December 3, 2023

Christmas Story #1 – Zacharias

Preacher:
Passage: Luke 1:5-25
Service Type:

Introduction

Beginning a new series for Christmas

Looking at the Christmas story (in the morning)
Looking from the different gospels

The 2021 Census – 37% of the UK declare themselves to be non-religious

The Humanist Society says the UK is one of the least religious countries in the whole world

While 46% identify as Christian, 50% do not believe that Jesus is real

How many people are in Church today and really believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour?
The UK needs a revival

This morning thinking of John the Baptist who was used to waken the nation of Judea

Thinking not so much of him but his father – Zacharias

A time of spiritual apostasy

Many claimed to be children of God as they were children of Abraham
Yet they did not have the same faith as Abraham
John the Baptist was sent to turn these people back to the Lord

v16, 17
His ministry would be turning many hearts back to God

The Birth of John the Baptist was staggering

Both Zacharias and Elizabeth were advanced in years
John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth
God was sending a prophet to prepare the way for the Messiah

To concentrate on the unbelief of Zacharias

God dealt with this in a dramatic way – he was struck dumb

He could not speak a word, because he doubted the word of God

We have to be so careful with unbelief – it is a serious sin
His unbelief never hindered the plans of God

Gods plans cannot be frustrated
God is always victorious

God’s Purposes

A low time in Israel’s history

They had known the failed Macabean revolt
They were under the control of the Romans
500 years of silence from God and prophets
500 years since the last miracle
Their religion had become very formal and their hearts were far from God

God broke into the silence

God sent an angel from heaven
The angel Gabriel speaks to Zacharias
That the Messiah will come
God will change the spiritual scene

Who was Zacharias?

He was from the hill country of Judea
A simple priest – not notable or high up

He was one of 18,000 priests

Part of the division of Abijah

There were 24 divisions

Yet he and Elizabeth were both righteous before God

He was righteous – because he (and his wife) believed God, the had faith in the coming Messiah
He was (and his wife were) walking in righteousness (v6)

They were keeping the commandments of God
What a challenge to us!

Elizabeth was barren and they were both old

There was a stigma upon them – barrenness was seen as a sign of God’s curse

Reproach was taken away from her (v25)

God often uses ordinary people

Example of Abraham, David, the Disciples
Sometimes there seem to be inconsequential people in inconsequential circumstances – who bring blessings to people

Example of the Naaman’s servant girl and Gideon

Zacharias

One of 18,000 priests in 26 divisions

He offered in the temple twice a year
But not everyone could go into the ‘Holy of Holies’

The lot fell to Zacharias (v9) to burn incense – this would only occur once in a priest’s life

You could not get any closer to the presence of God

An angel appeared to him

When people see angels – there is tremendous fear

They come from the presence of God, they come from the purity of heaven
Zacharias was fearful and troubled (v12)

The angel said their prayer had been heard (v13)

Perhaps praying for a child?
Perhaps praying for the Messiah to come?
God had their prayer
God does hear our prayers and always answer – yes, no, wait

The angel said Elizabeth would bear a child and he would be called John (v13)

Not a family name
A special name – John, meaning ‘God is gracious’
For great joy and gladness
A child separated by God
He will go before the Messiah – a fulfilment of Malachi’s prophecy

Zacharias’ response – doubt

Didn’t Mary say something similar?

She was enquiring – not a heart of unbelief, because she said ‘let it be according to your word’

Even though he stands in the presence of a chief Angel – he doubted

He would have known and taught about Abraham and Sarah
He would have know about Isaac and Jacob
He would have know about others that were barren (at least 5 examples)

He did not believe

When God speaks to us – do we believe the word of God or doubt?
Heb 3:12,19; 4:2, 11:6
We must people of faith and trust in the word of God

Zacharias was mute because he did not believe

How difficult this would have been
After the child was born – at his circumcision
His tongue is loosed and he speaks wonderful words of God

If we are unbelieving – ask the Lord to forgive and cleanse us

God chooses ordinary people to do big things for Him – examples
God hears the prayers of His people
Believe Him for it