Old Llantrisant Hill
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
- 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