Silence Broken
0 ratings
· 31 viewsWhen God speaks after a period of silence.
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
*Sending email or text waiting for answer > can be agonizing
Phone out of power, text failed to send, email went to junk mail, person is driving and can’t answer
Cannot impose same immediate gratification on God’s answers
Daniel waited for answer to his prayer—didn’t know why
Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
Daniel falls to ground mute > Angel strengthens him
Luke’s classical style of writing changes from vv. 1-4 to a style seen in LXX
Connects historical setting to the OT > Strikingly similar to OT atmosphere
John identified as successor of OT prophets & last of OT type prophets
Worship at temple plays an important role in the first 2 chapters
I. WAITING FOR GOD TO ANSWER (1:5-7)
I. WAITING FOR GOD TO ANSWER (1:5-7)
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
In the days of King Herod > Scripture often mentions kings that reined in order to establish time & place in history > events occur toward end of reign
Herod the Great ruled from 37–4 BC over area of Judea, Samaria, Galilee & much of Parea > Wanted to be known for great building projects
Not a descendant of Jacob, but of Esau > not rightful ruler of Israel > client-king of Rome
Ruthless & treacherous > paranoia killed own family in fear of losing power
Said it’s safer to be Herod’s pig than his son
Killed hundreds of innocent children after hearing king of Jews born in Bethlehem
Zechariah = YHWH has remembered > fitting considering what God does here
A priest from the priestly division of Abijah—8th priestly division (1 Chronicles 24:1-10) one of 24 divisions set up by kind David according to priestly families
After the exile, only 4 of these divisions returned, and they were divided up into 24 sub-groups under the original 24 family names
So many priests, each division served 1 week 2 X’s per year > Even then, it was a subdivision of the divisions that served (not enough room)
Priests were respected for being set apart by God for privilege of serving in the Temple
Zechariah’s qualification was enhanced by marriage to daughter of Aaron
Elizabeth—Descendant of Aaron > her father also served as a priest
Cousin (kinsman) of Mary
Now elderly
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
Righteous before God, walking blamelessly > not sinless, but truly godly couple wholly devoted to the Lord–even through hard times
Righteous because of faith:
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness > tough times > sojourner
God doesn’t promise righteous won’t have trials > TRUST
He does want us to have FAITH to HOPE God has greater plans
Had no child, because Elizabeth was barren—in those days bareness sign of divine displeasure
Barrenness common w/ prominent OT women > God provides son of promise
Other barren women:
Sarah—birthed Isaac
Rachel—birthed Joseph
Hannah—birthed Samuel
Manoah’s wife—birthed Samson
People should’ve lived expectantly—thought to selves, not this time!
Israel had firm belief that God controls the womb
Children a blessing & honor from God
No children was punishment from God & shame socially
Z & E not childless not because of sin, but God’s purpose
Community believed there was probably some kind of sin in their lives that kept them from having children
Advanced in years—Too told for childbearing > Reminds us of Abraham & Sarah > comparison w/ Abraham & Sarah give us aroma of HOPE
Impossible for Zechariah to get Elizabeth pregnant
No hope of having child & no hope of removing public disgrace
In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
Amplifies that God does the impossible—miraculous intervention
Impossible also for Mary to be pregnant since she was a virgin—John & Jesus were both a MIRACLE CHILD OF PROMISE
Righteous before God, walking blamelessly—Two characteristics (RIGHTEOUS & BARREN) don’t seem to go together
Righteous should result in being prosperous & prolific > #Blessed
Expect something more like—BARREN & BITTER > not Barren & Blameless
Years grew their FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE > Fell deeper in love
Husbands allowed to divorce barren wife—because of public disgrace & lack of heir
Godly men stick with their wives!
Mary unmarried & virgin—birthed Jesus [Joseph stuck w/ her]
Barrenness caused others to assume God is not pleased > But, Z & E feared God, not man!
II. GOD SPEAKS (1:8-17)
II. GOD SPEAKS (1:8-17)
The Gospel of Luke 2.1.1. The Introduction of Zechariah and Elizabeth (1:5-7)
Luke echoes language from the beginning of a number of prophetic books (cf. Isa 1:1; Jer 1:2–3; Hos 1:1; Amos 1:1; Mic 1:1; Zeph 1:1), suggesting the continuity of this account with the ongoing story of God’s dealings with Israel.
All of these accounts begin w/ announcement of the word of the LORD came, or the VISION of Isaiah, or the Words of Amos > GOD SPEAKS
Strangely SILENT about word or vision here > LORD will send a word
Similar to birth of Samuel to barren Hannah—She dedicated him to serve God
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.
400 years of silence between Malachi and events of Luke 1 > Word of LORD is coming
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
To offer the incense considered a great privilege:
Estimated 20,000 priests in Zechariah’s day
Once in a lifetime priest allowed to offer incense at the altar in the temple [Mishnah, Talmud 5:2] > Privilege not given to everyone
Greatest day in Zechariah’s life as a priest—thought he had been passed by
Chosen by lot—not just chance
Casting lots understood as way of circumventing human will
Sovereignty of God worked out in His perfect timing
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
Nothing in our life is a mistake!
We now have the Holy Spirit
Don’t need Urim & Thummim
Don’t need to cast lots > *Casting lots to play soccer or student leadership
Holy Spirit can speak & lead
[Pictures] Incense represents prayers of God’s people rising like sweet smelling fragrance to God (Ps. 141:2; Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4)
Replenished 2X’s/day–before morning sacrifice & after the evening sacrifice
Coals from fire placed in golden bowl & incense placed on coals > taken into Holy place & offered on altar of incense
Priestly duty to keep incense burning on altar before Ark = God’s Throne
Zechariah was closer to God’s presence than every other priest other than High Priest
Altar of incense just outside Holy of Holies > considered part of Holy of Holies
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
Separation of priest who ENTERED & People that prayed OUTSIDE
As people see smoke rising heavenward > outside praying
Ritual was a reflection of reality of prayers rising to God’s throne
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
There appeared to him an angel of the Lord—Phrase occurs some 60 X’s in OT > denoting angel coming to aid or communicate divine revelation
Not given description of angel’s appearance [magnificent]
Not mentioned because focus is the Good News of coming Messiah
Angels don’t steal God’s glory!
Standing on the right side—position of honor, status of angel
Since the orientation of the temple was E as being the front, the angel stood on the south side of the altar of incense, placing him between the altar of incense and the golden candlestick.
Altar of incense—appearance related to PRAYER & throne of God
Do not be afraid—when angels appear, the response is often fear > usual response met by usual reassurance, Do not be afraid
Your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John > Prayer for a son? or Prayer for Messiah? > Probably prayed for both
Coming of the Messiah was tied to his prayer to receive a child
God has way of doing more than we can ask or imagine
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
God named this child John = The Lord is Gracious
Grace is God’s unmerited favor > gives us blessings we don’t deserve!
God graciously gave Z & E a son!
God graciously gave sinful man a Messiah!
Always Hope w/ Lord
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
Joy a key idea in opening chapters of Luke
Zechariah would experience joy & gladness in his son > G
Many will rejoice at his birth–role in God’s plan of redemption
Prophet that prepares hearts & identifies Messiah!
Are you living a joyful life?–found in God’s plan for you!
John would be great in the sight of the Lord
Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Greatness not as world understands greatness
He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Are you living a great life? > When we are less & He is more!
John was to be set apart as special—Separation from normal life
Not permitted to take wine or strong drink–influenced & stimulated by Holy Spirit!
Set apart from birth like Samson—Nazarite vow
Jesus calls you to follow Him–life set apart
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
John will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb > to accomplish God’s work
We cannot accomplish any lasting work w/out His help
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
God sized work or man sized work?
