HOPE FOR THE HOMESTRETCH: HOPE THAT INSURES FRUITFULNESS

But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:43-45)

An old barren woman and a young virgin girl will be fruitful.  God is glorified in our fruitfulness.

That fruitfulness is rooted in A SERVANT’S CONDESCENSION (v.43-44)  Elizabeth speaks of “my Lord.”  She condescends to take the role of a servant.  Jesus would teach that this is the pathway to greatness—stooping to serve!  He would set the example with the basin and towel.  What we want to hear after crossing the finish line is, “Well done good and faithful servant!”  That is the hope of being crowned hereafter that inspires us to condescend here.

Fruitfulness is also rooted in A SCRIPTURAL CONVICTION (v.45)  These women of God believed the Word of God.  Their hope rested in the unchanging promises of an immutable God.   When our lives are rooted in truth and faith grows, then we become fruitful for God.  Until my last breath, I want to maintain the courage of my convictions and sustain my confidence in the Word of God.

This story ultimately, however, isn’t about Elizabeth and Mary—not even about the baby Elizabeth was carrying—a pretty important fellow named John the Baptist.  They are the supporting cast in this Divine drama.  The "star" of this show is the One who had just begun to form as a mass of cells multiplying in Mary's womb--the Lord Jesus Christ!  He was coming into the world to save us from sin.  No wonder the little John the Baptist leaped for joy in his mother’s womb!  Have you received Him as your Savior?  Leap at the chance!  There is no better time than  now.   You may be headed toward the finish line of life in a few minutes—will you be prepared to meet God?

If you have begun the Christian race with a personal commitment to Christ, how well are you running?  Many fade at the finish—no longer faithful, fervent or fruitful!  The pages of Scripture disclose many such sad examples: Samson, Saul, Solomon--who started off with much potential, but stumbled down the homestretch.  God deliver me!  Lord help us to race on and not falter!

HOPE FOR THE HOMESTRETCH: HOPE THAT INSPIRES FERVENCY

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (Luke 1:41-42)  

Elizabeth responds with passion to Mary's miracle message.  She has zeal, joy and enthusiasm!  Yes, it is possible to grow older and not give out!  There is hope for the homestretch that inspires us to "pour it on" as the finish line approaches.

The source of this fervency is that Elizabeth is SPIRIT-FILLED (v.41).  This was deeper than just emotion, although intense feelings were stirred.  Feelings fluctuate like the weather in the mountains.  Emotions ebb and flow like the tides at the beach.  This was the Holy Spirit that ignited this fire of fervency!  Sadly, some of us are lukewarm—a spirit of apathy rather than a Spirit of anointing rests upon us.  We may be headed to the finish line with only cold ashes where once we were on fire for God.  It’s time to stir up the ashes with the poker of Scripture, fan the embers into flame with prayer, and rekindle the flame of love for Christ!

Recall the church at Ephesus?  They were orthodox in doctrine, active in service, and yet there was a serious problem: "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." (Revelation 2:4-5)

I love the spirit of my wife's old cousin, Lester Crayton.  This preacher is past 90, has had a host of health problems, and pretty much given up for dead.  But he refuses to quit!  The family took his car keys out of concern for him and others.  I could tell he didn't much appreciate it when I visited with him and his sweet wife the other day.  Quickly, our conversation turned to preaching and Bible commentaries, and other dimensions of ministry that he had been incapable of doing for a long time.  Still, you could see the gleam return to his eyes and passion to his voice as we conversed.  Well, the next day, my wife--who works for LifeWay Christian Bookstore---gets a frantic call from his family.  Lester found the car keys and took off!  Marilyn wasn't working that day, but she placed a call and found out he had been in the store and bought a Bible commentary!  There's a man with hope for the homestretch--and a challenge to me.  By the way, Lester got back safely home.

Elizabeth wasn't just Spirit-filled, she was also SET APART (v.42)  Along with Mary, these women were chosen vessels for God to use.  Elizabeth underscores in this verse that Mary was set  apart for a special purpose.  She was blessed to be a blessing—and so are you!  All of us are set apart for a unique plan God has.  Without question, Mary was unique in her Gift to the world, but all of God's children are gifted.  The Lord has saved us and set us apart to serve Him.  His retirement plan is Heaven, and until we cross the finish line, may we keep running!

HOPE FOR THE HOMESTRETCH: HOPE THAT IMPARTS FAITHFULNESS

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.  (Luke 1:39-40)

Mary gives us a model of faithfulness.  As a teenager, the level of her spiritual maturity was amazing.  She established a course she would follow all the days of her life, until at last, headed down the homestretch she would finish well.  There are some who start well and falter.  Others do not begin well, but excel later and finish with a flourish.  But, the ideal is seen in Mary who from beginning to end was faithful.

She was FAITHFUL IN SEEKING, “Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah” (v.39).  The angel had departed.  Would Mary rub her eyes, think it all a dream—maybe too much pizza before bed?  Gabriel had told her that Elizabeth’s pregnancy would be a sign of God’s miraculous work:

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  ‎He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  ‎And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”  And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:31-37)

So, she takes off to find out.  Being faithful means we are full of faith!  Headed down the homestretch do we keep trusting?  That steadfast faith will lead us to seek to eagerly follow God’s path for us, even if, as with Mary, it seems incredible.

Mary was also FAITHFUL IN SHARING, “and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.” (v.40)   When Elizabeth saw Mary coming she must have thought, “Do I have some news for her!”  Mary was probably thinking the same thing all the way there.  I wonder if they almost collided on their course to communicate and celebrate what God had promised!  Good news is made for sharing!  Those who are faithful to follow leave a testimony that marks out a trail for others. 

Mary’s model inspires us after 2,000 years.  She beckons us to leave a legacy of life-truths—a heritage of hope—that our family, friends and fellowship of the church needs to know.  One day, each of us will head down the homestretch of life and cross the finish line.  Make it your prayer that if others follow your example, they too will join you someday in wearing a crown of victory!  Jesus exhorts, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11)  Faithfulness keeps a firm grip on the crown.

 

HOPE FOR THE HOMESTRETCH

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.  And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.  Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:39-45)

Here is a picture of California Chrome beginning his journey to horse racing’s most coveted honor—The Triple Crown.  There has not been a horse that has won all three prestigious races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes since Affirmed did in 1978.  But California Chrome can join that elite group this Saturday if he wins the Belmont. 

It is not always the fastest horse out of the gate that wins, nor the one leading at the halfway point, not even at the last turn.  It is the homestretch that makes the difference—as the wide-eyed horse, with nostrils flaring, hooves pounding, flanks lathered with sweat, and the jockey urging the steed on to the finish where the winner is determined. 

All of us will come to the homestretch of our earthly race, but unlike a horse race, we just don’t know the length until we reach the finish line.  Before California Chrome finishes his race at the end of this week, you or I could be at the end of life’s race.  We may be in the homestretch now. 

How do we finish well?  We must run with hope like the two women in our text.  This week we will consider a young lady named Mary and an elderly woman named Elizabeth—both on the way to becoming mothers whose sons will impact the world, and both who will run their race and end as winners.  Their example is a challenge to all of us to race on with hope for the homestretch!

WHY IS "GOOD" FOOD BAD FOR US?

All food in its natural state is good.  God made all things "good." He gave us vegetables, fruit and grain to eat originally (Gen.1:29-30). There was one prohibited fruit (2:16-17). It was for a "test" (3:1-6). After the fall, however, we desire what we should not have (Rom.7:8-24). 

Meat was later added to the diet except eating blood was prohibited (Gen.9:3-4).  Another prohibition came concerning the consumption of "fat" (Lev.3:17).

Under the law some meats were "unclean." (Lev.11).  The question is, “Why?”   Here’s some insight:

Why did God disallow certain animals for food? Was it merely an arbitrary test of religious obedience? Certain hygienic considerations were no doubt part of the reason, at least in the providence of God (Harrison, Leviticus, pp. 124–6, gives an elaboration of this view). But the primary reason seems to have been theological—to teach symbolically Israel’s status as the holy (separated) people of God. It is striking that the two major chapters on unclean foods are either introduced (Deut. 14:1–2) or concluded (Lev. 11:44–45) with an affirmation of Israel’s election to be a holy people of God. The threefold classification of animals into unclean, clean, and sacrificial seems to parallel the division of mankind into unclean (those excluded from the camp of Israel), clean (ordinary Israelites when not defiled), and the priesthood (those who offered sacrifices in the sanctuary; Wenham, Leviticus, p. 170).

Now God has cleansed all food (Acts 10).  What made eating some things “sinful” is that God said, “Don’t.”  So, the problem wasn’t the diet of what was put into the mouth, but the defiance that came out of the heart.  Jesus made this very point (see Matt.15:16-20).  If God says something is permissible, then it is no longer prohibited.

We are to be careful about legalism and license (Rom.14-15), practicing the law of liberty—which is the law of love (1 Cor.8) (Col.2:14-23).

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.6:12-20).  Thus, discipline is always called for (1 Cor.9:24-27).  We are to do all with gratitude and to the glory of God (1 Cor.10:23-31) (1 Tim.4:1-5).

Why then has medical science come to conclude that some foods that taste good have bad effects?  The issues are:

1)      man’s engineering and altering of foods chemically and genetically which can alter their original state in a way that makes it toxic;

2)      gluttony—too much of a good thing will make it a bad thing.  Scripture has much to say about this.  There is the example of Esau (Gen.25:29-34); a rebellious son (Deut.21:18-21); and these passages from Prov.23:1-8, 20-21 and Titus 1:12-13.  Many more could be referenced.

There is no dimension of a Christian’s life that isn’t subject to His Lordship—even the dinner table!  Study these verses and apply the teaching, then food that is “good” won’t be bad for you!

HOPE IS PROMISED: Certainty Is Granted by God’s Power

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”  And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:34-38)

The Bible testifies repeatedly that “ with God nothing will he impossible.”   Infinite power is His and available from Him.  If He could speak the world into existence, He could implant His Son in the womb of a virgin, and if He could do that, God can do anything for us!

This incredible hope is rooted in THE SOURCE OF POWER.  Mary’s incredulity was answered with this assurance, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you ; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”  Here we see the Triune God: the Father who is called, “the Highest;” the Son who is named, “that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” and the third person of the Trinity mentioned is, “the Holy Spirit.”   This Almighty God is the source of power—and He is with us!  If Mary’s hope resided in her ability to produce God in the flesh, then it was an impossibility—but, not with God!

It is seen to be a limitless hope as we recognize THE SCOPE OF POWER.  “Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.” (v.36-37) Mary’s faith is strengthened by the report concerning Elizabeth.  She who was barren was going to have a baby.  This child would be the forerunner of the Messiah—whom Mary will birth.  God sends His Word to nurture our faith and make it grow strong. 

What do you need?  Come boldly to the throne of grace!  Nothing is too hard for the Lord!

We fully experience hope when we rest in Him by THE SUBMISSION TO POWER.  Mary’s response was, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (v.38)  Seeing God’s supernatural work requires submission to His will.

That isn’t easy.   There is a price to pay.  It cost Mary her reputation.  Do you think people were going to believe a single girl turning up pregnant was a miracle?  Even Joseph didn’t buy her story.  It almost cost the man she loved.  Joseph was going to divorce her had not the angel spoken to him.  Ultimately, it cost the pain of watching her Son die.  But she submitted.  Have you?  Take up your cross and know His power!

 

HOPE IS PROMISED: Certainty Is Given in God’s Promise

 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  (Luke 1:30-33)

We human beings have problems with promises—we break them!  But Scripture says that “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”  (Numbers 23:19)  We see several promises Gabriel brought from God.

There is THE PROMISE OF CHRIST’S GRACE.  “Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.’” (v.30-31)  That promise is bound up in the name, “Jesus.”  Jesus means, “Jehovah is salvation.”  For centuries the Old Testament promise of a Savior had been unfulfilled—but that was about to change!  Jesus came to span the gulf between holy God and sinful man in paying the price for our sins on the cross.  He reaches out one hand on the cross to the Righteous Judge and stretches out the other to the condemned criminal and they meet in the Propitiation He is in Himself.  The Savior is suspended between heaven and earth to form the bridge between the two realms.

Then, there is THE PROMISE OF CHRIST’S GREATNESS. “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest” (v.32a).  There have been many great men who have walked the stage of human history, but Jesus towers above them all, for He was more than the Son of Man; He was and is the Son of God!  As a Gospel song writer affirmed, “He is higher than the highest; greater than the great.”  When we align ourselves with Him, the lowliest of the low is lifted into His royal family and becomes an heir with Him!

THE PROMISE OF CHRIST’S GOVERNMENT.  “the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (v.32b-33)  This promise has yet to be fulfilled—but as the promises connected to Christ’s first coming were realized, we may rest assured those of His second coming will be!  This world is governed today by those who promise much to gain power and then trample on the very promises they made to retain it.  Increasingly, we see tyranny on one hand and anarchy on the other.  Such is the world under the curse.  But the King of kings is coming to reverse the curse and establish peace and righteousness on the planet.  Hold to the hope of His promise; He is coming!

 

HOPE IS PROMISED: Certainty Is Grounded in God’s Purpose

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  (Luke 1:26-29)

Despite the evolutionists claim, our world isn’t a result of a cosmic explosion and our existence isn’t the result of random processes and mutations.  There is a providential plan God is pursuing. “This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.  For the LORD of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?”  (Isa.14:26-27)  God’s purpose will be fulfilled.

DESPITE SOCIAL DEPRAVITY GOD HAS A PLAN.  The area of Galilee and city of Nazareth were held in contempt by the Jews.  In the time of our text, the location was overrun by Gentile sinners.  Nazareth stood on a hillside overlooking a highway where passed Roman soldiers and Greek merchants.  These men stopped at Nazareth looking for a good time.  It was a den of iniquity!  But, I want to remind you that “where sin abounds grace does much more abound.” 

Those were sad and bad times for the world.  But God was at work!  We must not despair at the current cultural climate, for God is active.  In these dark days in which we live, our light can shine brighter than ever!  But, it won’t impact the world if the light is hidden under a bushel basket of whining!

DESPITE SPIRITUAL DEGENERACY GOD HAS A PEOPLE.  It is fascinating that God didn’t send Gabriel to announce to the religious leaders that their Messiah was coming.  They wouldn’t have believed it.  Later when Jesus presented Himself to them, they rejected him. 

But God always has a people to accomplish His purposes—even if it is a poor young girl named Mary.  He chooses the insignificant to do the incredible.  There is always a remnant of the faithful that God will use.  The question is whether we will be in that number?

HOPE IS PROMISED

 

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”  And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.  (Luke 1:26-38)

We live in an age of doubt—sick with skepticism and plagued by pessimism.  Our generation echoes the cynical question Pilate posed to Jesus, “What is truth?”  Most seem to believe the only absolute truth is that there is no absolute truth!  That is a bleak outlook on life and leads to hopelessness. 

But, really, is there any hope?  Luke 1:26-38 is a text that trumpets, “Absolutely!”   In the annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel we find a number of reasons for hope.  Several certainties are communicated to God’s people that provide encouragement.  In fact, without these realities we would be hopeless.  This will be the subject of our study this week.

HOPE RETURNS BY A SACRED PROCLAMATION

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. (Luke 1:13)

For 400 years God has been silent—and now the silence is broken!  Four centuries of prophetic darkness will yield to the light of truth!

We read of A PROPHET FORETOLD.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.  For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.  He will also 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 a people prepared for the Lord.”  (Luke 1:13-17)   

So often in Scripture we read of God or His messenger conveying a word of peace to a trembling saint!  That is what Zacharias hears.  Far from a word of judgment, it is a word of joy that is announced.  A special baby will be born.  John would be the herald of the King! 

Then a description of spiritual awakening—in the nation, the church and the home—is given.   Israel, as a nation, would be called to repentance.  Not only the nation, but these people of God are to be made ready for the Lord’s coming.  This spiritual awakening will extend into the family with the hearts of fathers and children turning to each other.  We need that now!  If we would turn to the Lord, he will turn His face toward us!

There was a prophet foretold and this would be A PROMISE FULFILLED.

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”  And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.  But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”  And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.  But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.  So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.  Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”  (Luke 1:18-25) 

God spoke and Zacharias couldn’t.  Elizabeth will be able to share and Zacharias will only be able to sign!  Unbelief will shut his mouth.  God has spoken!  Why don’t we trust Him?   Maybe you’ve seen the bumper sticker, “God said it; I believe it; that settles it!”  WRONG!  God said it and that settles it whether you believe it or not!  Unbelief can rob us of blessing, but it won’t stop God’s purposes.

How will you respond to Him?  Let us not doubt in the dark what God has told us in the light!

 

HOPE RETURNS BY A SUPERNATURAL PRESENCE

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.  (Luke 1:11-12)

There are those times that God breaks into the course of the natural realm with a dramatic supernatural event.  That happened as Zacharias prayed and ministered in the Temple.

First, we have REVELATION (v.11)  The language leads us to believe the angel was there, but invisible to human vision.  Then, God manifests Gabriel’s form for the old eyes of Zacharias to behold a wonder he has not observed during his many years. 

If God opened our spiritual eyes, we would see there are angels all around us. There are things happening in the spiritual dimension continually, of which we have been oblivious.  I think of Jacob lying down his head on a stone for a pillow, and as he dreams, seeing heaven open—a stairway reaching up to God’s throne—with angels ascending and descending.  He awakens to call it Bethel—the House of God—and exclaim that he did not even suspect he was in such a sacred location!

Then, look at this story from 2 Kings 6:14-18 where the King of Syria has dispatched his army to kill Elisha the prophet: 

Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.  And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”  So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

We are never alone—God is near! 

Some years ago, my son Corey broke his arm.  As a young child he was terrified and in pain when they took him into X-Ray and shut the massive door.  He couldn’t see me, but I could hear him crying, “Daddy!  Daddy, help me!”  I was there, overseeing and caring—feeling for him.  Don’t think that God ever abandons His child!

Then, we find REVERENCE (v.12)  Zacharias is awestruck.  In our age, we are often so casual and careless about holy things and sacred places.  Many church gatherings resemble a circus meant to entertain man rather than a worship service aimed at exalting Christ.  Irreverence comes from failing to see God as He is!  If an angel could so terrify a good man, like Zacharias, what reverence should be shown the Lord?  Our behavior in God’s sanctuary may indicate that the glory has departed—for when the glory of God is manifested, we cannot but tremble and be driven to our knees!

The exhibition of a supernatural presence is a most remarkable thing.  It can happen, but rarely happens—and that’s what makes it so dramatic.  We cannot demand it, but when a Sovereign God chooses to disclose Himself or His messenger—or to do a miraculous work—then it is a transformational event.  It surely was for Zacharias!

May God make us spiritually attune to His activity, whether seen or unseen.

HOPE RETURNS AT A STRATEGIC POINT

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.  And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.  Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1:8-10)

Nothing is by accident for the child of God—it is by appointment!  Even disappointments from our earthbound perspective are His appointments according to His eternal purpose.

This is what we call PROVIDENCE and we see it in operation here.  Paul said that it was in the fullness of time that God sent His Son into the world (Gal.4:4); in the most strategic moment, God would cause the Light to dawn.  This new day would be heralded by John the Baptist.  He would be the “alarm clock” to awaken a world slumbering in sin.

We see His providential hand selecting Zacharias—by lot.  It wasn’t human chance but heavenly choice.  “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Prov.16:33).   

God is directing the events of your life—even the painful ones.  Zacharias and Elizabeth were both devoted followers of the Lord, but this did not immunize them from heartache.  They desperately wanted a child, and now they are seemingly past the age of fertility and still no baby.  They prayed and heaven seemed silent.  How often they must have asked why.  We understand that don’t we? 

You can’t choose to avoid problems—you can choose to be better and not bitter.  God uses pressure to mold us and fire to make us fit vessels.  The delay wasn’t a denial.  The postponement was providential and preparatory.

Linked with the providence of God was their PRAYER.  This is the human responsibility.  When the priest went in to offer incense a bell was sounded calling the people to pray.  We see the faithful remnant of Jews assembling to pray.  Gabriel will announce that the conception of a baby boy would be in answer to the prayers of Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1:13).  Incense is symbolic of intercession—a sweet fragrance arising to God.  When God gets ready to move, he moves us to pray.

