a theological richness to his praise. Not only does he sing praise here, but the praise is so heavily grounded in Scripture, and in God’s promises to Israel.
1. Praise for God’s Salvation (vv.68-75)
1. Praise for God’s Salvation (vv.68-75)
As we read Zechariah’s song of praise, we see that this is a song that is intently focused on the salvation that God is bringing to His people.
The song begins in verse 68 with the words:
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
Zechariah directs his praise to the Lord, the God of Israel. “Praise Be” is the word that is otherwise translated “Blessed.”
Here was a familiar formula in the worship of God’s people.
13 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
There is one True God - the God of Israel, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise must go to Him alone.
But we also see, very importantly, the reason for the praise that Zechariah brings. It is praise because he has come and has redeemed his people.
The praise that Zechariah brings is redemptive praise. Praise that is founded on the reality of redemption. Mankind consists of those in deep need of redemption. God has always been about the business of redeeming a people for himself. This is what Israel longed for. This is what the Messiah would come for.
But notice in this verse that Zechariah worships God for redemption as a present reality. He says that God “has redeemed his people.” The NASB reads… “For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people...”
It is a profound thing that Zechariah speaks in these present reality terms. Jesus, who is to be the Messiah, has not yet been born. Nonetheless, Zechariah praises God because of the certainty of the fulfillment that is coming about.
The words of Zechariah remind one of the account in Exodus, when God heard the cries of His people as they were in slavery in Egypt.
31 and they believed. And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.
So too, here, God is concerned. He has seen the misery of His people, their desperate need, and he is coming to fulfill his promises to them. And Zechariah worships Him.
As Zechariah praised God here, we must note that even in his own mind, very likely his idea of redemption was still somewhat limited - limited to the people of Israel and their redemption from oppressive rulers around them.
But the reality is so far greater than this. The redeemer that was most certainly coming to redeem His people, would be a redeemer for all peoples on the earth - from every tribe, nation and tongue. He would bring salvation for all the world, for everyone who would believe in Him. And He would bring not a temporary redemption, but an eternal one...
12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
As we go on, we must see the further details concerning this redemption that Luke records as part of Zechariah’s song of praise.
1.1. It’s Power (v.69a)
1.1. It’s Power (v.69a)
Firstly we see the power of the salvation.
Verse 69a says “…He has raised up a horn of salvation for us...”.
The horn that is referred to here speaks of that which is powerful and strong. The horn of an animal like a bull is where its strength and potency lie. We see some of this power of the horn in the Old Testament. In the song of Hannah, at the time when Samuel was born to her, as part of her song she sang...
10 those who oppose the Lord will be shattered.
He will thunder against them from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
“He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
That verse just speaks of the mighty power of God against any enemies. There is great power in the salvation that God brings.
The Psalmist wrote...
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
All of those terms speak of the great protective and saving strength and power of the Almighty God. And so, this salvation and redemption that Zechariah praises God for is one of great power.
Dear friends, this salvation that God has wrought is powerful to save you and I. Do you see that? Do you see that sin is powerless against the mighty working of God through Christ?
1.2. It’s Covenantal Nature (vv.69b-74a)
1.2. It’s Covenantal Nature (vv.69b-74a)
As Zechariah sings this song of praise, he links it fully to the covenant promises of God that he now sees are coming to fulfillment. God is keeping His promises to Israel.
Notice firstly the link to David.
1.2.1. To David
1.2.1. To David
He has raised up this horn of salvation “..in the house of his servant David...”
Here is certain confirmation that Zechariah had Jesus in mind in this context, rather than his own son John. Jesus is the one that would be seen to come through the line of David through Joseph, who was pledged to be married to Mary.
When Matthew records his genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, he begins it with these words… “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David...” (Matthew 1:1) The son of David was a key and prominent figure in the Jewish mind as they waited for God’s promised Saviour.
Zechariah is here confirming that God is keeping his promises to bring a deliverer and king through the line of David.
1.2.2. Through the Prophets
1.2.2. Through the Prophets
Zechariah also confirms that this Saviour that was coming is the one that was spoken of through the prophets. Verse 70…
“...(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago)...”
One of the wonderful prophecies that spoke of this coming of the Messiah was through the prophet Jeremiah...
5 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.
6 In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
The Lord Our Righteousness.
It is little wonder that Zechariah has burst forth in praise, as he comprehends in his own mind that God is bringing his promises to fulfillment in this moment.
Just imagine the joy of considering that a righteous king is being granted… A king that would reign with wisdom, unlike so many other kings in Israel’s history that were corrupt and self-centered and filled with wrong motives, and just plain lack of wisdom. Not only that, but Judah would be saved, and Israel would live in safety.
Verse 71 makes clear this anticipation in Zechariah himself...
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
Note here that this salvation is from “our enemies...” -
Most likely, as Zechariah sang this song, he would have believed that this Messiah would be coming as a physical, political deliverer - this was the common Jewish thinking.
He sings about being delivered “from all those who hate us...” There were those that were actively opposed to the Jewish people. They had a hatred towards them, and sought to put them under subjection under their own leadership in an oppressive manner. The Egyptians; the Canaanites; the Assyrians; the Babylonians; and in Zechariah’s own day, the Romans. All of these had been enemies / oppressors of the Israelites. And so the great hope for the Jewish people was a righteous ruler to deliver them.
But friends, if that was something that gave them great hope and eager anticipation, how much more so the reality of the Saviour. The Saviour that came went far above and beyond what was anticipated. The Saviour came to redeem people not merely from an oppressive physical people, but from the ultimate oppressor, the worker of darkness, Satan.
What the Saviour came to do was to set up a righteous rule and reign and protect and keep His own people safe and secure from the greatest evil - sin and the worker of darkness; He came to redeem people from a greater danger - separation from God Himself.
And that righteous king rules and reigns today with all authority in heaven and on earth and under the earth. He rules today. This is what we delight in - a great Saviour, not from physical enemies, but from the spiritual enemy that is far worse.
In Christ, we have freedom and joy from the power of sin and death - those things which bring destruction unto eternity. We instead have life unto eternity in Christ.
1.2.3. To the Patriarchs
1.2.3. To the Patriarchs
72 to show mercy to our fathers...
20 You will be true to Jacob,
and show mercy to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our fathers
in days long ago.
Promises had been made by God to the Fathers of Israel, and it is these promises that are coming to fulfillment.
1.2.4. To Abraham
1.2.4. To Abraham
V.72b-73
“...and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham...”
Again, note that Zechariah sees this entire event as the coming to fulfillment of the Covenants of God, in this case to Abraham. Not only the promise made to David; not only that which was told through the prophets; not only the promises to the patriarchs; but the promise on oath to Abraham.
God entered into covenant with Abraham early in the book of Genesis.
Consider the following texts: Genesis 12:1-3; Gen. 15:17-19; Gen. 17:1-2; Gen. 22:15-18;
Let us be sure that the promises that were made to Abraham did not come to fulfillment in an instant. They did not even come to proper fulfillment in his own lifetime. And yet God was faithful to keep His promises, and the promises made to Abraham were now finally going to truly have proper fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
God is a covenant making, and a covenant keeping God. And this great redemption that Zechariah is singing of is coming about as a result of the fulfillment of God’s various covenant promises.
When Paul introduced his letter to the Romans, he put it also in the context of these various facets that we’ve just considered. Listen to his summary:
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Here are the foundations of our hope - what God promised. And we know that he has brought this all to fulfillment.
1.3. It’s Enabling Effects (vv.74-75)
1.3. It’s Enabling Effects (vv.74-75)
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
We’ve considered in detail the fact that this salvation would save Israel from her enemies.
Again, Zechariah and the Jewish people would have understood this mostly in terms of a deliverance out of the hands of a stronger oppressive nation. It was not safe, and it was not possible for them to fully serve God whilst under this rule of other nations. And so they longed for freedom.
But how much more profound and beautiful is the actual fulfillment for all believers, for the church. Christians are not merely freed from the oppression of earthly rulers, but they are freed from the rule and reign of the evil one, and from the rule of sin over their lives.
There is thus freedom in an entirely new dimension - freedom from condemnation and guilt that would hold us back from genuine and truly free worship of God.
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
We can approach the Almighty in worship, because our great High Priest has Himself been the perfect offering on our behalf, and because He even now intercedes on our behalf.
Beautiful Hymn by Charles Wesley, And can it be...
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Here is true freedom.
Is that how you see your worship of God.
When we are in Christ, there is no fear to approach God - we can approach with confidence the throne of grace.
And it goes beyond that. We can now live lives that are new, clothed in the righteousness and holiness of Christ.
Listen to the instructions of Paul to the church in Ephesus...
20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
And then Paul goes on to outline what that life looks like - a life radically altered when compared with the unregenerate person of the world.
Indeed, we are called by God to serve Him now in true righteousness and holiness. He has enabled this by His son, through the redemption that has been achieved in Jesus Christ.
The redemption that has great power has great ability to transform lives!!!
2. Praise for God’s Prophet (vv.76-78a)
2. Praise for God’s Prophet (vv.76-78a)
Having given extensive praise to God for this great redemption, Zechariah goes on to give praise to God for his own son. He begins in verse 76...
76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
A couple of things are clear as Zechariah, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit considers the nature of his own son.
Firstly, he acknowledges and recognizes that his son will be a prophet of the Most High. The “Most High”is God the Father - the same name that Gabriel used when telling Mary that she would give birth to the Son of the Most High.
John would be a prophet.
9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
John the Baptist would be a true prophet, and a great prophet. He would be the last of the Old Testament prophets, before the full and final revelation of God came through Jesus Christ.
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Zechariah then goes on to speak about the work that his son would do as a prophet. “...for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him...”
Zechariah here confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. Elizabeth had already done this previously, as she had called Mary the mother of her Lord. Zechariah too confesses that his own son would be the one to prepare the way for the Lord.
