Sing Sing Sing!

Obedience brought renewed fulfillment of God’s words (v. 20). Zechariah had words—no longer words of questioning and doubts but words of praise and joy. Silence now moved to the neighbors. Awestruck, they tried to figure out what had happened. The news traveled fast. The entire hill country spread the word. As they talked, they also questioned. Evidence was clear: In this child of the barren and the silent, God was at work. If God could show his hand so strongly in this birth, what would he do when the child matured? What was God getting ready to do among them?

What then will this child turn out to be?

The Holman Commentary describes well the scene we left last week:

Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 14.

Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke E. The Forerunner’s Earthly Birth and Heavenly Mission (1:57–80)

If God could show his hand so strongly in this birth, what would he do when the child matured?

What was God getting ready to do among them?

God aimed to answer their question.

Hebrews 1:1–2 NASB95

1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Hebrews 1:1 NASB95

1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,

Hebrews 1:1 NASB95

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,

Verse 1 is only half of the opening sentence of the book of Hebrews and the second being....

This is only half of the opening sentence of the book of Hebrews and the second being....

Hebrews 1:2 NASB95

2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

The sentence must be read as a whole so as to understand the context of the book of Hebrews. But we’re not studying Hebrews. We’re studying Luke.

I share the first half of this opening sentence to establish the idea that GOD spoke to the fathers THROUGH the prophets or BY the mouth of the prophets.

Luke writes in

Acts 3:21 NASB95

21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.

I am implanting this idea because when Zacharias begins to sing, we need to understand that it is GOD HIMSELF speaking to us THROUGH Zacharias.

Now....let’s open our ears and eyes and listen to this song.

Verse 67:

Luke 1:67 NASB95

67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

Luke 1:

The people wanted answers. Zacharias’ song was going to give them answers.

Remember Luke’s readers will want to know where this song is coming from.

Is this just the words of a happy old priest?

Or is there something bigger going on here?

This is why Luke emphasizes Zacharias being filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Holman Commentary says:

Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke E. The Forerunner’s Earthly Birth and Heavenly Mission (1:57–80)

God had one more word for the pondering people. The Spirit promised for the son (v. 15) and pledged to come to Mary (v. 35) now spoke through Zechariah as he had through Elizabeth (v. 41). Thus, Zechariah’s song of praise, reflective of so much of Mary’s song (vv. 46–55), was more than human singing. It was divine prophecy, declaring God’s word for God’s people.

What EXACTLY was this song declaring?

The simple answer comes from commentator Matthew Henry:

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume Luke 1:67–80

he foretold things to come concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, to which all the prophets bear witness.

God gave Zacharias the honor to sing this song…to announce to everyone this meant the Messiah was coming.

In fact,

Everyone that is hearing this letter…this Gospel read aloud already knew the events that have taken place to include Pentecost.

Which means that the church was already established and operating for 30 or more years.

This is an amazing honor that was given Zacharias.

BUT...

This is an amazing honor that was given Zacharias.

Why in the world would God give this honor to Zacharias?

Why does he get to declare the coming of the Messiah to the people gathered there?

He didn’t even believe that God could accomplish this!

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

Matthew Henry says:

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume Luke 1:67–80

God not only forgave him his unbelief and distrust (which was signified by discharging him from the punishment of it), but, as a specimen of the abounding of grace towards believers, he filled him with the Holy Ghost, and put this honour upon him, to employ him for his honour.

Grace can be understood as a gift from God to people "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved"– that takes the form of divine favor, love, pardon, and a share in the divine life of God.

t is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to people "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved"[3] – that takes the form of divine favor, love, clemency, and a share in the divine life of God.

Zacharias definitely did not deserve this honor, but it isn’t about Zacharias receiving an honor.

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

What do I see God revealing about Himself here?

God displaying his abundant and amazing grace.

Perhaps tell Stephen Davey’s speculation about Adam.

Verses 68-75 consist of one single sentence. God is revealing His faithfulness in this sentence. ****Describe faithfulness as God’s attribute

Luke 1:68 NASB95

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

God is making sure everyone understands that He alone is worthy of Adoration and Praise.

And it is appropriate for Zacharias’ song to begin with a word of praise.

Even Mary in her Magnificant began with a word of praise:

Luke 1:46–47 NASB95

46 And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

This is an appropriate response when we receive blessing from God.

But lest we forget that it is appropriate and we are commanded to praise God in our suffering as well.

Romans 5:3–6 NASB95

3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Colossians 1:24 NASB95

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

This is an appropriate response when we receive blessing from God.

But sending the promised Messiah is the blessing that causes Zacharias to sing a song of praise.

