Introduction

Good morning, family! I'm so glad we're all here together, ready to dig into God's word. You know, it's funny, I was reading a book by A.W. Tozer the other day, and something he said really struck me. He wrote, "Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ." Isn't that just so true? We're not just called to believe in God, but to live out our faith in our everyday lives.

Today, we're going to look at a couple of passages that really embody this idea. So, let's read them together. "Isaiah 9:2: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." And then in Luke 1:11-25, we read [read text].

These passages are rich, aren't they? They're full of hope, faith, and the promise of a Savior. So, let's get ready to really get into them, to see what they're saying to us today. But first, let's pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the opportunity to gather together as a family in your name. We ask that you open our hearts and minds to your word today. Help us to understand these passages and to apply their lessons in our lives. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Faithful Favored Priest

In Luke we encounter Zechariah, a priest of the Lord. He was a man of faith, serving in the temple, and he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. This was a significant honor, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. Zechariah was faithful in his duties, and his faithfulness was recognized by God.

An angel appeared to Zechariah. Now, while Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel appeared to him. This was no ordinary occurrence. Angels are divine messengers, and their appearance often signals a significant event or message from God. Zechariah was startled and afraid, which is a common reaction to angelic appearances in the Bible. But the angel reassured him, telling him not to be afraid.

The angel's message. The angel then delivered a remarkable message: Zechariah's wife Elizabeth, who was barren and advanced in years, would bear a son. This son, to be named John, would be a joy and delight, and he would play a crucial role in God's plan. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth, and he would turn many of the people of Israel back to the Lord their God.

A heavy message. This was a lot for Zechariah to take in. He and Elizabeth had probably given up hope of having a child, and now he was being told not only that they would have a son, but that this son would be a pivotal figure in the spiritual life of their people. Zechariah asked the angel how he could be sure of this, given his and Elizabeth's advanced age.

The angel Gabriel. The angel identified himself as Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. He told Zechariah that he would be unable to speak until the day of John's birth because he did not believe the angel's words. This was a sign of God's power and a consequence of Zechariah's doubt. When Zechariah emerged from the temple, he was unable to speak, confirming for the people that he had seen a vision. After his time of service was completed, he returned home, and Elizabeth became pregnant, just as Gabriel had said.

An illustration of faith and favor. Zechariah, despite his initial doubt, was faithful in his service to God, and he was favored by being chosen for a significant role in God's plan. His story sets the stage for the birth of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus.

The importance of obedience. Zechariah was obedient in his duties as a priest, and he was obedient in naming his son John, as the angel had commanded. Obedience is a key aspect of faith, demonstrating our trust in God and His commands.

The power of God. God was able to make Elizabeth pregnant, despite her age and barrenness. He was able to make Zechariah mute, and then restore his speech. There is nothing too hard for God, and His power is displayed throughout this story.

Recap/Transition. The story of Zechariah is a rich tapestry of faith, favor, sovereignty, obedience, and power. It serves as a powerful introduction to the story of John the Baptist and, ultimately, to the story of Jesus. As we reflect on this story, let's ask ourselves how we can be more faithful, more obedient, and more trusting in God's sovereignty and power.

Answered Prayers and Granted Heir

As we continue to delve into the richness of these passages, we find ourselves drawn to the theme of answered prayers and the granting of an heir ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO