Morning Moments

The Birth of John the Baptist​​​​Lk 1:5-25; 57-80

Background​​​​​Lk 1:5-25

I. The Parents​​ “Zechariah & Elizabeth”

Every direct male descendant of Aaron was automatically a priest.  There were divided into 24 sections.  Only at Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles did all the priests serve.  His wife also belonged to  the lineage of Aaron too.  Because of the number of priests, one might live an entire lifetime and never burn incense, which was chosen by casting lots.  Our Sovereign God caused all to happen according to His plan.

II. The Problem​​ “barren”

Obviously, these two never stopped praying and believing about having a child.  It was bad enough to be barren, but to be a priest from and have a wife from Aaron made matters even worse.

III. The Prayer​​ “heard”

We are sometimes very impatient regarding answers to prayer, but God always knows what He is doing, and why He is doing it.  We must, in the words of Dr. Chou, “pray and obey.”

IV. The Promise​​ “children…will…turn”

This is a quote from the last sentence of the Old Testament.

V. The Proof​​ “mute”

This same cherub had appeared to Daniel in 8:16 and 9:21


Birth​ ​​​​​Lk 1:57-80

VI. . The Delivery​​ “a son”

God never prophesies what He doesn’t perform.  It doesn’t matter how difficult or impossible it may seem.  We don’t have to “figure it our,” just believe it.

VII. The Dedication​ “circumcised”

The law required circumcision (a sign of covenant) on the eighth day.  We now know that blood coagulates faster on the eighth day than any other time in life.

VIII. The Decision ​​ “John”

I never cease to be amazed how God works in two (or more) hearts to confirm what he is doing.  It seemed strange to her family and friends that Elizabeth would give this child a name that was not a family name.

IX. The Declaration ​“John”

What freedom there is in obedience.  When Zechariah confirmed in writing what God had written in his heart, his tongue was loosed and he began to praise God.

X. The Doxology ​​“filled…saying”

In this doxology there are 17 quotations from 7 OT books.  It is quite obvious that Zechariah knew the Word of God.  No wonder God chose him for this wonderful miracle.

XI. The Destiny ​​“grew…strong”​

Here was a God trained man.  He learned about spiritual warfare and worship in the wilderness.  We are in public what we practice in private.  Prayer and pride are mutually exclusive.  We grow strong in solitude, not in society.  It is no wonder he was not intimidated by man…he was intimate with God.
 
BLESSINGS!