First Impressions: Zechariah
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First Impressions: Reacting to the Coming King
First Impressions: Reacting to the Coming King
Zechariah: ; ;
Second reaction: Praise to God for Jesus
Introduction: Purpose of Advent Theme
Third reaction: Thankfulness that John will be used to prepare the way for Jesus.
Good People! Righteous people! Righteous even though they have every right to feel bitter towards God like Naomi
2 one-week periods out of the year. One member of 24 divisions (1 of 18,000).
Selected by lot- once in a life-time opportunity.
Reaction #1: FEAR!
Boomerang #1: Zechariah
Reaction #1: FEAR!
Show pics of angels
Reaction #2: FEAR and DISBELIEF (not doubt)
Gabriel describes what’s going to happen
Two senses in which Zachariah showed his disbelief:
Lit. “According to who/what shall I know this?”
Prove it!
“How can I be sure of this?” NIV
“How can I be sure of this?”
‘Who are you?’
The sign is that Zechariah is even standing there!
The sign is that Zechariah is even standing there!
2 one-week periods out of the year. One member of 24 divisions (1 of 18,000).
2 one-week periods out of the year. One member of 24 divisions (1 of 18,000).
No, you’re wrong, this can’t happen
Selected by lot- once in a life-time opportunity.
At the moment when Zechariah places the incense on the altar!
The Sign was right there in front of him!
Moving towards the Holy Place:
Two Alters:
Bronze in court for sacrifices
Altar of Incense within the Temple: (almost three feet high by a foot and a half wide).
Altar- right in front of curtain. Please of prayer!
Praying for his sins and then prayer for his son.
Incense is being burnt- that moment: Forgiveness of sins!
At that intimate moment, where prayers are going up; prayers of forgiveness and his own personal prayers for a child will be answered when an Angel comes. That’s the proof.
‘Who are you?’
‘Who are you?’
‘Who are you?’
Gabriel’s Like:
Dude, I’m Gabriel! Here is my credential: “I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you to bring you this good news./Gospel”
Gospel= To prepare for the Coming Lord!
I’ve come to speak about the Gospel, so because you questioned me and my authority, you’re not going to be able to speak!
Because you didn’t believe my words, you’r e not going to be able use words for a while.
Righteousness isn’t enough. BELIEF!
Righteousness: Good credentials for Priest
Belief: Necessary credential for the Christian!
God is bringing into a new reality the following changes:
Saved by grace through faith
Grace will come through Jesus.
John will come to prepare the way for the Lord!
Zechariah is the first to receive this Gospel!
The Lord is coming so that you don’t need to find forgiveness in this little metal pot!
Good News:
When we ask: According to what/who shall we know?
We look at the Cross! We look at the King who hangs for our sins, and the aroma he provides is the aroma we need for forgiveness.
Old Testament: The aroma will be pleasing to the Lord.
Bringing it Home:
Challenge of Faith!
Faith goes beyond righteousness!
Have you moved beyond righteousness and transitioned into belief!
Being ethical and yet believing that God is in control!
Righteousness for all the wrong reasons
Faith trusts God’s Power:
Living Sacrifices
Have you moved beyond righteousness and transitioned into belief!
It was impossible for Elizabeth to have a child!
It was impossible for Elizabeth to have a child!
Belief that your life has a purpose:
Belief that your unanswered prayers has a purpose:
Belief that your life has a purpose:
Belief that your unanswered prayers has a purpose:
Garth Brooks:
Not the greatest theologian… I thank God for unanswered prayers...
I don’t pray that my child will be healthy- prayer for wholeness.
But this is a story that forces us to take a good look at our own faith.
Boomerang:
Faith gets us to that experience of awe
9 month of silence to be with God.
Reaction #3: BELIEF in Jesus as the LORD
Reaction #4: JOY for his boy who will prepare the way
The Holy Spirit who was silent for 400 years is now restoring people with faith, and worship!