And this song Warren Wiersbe says

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

he sang a hymn that gives us four beautiful pictures of what the coming of Jesus Christ to earth really means.

1. The Opening of a Prison Door -

Luke 1:68 NASB95

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

Verse 68 is the beginning verse of a single sentence that continues until verse 75.

Luke 1

The word redemption…or redeem has the idea to pay a price in order to purchase the release of something or SOMEONE.

The Holman Bible Dictionary says

We know this by the use of the word for in:

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Redeem, Redemption, Redeemer

It connotes the idea of paying what is required in order to liberate from oppression, enslavement, or another type of binding obligation.

The notion of paying a price for freedom is revealed in the OT also.

For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

The HIB says…The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary says:

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Redeem, Redemption, Redeemer

The sacrificial system was a constant reminder to the Israelites that a price had to be paid in order to have redemption from their sins. Every offering sacrificed depicted the notion of the price of sin and the need for the price to be paid.

Wiersbe says:

Redemption can refer to the releasing of a prisoner or liberating of a slave.

The world was/is slave to sin. They are captives…in bondage to sin.

Messiah came to the earth to REDEEM the slaves of sin, to bring salvation to people in bondage to sin and death.

Next year when we get to Chapter 4, we’ll see Jesus say He Himself came to free people.

I LOVE this scene. Jesus has just finished with the devil in the wilderness.

And He is now it’s time to start His public ministry.

He returns to Galilee with the power of the Holy Spirit...

Don’t get me started about the amazing mystery of that.

But He returns to Galilee and EVERYBODY is talking about Him.

He starts preaching in the synagogues and everyone was praising Him for His teaching.

Then He goes to His hometown Nazareth. He went to His local synagogue and stood up to read.

And Jesus turns to Isaiah 61:1

I read a portion of a paper entitled The Public Reading of the Scriptures in the 1st Century Synagogue by Tim Hegg.

From the very beginning, the Torah was intended to be read publicly and to be explained so that the people would understand God’s instructions and obey them.

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Redeem, Redemption, Redeemer

Check out God’s providence…

Whoever was in charge of handing out scrolls to read, just happens to, by coincidence I’m sure, hand Him the book of Isaiah.

And Jesus turns to and begins to read:

Luke 4:18–19 NASB95

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, 19 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4:18 NASB95

Luke 4:17 NASB95

17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

And then…this is the part I LOVE

Luke 4:20–21 NASB95

20 And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 1:20–21 NASB95

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.

MIKE DROP!!!!!

In essence He says…I’m the one!

I have come to set you free. Everyone in that synagogue would know that He just claimed to be the Messiah.

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

Jesus is God. He is the redeemer. God is redemption .

God is redemption…the great redeemer

Wiersbe says:

You could also use “because” here and and perhaps your translation does.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

The word redeem means “to set free by paying a price.” It can refer to the releasing of a prisoner or the liberating of a slave. Jesus Christ came to earth to bring “deliverance to the captives” (Luke 4:18), salvation to people in bondage to sin and death.

Both these words are a conjunction and as you know whatever follows it is understood to be the cause of the phrase before it.

God is redemption…the great redeemer

So, the blessing Zacharias is praising God about redeeming His people.

Notice that the verbs in verse 68 “visited” and “accomplished” are in the past tense.

Notice that the verbs here “visited” and “accomplished” are in the past tense.

This is because Zacharias understood these to have already taken place.

You,

One commentator says:

The New American Commentary: Luke Comments

God has already in the events recorded in 1:5–67 visited his people, and although the “redemption” awaits the future work of the Son of God, its certainty is such that a past tense corresponding to a prophetic perfect can be used to describe this future event (cf. 1:50).

This is because God has already visited

Luke 1:50 NASB95

50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.

Wiersbe says:

Commentator Warren Wiersbe says:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

God is redemption…the great redeemer

The word redeem means to

***Then I like the section outlines of both Wiersbe and holman.

2. The Winning of the Battle -

Zacharias next describes the deliverance for Israel through the Messiah.

The

Exodus 15:13 NASB95

13 “In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation.

Exodus

Psalm 77:15 NASB95

15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

Zacharias next describes the deliverance for Israel through the Messiah.

Luke 1:69–75 NASB95

69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant— 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old— 71 Salvation from our enemies, And from the hand of all who hate us; 72 To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, 74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

In Scripture a horn symbolizes power and victory:

Luke 1:69 NASB95

69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant—

The

In Scripture a horn symbolizes power and victory:

1 Kings 22:11 NASB95

11 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made horns of iron for himself and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these you will gore the Arameans until they are consumed.’ ”

Psalm 89:17 NASB95

17 For You are the glory of their strength, And by Your favor our horn is exalted.

Psalm 89:24 NASB95

24 “My faithfulness and My lovingkindness will be with him, And in My name his horn will be exalted.

