The Gospel of Luke: Prayers, Pain and the Promised Arrival of a Forerunner - Video

Sermon Text: Luke 1: 5-7 Sermon Date: 9/15/2024 Speaker: Brian Crawford . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . This passage begins concerning childbirth, but not the birth you would expect. The couple love God, but had trouble conceiving. Luke makes his point early on - even the best of us, aren’t excused from the highest of pains. This couple had high lineage, high standards of righteousness, but also were experiencing the highest of pain. But even in that pain; God is with us, and has not abandoned us. And the plan He has outlined for his children, will still be accomplished by His children. This child was birthed with great pain, great grief, but great purpose. On the week that Zachariah was supposed to be tending the temple with his group, this birth is happening. Also, Zachariah is chosen by lot from 1800 for a super special cleaning of the altar - a once in a lifetime event for Zachariah. So, all of this is happening at once, showing that God is at work filling His redemptive purposes even when Zachariah and his wife thought that God had abandoned them. But, God was working, even when they thought He left them alone. God also uses this moment to show Zachariah that this birth would be powerful. Not only has his prayer been heard, but his son would be the John, the cousin of Christ! And he would make the way ready for Christ’s coming. Zachariah’s answered prayer is not just for them, BUT, for everyone that would be blessed through his child. This child would pave the way for the king of king, the lord of lords, the prince of peace! His assignment will bring joy to many homes! Zachariah and Elizabeth had no idea that this is happening. All they wanted is just a son. A child to bring them joy. See, the delay was not because they have been forgotten, but their prayers were rather answered with the framework of God’s eternal, redemptive work. You may be praying for something, but is your answer along the way to the fulfillment of His grand redemptive purposes? Zachariah responded, “how shall I know this? For I am an old man…” and the angel answers “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent here to give a message to you.” And because he disbelieved, he struck Zachariah mute until his child was born. This is a man who has lived his whole life, asking these questions. And when Gabriel shows up, of course it makes sense that in his grief, being told “no” for so long, after enduring the disappointment and even rumors within their own community about their own lives, that Zachariah has questions within his human nature. “Have you looked at us? We’re old, and have been asking for a LONG time. Are you sure you got the right people?” Sometimes, when God shows up, a little doubt shows up with Him. God answers not just according to purpose, but to promise. Delay is not denial, but to make sure that we stay on the direction of His grand plan. Even in striking Zachariah mute, it is for his sanctification. God is always growing and teaching us along the way. So he goes home, and God gives them a child. He has not forgotten you. He’s just got to get us to our destination first.