This would be the fulfillment of that which was spoken through the prophet Isaiah. Mark records it in these words in his Gospel record:
Delving further into the work that this son would come to do, Zechariah goes on to say in verse 77 that he would come...
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
And so, it would indeed come about, that John the Baptist would go out and preach this Gospel of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Dear friends, it is this same Gospel message that is sounded out today in order to bring people into a living relationship with God Almighty.
3. Praise for God’s Son (vv.78b-79)
3. Praise for God’s Son (vv.78b-79)
This is indeed the focus point of Zechariah’s praise. Even as he praised God for redemption, it was evident that this redemption would come through the son. Even as Zechariah praised God for his own son being a prophet, it was knowing that he would be a prophet of this Son of God.
And now, he turns his attention to speak about this son in wonderful terms.
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
Notice again the emphasis on the tender mercies of God. Salvation, redemption, the forgiveness of sin, is all by the tender mercies of God. It all flows out of His great love and mercy.
But notice now the picture of Jesus as the rising sun. By the tender mercies of God, the rising sun will come to us from heaven.
Just picture in your minds, a new dawn breaking. You’re up early with a cup of coffee (I do hope you experience this from time to time) and you look out the window, or perhaps sit on your porch, and everything is dark. But as you sit there, you see the first rays of sun appearing. Light starts to break out. Things start to become visible and clear to your eye. Those things that were hidden away in darkness are now revealed so that you can see them.
Christ comes as the rising sun, to bring light into a dark world. In a world that is filled with blackness and darkness, they will be exposed by the Sun of Righteousness.
Already the prophet Malachi had prophesied that such a “Sun of Righteousness” would come.
2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Isaiah, too, had prophesied concerning this Sun that would come...
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
Christ is the one that would come as this glorious, blazing sun. As He came into the world, He would come bringing a flood of light into the world of darkness due to sin. And He would do that in order that people would be able to live by the light that He brings.
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Jesus Christ came into the world in order to bring light. He came in order to expose the darkness of this world, and so that the people of the world would be able to walk in righteousness and holiness by the light of Jesus Christ.
Verse 79 goes on...
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
People have lived in darkness, in the shadow of death.
People today live in this manner.
They live their lives thinking that they have life, thinking that they have joy, thinking that they have pleasure in life. Meanwhile, their lives are so far from any semblance of true life, because they continue to walk in spiritual darkness, without relationship with God Almighty.
Without God, you are not living - you’re dead!!!
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Has the light of Christ shone in your heart? Has he so revealed to you and exposed to you the sinful works of darkness that are hidden within the deepest recesses of your own heart? I pray that he has - not so that you can remain in a state of condemnation, but rather so that you can see your sin for what it is, and so repent and receive life in Christ, and then walk by the light of Christ.
It is this wonderful Light, Jesus the Messiah, that leads us as His people into the paths of peace. All those who are in Christ, who have this light illuminating their hearts, will walk in the paths of peace.
Dear friends, let us be sure that this peace that is spoken of here is first and foremost a peace with God. There can be no true peace apart from genuine peace with God. Only in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is this peace obtained. But there is a peace. Christians can, for the most part walk in paths of peace as they rest in and trust in Christ. This is why He came.
But I must add that it is not merely peace with God that Christ brings. Paths of peace refers also to walking in peace with others in this world. Even those who are your enemies. It ought not to be the Christian’s normal course of life to have conflict at every turn. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit.
Is your soul at peace? Does peace mark your normal course of life as a Christian, because Christ has put your heart at ease?
It is those who are in darkness who lack an understanding of the paths of peace.
8 The way of peace they do not know;
there is no justice in their paths.
They have turned them into crooked roads;
no one who walks in them will know peace.
But that is not how God has led us as His people…
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
This word is Christ. It is Christ that leads the feet of His disciples into paths of peace - genuine, lasting peace that surpasses understanding.
Zechariah’s song closes with the words in verse 80...
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Luke now summarizes the rest of the growing up years of John with this single sentence, a few brief words. He was a person who would be strong in spirit - he would develop deep and bold convictions for the truth of God, particularly concerning sin and righteousness, and the need for a Saviour.
He would become one who was bold to stand up for the truth of God in pointing a rebellious people to the coming Messiah. Think even that he is going to call the religious leaders a brood of vipers.
For now, John will go on to live a life of seclusion in the desert. It would be a life that was morally upright, a life of deep trust in God. And we will see in chapter 3 how Luke will pick up on John’s life as this grand story of redemption continues to unfold.
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we close, let me ask, is your trust fully in this Messiah, the Sun of Righteousness? Are you able to praise God under the power of the Holy Spirit because you have allowed his light to shine in your heart, bringing redemption? In other words, have you seen your sin, and have you repented of that sin, seeking forgiveness that comes through Christ alone. And have you placed your trust in Christ for your salvation. No other hope apart from Him.
If you have done this, then let me encourage you to walk without fear before Him, and in great joy. Let me encourage you to sing His praises daily as you continue to live each and every day according to the light that he brings. Live your life according to the Light of the World, through the light of His word.
May He grant us much grace and strength to do that to the glory of His name.