Warren Wiersby says:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

The picture here is that of an army about to be taken captive, but then help arrives and the enemy is defeated. In the previous picture, the captives were set free; but in this picture, the enemy is defeated so that he cannot capture more prisoners. It means total victory for the people of God.

He says:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

In the previous picture, the captives were set free; but in this picture, the enemy is defeated so that he cannot capture more prisoners. It means total victory for the people of God.

In this one sentence vv. 68-75, we see the word salvation used twice…

vv. 69 & 71.

Salvation has the sense of deliverance n. — recovery or preservation from loss or danger, whether physical or spiritual.

deliverance n. — recovery or preservation from loss or danger, whether physical or spiritual.

This is a really beautiful word. This is the greatness of the Good News.

Because no matter how far a person has fallen, no matter how marred or destroyed by sin somebody has become or no matter how bad their sin is

…even the worst sinner is made brand new…restored.

One commentator puts it like this:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

No matter what the condition of the captives, their Redeemer brings spiritual soundness.

There is a song that I love that I believe captures this truth so well. Its lyrics go like this:

You can never fall too hard, So fast, so far That you can't get back When you're lost

John the Baptist is not linked the house of David. Therefore, the horn is referring to the Messiah.

Where you are is never too late, So bad, so much That you can't change Who you are, ooo-oooh You can change who you are, ooo-oooh

So let the ashes fall wherever they land Come back from wherever you've been To the foot of the cross To the feet of Jesus, The feet of Jesus

John the Baptist is not linked the house of David. Therefore, the horn is referring to the Messiah.

How would they know that Mary’s baby Jesus was the redeemer?

Verse 69 tells us that the horn of salvation, the redeemer will come from the House of David a great conquerer in his own right.

Zacharias knows this because of the covenant God made with David in where God promises to raise up one of his descendants to sit on his throne forever.

Both Joseph and Mary belong to David’s line.

God made a promise to Abraham that the Saviour would be a Jew

Jacob prophesied that Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah.

Genesis 49:10 NASB95

10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Genesis 49 NASB95

1 Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come. 2 “Gather together and hear, O sons of Jacob; And listen to Israel your father. 3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. 4 “Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it—he went up to my couch. 5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. 6 “Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly; Because in their anger they slew men, And in their self-will they lamed oxen. 7 “Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel. 8 “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s sons shall bow down to you. 9 “Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lion, who dares rouse him up? 10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. 11 “He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes. 12 “His eyes are dull from wine, And his teeth white from milk. 13 “Zebulun will dwell at the seashore; And he shall be a haven for ships, And his flank shall be toward Sidon. 14 “Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between the sheepfolds. 15 “When he saw that a resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens, And became a slave at forced labor. 16 “Dan shall judge his people, As one of the tribes of Israel. 17 “Dan shall be a serpent in the way, A horned snake in the path, That bites the horse’s heels, So that his rider falls backward. 18 “For Your salvation I wait, O Lord. 19 “As for Gad, raiders shall raid him, But he will raid at their heels. 20 “As for Asher, his food shall be rich, And he will yield royal dainties. 21 “Naphtali is a doe let loose, He gives beautiful words. 22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a spring; Its branches run over a wall. 23 “The archers bitterly attacked him, And shot at him and harassed him; 24 But his bow remained firm, And his arms were agile, From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), 25 From the God of your father who helps you, And by the Almighty who blesses you With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lies beneath, Blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 “The blessings of your father Have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; May they be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers. 27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he devours the prey, And in the evening he divides the spoil.” 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him. 29 Then he charged them and said to them, “I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field from Ephron the Hittite for a burial site. 31 “There they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Isaac and his wife Rebekah, and there I buried Leah— 32 the field and the cave that is in it, purchased from the sons of Heth.” 33 When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

Micah prophesied that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Gen 1

Micah 5:2 NASB95

2 “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

But when we get to in a couple of months, we’ll see that Jesus was indeed born there.

All this was exactly what God told the people via his prophets:

Luke 1:72 NASB95

72 To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant,

Luke 1:70 NASB95

70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—

Luke

Luke 1:70 NASB95

70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—

The freedom here that is won in this battle is not for us to run amuck and to live however we please.

No God tells us through Zacharias:

Luke 1:75

Luke 1:74–75 NASB95

74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

Paul reminds us

Note that the results of this victory are sanctity and service (). He sets us free, not to do our own will, because that would be bondage, but to do His will and enjoy His freedom.

1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB95

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

Romans 8:9 NASB95

9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

1 Cor

Romans 9:

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

God is Faithful

3. The Canceling of a Debt -

Luke 1:76–77 NASB95

76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; 77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins,

Don’t you just hate owing somebody something?

Especially money. You feel trapped. You feel like you really can’t be yourself around them because you owe them something. There’s this heaviness maybe even a burden of slavery.

A popular financial website debt.com says:

72% of Americans said they felt stressed about money, according to an American Psychological Association study. And 22% said they felt “extreme” stress over their finances.

The thought of getting a late payment notice doesn’t just make you uncomfortable, it gives you a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dry mouth, a headache and the shakes.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety. Financial worries are a massive trigger for those disorders.

Well unrepentant and unforgiven sin is the same thing.

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 174.

I get it, to a non-believer…sin doesn’t really mean anything to them…because the Word of God doesn’t mean anything to them.

Well unforgiven sin is the same thing. I get it, when you’re not a child of God…a believer in Jesus…sin doesn’t really mean anything to you…because the Word of God doesn’t mean anything to you.

1 Corinthians 1:18 NASB95

18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 cor

But, God has created us with a conscience. And that conscience whether you are submitted to Christ or not there’s always something nagging at you in your wickedness.

Romans 1:20–21 NASB95

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1:21 NASB95

21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Rom 1:

Romans 1:21;

Romans 1:21–22 NASB95

21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

But, God has created us with a conscience. And that conscience whether you are submitted to Christ or not gives you an awareness of the wickedness in your life.

But, God has created us with a conscience. And that conscience whether you are submitted to Christ or not there’s always something nagging at you in your wickedness.

However, God has created us with a conscience. And that conscience whether you are submitted to Christ or not there’s always something nagging at you in your wickedness.

But, God has created us with a conscience. And that conscience whether you are submitted to Christ or not there’s always something nagging at you in your wickedness.

Paul says

Romans 1:18-

Romans 1:18–19 NASB95

God says we’re without excuse.

Romans 1:18–22 NASB95

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:22 NASB95

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:20 NASB95

Romans 1:21

Romans 1:

So without Christ, we are in debt to God for breaking His law and failing to live up to His standards.

God says we’re without excuse.

In fact, we’re not just in debt to God, we are unable to pay that debt.

Everyone is spiritually bankrupt.

The word for forgiveness in verse 77 has the sense (absolution) n. — a formal release from an obligation or debt; especially understood of the debt of sin.

Wiersbe says:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

All of us are in debt to God because we have broken His law and failed to live up to His standards (Luke 7:40–50). Furthermore, all of us are spiritually bankrupt, unable to pay our debt.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

All of us are in debt to God because we have broken His law and failed to live up to His standards (Luke 7:40–50).

The word for forgiveness in verse 77 has the sense (absolution) n. — a formal release from an obligation or debt; especially understood of the debt of sin.

But…Jesus is able. Not only is He able He is willing. And He came to do just that. To pay our debt. To cancel our debt.

So that:

forgiveness (absolution) n. — a formal release from an obligation or debt; especially understood of the debt of sin.

Psalm 103:12 NASB95

12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

God is Forgiveness

4. The Dawning of a New Day -

Luke 1:78–79 NASB95

78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, 79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The coming of Messiah is like the dawn of a new day.

Just like when you sit at the beach in complete darkness just before the dawn, so were the God’s people in darkness and death.

And then, you see the light coming…the horizon…how the darkness starts to mix with the light of the sun and you get filled with anticipation because you know that a new day has come.

This is what it is like right now for Zacharias and the people gathered here.

A new day is here.

This excitement is what Malachi spoke about 400 years ago:

Malachi 4:2 NASB95

2 “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.

Malachi 4:1 NASB95

1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.”

The new day is here.

The Sun of Righteousness is coming up over the horizon.

The healing in its wings is Opening the Prison Door, Wining the Battle and Canceling the debt.

No more death and darkness only life.

Hosea 13:13 NASB95

13 The pains of childbirth come upon him; He is not a wise son, For it is not the time that he should delay at the opening of the womb.

He told them through the mouth of the prophets he would pay their ransom…he would cancel their debt.

Hosea 13:14 NASB95

14 Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death? O Death, where are your thorns? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion will be hidden from My sight.

And now He has come and we can shout with all the saints:

1 Corinthians 15:55 NASB95

55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

This is what the old priest is singing about.

The birth of his son the forerunner is a sign of all this.