Angel makes reference of two passages: Malachi: 1) Malachi 3:1 2) Malachi 4:5–6
Last words of God to His people in the OT
1st words God in NT–fulfill prophecy from Malachi.
John’s role was like Elijah’s
Preacher of Repentance
Turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God—men stop living by own passions at expense of wives & children
When truly right w/ God—God will turn hearts of the fathers to the children
Brings back spiritual leadership & unity to family that was once destroyed
Home life reveals who we really are!
Turn disobedient back to the LORD—will embrace the wisdom of the just
Rather than ridiculing & rejecting God’s wisdom & godly advice
Turn from prideful ways & humbly accept God’s Word once again!
All this was to make ready for the Lord a people prepared
Jesus was long awaited Savior then—LONG AWAITED NOW!
Are you ready for His second coming?
Reality check!–If Jesus walked into your living room would you be ready?
Return today!
III. MAN IS SILENCED (1:18-25)
III. MAN IS SILENCED (1:18-25)
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
Zechariah’s response was on of unbelief, questioning God, asking for a sign
Essentially saying, “if what you are saying it true, prove it to me.”
Gives sign of silence from own lips
Doubles as punishment for lack of faith
God was gracious in his rebuke
Also establishes trustworthiness of message by angels IDENTITY
Gabriel is one of two angels identified by name in the Bible, the other is Michael (Dan. 10; Jude 9; Rev. 12). Michael is understood to be the mighty archangel and protector of Israel.
Gabriel = “God is my hero” or “mighty man of God”
Gabriel appeared to Daniel 2 X’’s in OT 500 years before this (Dan. 8:16; 9:21) > announced to Daniel when the Messiah would come > Appears also to Mary to announce Jesus’ birth
Here is Gabriel again looking as timeless as ever—given the privilege of declaring the good news of the coming Messiah & His forerunner
God entrusted him w/ responsibly to announce coming of Jesus
Established his credentials by saying that he stands in the presence of God > Image of heavenly throne room > Leading angel or archangel
Sent by God to proclaim the GOOD NEWS!
*May feel like you lack faith—Remember disciples saw Jesus walking on water & told them not to be afraid > Peter asked if it was truly him, then command me to come to you on the water > Jesus said come
Peter stepped out of the boat & walked on water toward Jesus
Saw wind & waves & started sinking in fear > LORD SAVE ME!
He had a lapse of faith—But Jesus reaches out and takes his hand!
Rebukes Peter—“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)
Still had more faith than the boat-huggers > GETS SPANKED & BLESSED
He will remain faithful to you, even if you get a little scared or distracted
21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And 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.
*MUTENESS was both Spanking & Blessing >
Consequences of not believing
Sign for all that God sent a vision in the temple—broke 400 years of silence
God was on the move!
People waited for Zechariah to come out & pronounce priestly blessing upon the people as was customary [Mishnah, Tamid 7:2]
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
But Zechariah took longer than usual
Knew something unusual happened when he could not pronounce these familiar words
Realized that he had seen a vision—hand motions explaining VISION & GOOD NEWS
23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
AFTER HIS WEEK OF SERVICE—Zechariah went home > Over the course of time his wife conceive
Remained in seclusion REJOICING, until it was obvious she was pregnant > would be clear to all–Lord had looked on her in favor
Take away my reproach among people—Echos words of Rachel (Genesis 30:22-23) > couldn’t conceive & God finally provided son named Joseph > Would save his family & lives of known world during famine
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
When God speaks > it is our job to listen > our reasonings mean nothing & will be silenced
When God breaks silence > We begin ours—response is faith, not analyzing
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
1. ASK, SEEK, KNOCK
And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
God may delay, but working out greater things!
Patient endurance > HS provides joy, peace, strength, everything you need in the meantime > Springs of living water gushing from within
2. TRUST GOD’S WORD WHEN HE SPEAKS
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
3. JUST BE SILENT
Silent instead of freaking out
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Silent instead of faultfinding & arguing w/ God—Like Job was doing
“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
text