How God might use us if we would but pray according to His purposes!  When our prayers link up with God’s passion remarkable things happen.  In the darkest hour, the dawn of hope arises!

HOPE RETURNS TO A SEPARATED PERSON

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.  And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.  So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”  (Luke 1:5-9)

Zacharias was a priest set apart for service in the temple.  He and his wife Elizabeth were faithful people who let their light shine during those dark days.  They clung to hope when it seemed hope was lost.  In them, we can see what it means to be a separated person—separated from sin and unto God.

We are separated to God IN A HOLY WALK.  Especially note verse six, “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”  This godly couple wasn’t perfect, but they were pure.  God occupied the throne of their lives and directed their steps.  Their walk in public was without scandal and their walk in private was without shame.  All was done under the supervision of God who put His stamp of approval on their conduct.  You don’t have to be a gifted person for God to use, but you have to be a godly person. 

The world’s noise drowns out God’s voice.   If we try to keep one eye on the world, and the other eye on the Lord, all we will do is become disoriented and fall down.  You can’t be stuck in the mud of carnal living and walk with the Lord.  His is the highway of holiness.  “A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.” (Isaiah 35:8)

But we are also separated to God IN A HUMBLE WORK.  Zacharias was given the responsibility to burn incense in the temple.  This seems like such a small assignment to us, but did you know that Zacharias saw it as a significant work?  Do you know when God is likely to give you a larger work?  When you are faithful with the little one!  Gideon was threshing wheat when God called him to lead an army; David was tending sheep when God anointed him to be king; Elisha was tilling the soil when God designated him as Elijah’s successor; Peter was mending nets when Jesus summoned him to fish for men. 

Are you positioned to hear from God?  Right now are you humbly applying yourself in obedience to what you know to do at the moment?  If you are not, then don’t expect God to direct you to wider responsibility.

 

HOPE RETURNS

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.  And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.  So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.  And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.  Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.  But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.  For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.  He will also 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 a people prepared for the Lord.”  (Luke 1:5-17)

They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn.  That was the condition of the nation of Israel 2,000 years ago.  For 400 years they had been in the dark—without a word from God.  The last prophet, Malachi, had been silent for four long centuries.  This despite the promise, “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings” (4:2a). 

That new day was about to dawn.  Reading Luke 1:5-25, we will see the light of truth peek over the horizon.  As the sun returns to the sky after the darkness of night, so hope would return with a fresh word from God.  A new prophet was on the way—John the Baptist—to herald the coming of the Light of the World—Jesus Christ!

Let your day begin by coming to His light.  Listen to His voice as you read His Book.  Thank Him that you are no longer in the dark, and heaven is no more silent!

 

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE WORLD: The Purpose Defined

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

In this prologue, Luke defines his purpose for writing.  Though others (by this time Matthew and Luke had penned their Gospels) had shared the story of Jesus, the missionary doctor believes he has a contribution to make to the greatest story ever told. 

Luke addresses this Gospel account to Theophilus—“friend of God” as the name means.  Maybe he was a “God-fearing” Gentile who was seeking salvation—and so Luke will share the Gospel.  Perhaps he was a new convert and Luke will feed him to mature him.  Both purposes are evidenced in this Gospel.

Luke’s purpose for writing can be defined as presenting THE SOURCE OF FAITH.  If Theophilus were not a saved man, but a seeking man, God connected him with the right person!  As Luke had found hope in Christ, so Theophilus could encounter the same eternal solution to the sin problem.  Christ is the only hope of the world and we must bear witness to Jesus!  Luke inspires us to do the same.

But another purpose is accomplished in this message and it is to provide THE SURETY OF FAITH.  If Theophilus were a converted man, he needed to become a confident man.  We are built up in the faith through the teaching of the Word.  Luke testifies to the truth, “that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”  We need to avail ourselves of the opportunity to make our faith sure, settled and strong by hearing the Word as it is taught by others and studying the Word for ourselves.  Each week a Bible-preaching/teaching church prepares a spiritual banquet for you.  Come and feast!  The Holy Spirit speaks from the Holy Scriptures!

There is hope for you!  There is hope for the world!  That is Luke’s message and it is ours to joyfully share 2,000 years after he wrote—and all the way until the end of the age.