Isaiah 40:1–3 NASB95

1 “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. 2 “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, That her iniquity has been removed, That she has received of the Lord’s hand Double for all her sins.” 3 A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Malachi 3:1 NASB95

1 “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts.

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

God is Mercy

Warren Wiersbe says:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

John was “prophet of the Highest” (Luke 1:76), introducing to Israel “the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32) who was conceived in Mary’s womb by “the power of the Highest” (Luke 1:35).

We see God’s faithfulness in sending the Prophet of the Highest.

**Then I like the section outlines of both Wiersbe and holman.

5. Wait on the Lord -

We see God’s salvation in the “the Son of the Highest.”

We see God’s omnipotence in the “Power of the Highest.”

Luke 1:80 NASB95

80 And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Despite being the son of a priest, John did not live the life of a priest.

He spent his life in the wilderness preparing for the day he would be called to duty.

Wiersbe says:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! (Luke 1)

John lived in the wilderness, disciplining himself physically and spiritually, waiting for the day when God would send him out to prepare Israel for the arrival of the Messiah.

Now we can’t just skim over this little detail in verse 80.

Because it is there for a reason.

If we believe in the authority of Scripture.

Which Wayne Grudem says means...

...that all the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.

And if we believe that every word is useful as Paul says:

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NASB95

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

1 Timothy 3:16 NASB95

16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.

2 Timothy 3:16 NASB95

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

Then we should be able to profit from small little detail at the end of this chapter.

2 Timothy 3:14–17 NASB95

14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

I believe that it is perfectly placed here.

We had a crescendo build up and build up and build up to it until it hit the Climactic Point with this song of praise.

And if you remember a crescendo is meant to increase excitement and now that we have reached the climatic point and it makes you want to say…like the words of that martyr Todd Beamer

LET’S ROLL!!!!

And what happens next after this Climatic Song????

verse 80

Luke 1:80 NASB95

80 And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

But then verse 80

Huh?????

What do we see God revealing about Himself here?

2 Tim 3:1

God’s timing is not our timing.

Hab

Habakkuk 2:3 NASB95

3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

Commentator Ken Heer says:

Luke: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition Zechariah’s Song

We can tend to either rush ahead of or lag behind the plan of God. Rushing ahead of God usually means we shortchange personal preparation and have to unnecessarily deal with circumstances that would not exist if we allowed God to establish His timing in us.

He continues

Luke: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition Zechariah’s Song

“Desert living” can eliminate distractions and allow us to focus on God as well as our spiritual development.

If you find yourself in a desert, remember that Jesus was led through the desert also.

Luke 4:1 NASB95

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness

Remember also that Jesus was there without food being tempted by the devil for 40 days.

Verse 80 is not describing the same type of desert experience as Jesus had,

but the point in using Jesus’ desert experience is that it was very difficult.

And being God, He could very well ended His desert experience sooner than 40 days,

but He didn’t.

Neither should we.

We should allow ourselves to stay in the desert…to allow God to establish His timing in us...

One commentator says:

Luke: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition Zechariah’s Song

We will emerge—in God’s time—into the fertile place where God wants to plant us for future harvests.

Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke Luke 1:76–80

Hence we conclude, that John, though he was fully aware of his calling, made no advances before the appointed time, but awaited the call of God.

All of us have waited in the desert before God said, Let’s Roll!!!!

I can think of a single mom moving far far away from home with her only daughter waiting 13-14 years for God to say Let’s Roll!!!

I can think of another single mom experiencing trials and tribulations, growing through her employment and experiences before God said to her this year Let’s Roll!!!!

I can think of a man that God let wander in the wilderness for 37 years, gathering scars, and shame and distance before glorifying himself telling this guy Let’s Roll!!!!

Perhaps you are feeling like nothing you’re doing at present is contributing to anything.

Perhaps you are feeling like you should change direction and start something new.

Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke Luke 1:76–80

John, though he was fully aware of his calling, made no advances before the appointed time, but awaited the call of God.

PRAY

Remember, John, though he was fully aware of his calling, made no advances before the appointed time, but awaited the call of God.

John Calvin and William Pringle, Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke, vol. 1 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010), 79.

Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke Luke 1:76–80

Hence we conclude, that John, though he was fully aware of his calling, made no advances before the appointed time, but awaited the call of God.

Ken Heer, Luke: A Commentary for Bible Students (Indianapolis, IN: Wesleyan Publishing House, 2007), 43.

**Final**

PRAY

****Each section I want to show something about God. vs 67 we get God’s grace.

68-75 - what is God saying about Himself

76-77 - what is God saying about Himself

78-79 - what is God saying about Himself

80 - What is God saying about Himself

Hebrews 1:1 NASB95

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,

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