The Privilege Lost, the Promise Fulfilled, The Privilege Restored Luke 1:18-25, 56-66

Big Idea: God is a God of Redemption. The account of Zechariah teaches us that God is never finished with us. He graciously meets us in our moments of doubts and calls us to trust in Him. This leads us to praise His glorious name. The ___________________ Lost Luke 1:20 (ESV) — 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” When we doubt the Lord, we naturally lose the privilege of testifying to His goodness and grace. Isaiah 42:6 (ESV) — 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, Acts 13:44-49 The consequence, both naturally and directly, of rejecting the Lord’s provision and disbelieving the Lord’s promises is losing the privilege of proclaiming him to the nations. The ____________________ Fulfilled Luke 1:57–58 (ESV) — 57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, or your friends and neighbors rejection of Jesus, says nothing about Jesus’ intrinsic power to save. Romans 9:6–8 (ESV) — 6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. Here is the reality beloved, in principle, God is real, Jesus Christ saves, and the Spirit transforms, regardless if any one believes it or not. The _____________________ Restored Luke 1:63–64 (ESV) — 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. Zechariah’s lapse of faith did not indefinitely disqualify him from proclaiming the Lord’s goodness. Much like Peter’s three-fold denial of the Lord did not disqualify him from serving in the Lord’s army. As Zechariah trusted the Lord in this act of faith, he is restored and his powers of tongue returned and he praises the Lord. Questions to Consider In what ways is the Lord calling you to trust in him? How might you take the opportunity to praise the Lord this week with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers? In what ways do you see yourself in Zechariah? What would a prayer of confession and faith look like in your times of doubt?