Our Great Salvation: Gospel of Luke #05
This is an exposition of Luke 1:56-80. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, March 13, 2016.
Intro:
For over six months he lived in his silent world. Unable to speak and unable to hear. Alone with his thoughts. His dear wife, barren for so long, now joyfully carrying their baby boy who had been chosen by God to prepare the way for the Messiah. Zechariah, unable to speak of his love for her or his hopes and dreams for their boy, could only watch as the drama unfolded. He could see the joy in Elizabeth’s eyes but he could not hear the joy of her song. The months passed. One day a relative arrived from Nazareth. Zechariah didn’t understand what was happening but he could see that Elizabeth was overjoyed and danced with glee. Something wonderful had happened but what? After a few agonizing moments and through gesture and a few scribbled notes he finally understood. Mary had experienced an angelic visit. She too was with child. Her boy was the result of the “overshadowing” of God and would be called the Son of the Most High. God’s plan for the ages was beginning to unfold. The covenant made in eternity past was about to be fulfilled. God was about to make good on His promise to Abraham. Two boys and on them hung the salvation of the world. Tears flowed down his gray beard, his eyes fixed on the heavens, his heart overflowing, yet his voice remained silent.
Another three months passed.
He never got used to the silence but his life had become routine.
One day, out of the corner of his eye, he noted some activity.
He turned.
Something was wrong.
He ran to see what was the matter.
A crowd had gathered around Elizabeth. As his eyes quickly surveyed the room and he realized, “It was time!” Again alone with his thoughts he anxiously awaited the birth of his son. After what seemed an eternity he could see the sights of joyful exuberance. The people cheered and hugged one another. He watched in silence. Some a woman approached with a blanket. She placed it in his arms and pulled the corner back revealing his precious child. The old man wept with joy. His heart soared. His praise went up to God. Yet his voice remained silent.
Eight days later came the act of circumcision. This was the ancient ceremony through which the child would be marked as belonging to the covenant community. It is also the moment in which he would be given his name. Family and friends throughout the region had come. This was a big moment. This was a time for great celebration. When the moment came all eyes were on Elizabeth when it came time to name the child. She said, “He shall be called John.” Everyone was shocked. The family was incensed. He should be named for his father. His name should be Zechariah. John wasn’t even a family name. Elizabeth insisted the name was John. They rushed Zechariah and through gesture they sought his opinion. Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, “The child’s name is John.”
While the crowd wondered what this all meant they suddenly realized Zechariah was no longer silent! Our text this morning is found in Luke Luke 1 beginning with Luke 1:56.
Text: Luke 1:56-80
This first chapter of Dr. Luke’s orderly account contains unique material from eyewitnesses.
Zechariah’s angelic encounter announcing John’s birth.
Mary’s visit from the same angel with an extraordinary message for her.
Now we switch back to Zechariah and his song of praise following the birth of John.
Keep in mind Luke’s purpose in writing. He wanted his friend Theophilus to have certainty concerning the things he had been taught about Jesus. He wanted him to know that Jesus was uniquely the Son of God and the Savior not just of the Jews but of the Gentiles as well. Jesus is the Savior of the world.
Because Zechariah questioned or doubted the angel’s message, thus the message of God, he was struck deaf and dumb until all was fulfilled. Nine months is a long time to live in silence. Not surprisingly, when the silence broke, the old man had something important to say.
Back when Gabriel originally gave Zechariah the message. Zechariah said, “How shill I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel and I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.”
I was sent to bring you this gospel.
I’m bringing you God’s word about salvation.
For 9 months Zechariah has been contemplating the gospel.
He’s been thinking about God’s deliverance.
His first word is a shout of praise to God!
I want to suggest to you that is the only valid response to the gospel. That is the only right response to what God has accomplished for us in Christ. The old man’s heart burst forth in a song of blessing and praise we call the Benedictus. Again, because of the first word in the Latin text.
As we work through the song in Luke 1:67-79 we learn that…
Thesis: The heart gripped by the wonder of God’s salvation cannot help but sing God’s praise.
The song naturally breaks into 2 parts. Part 1 is found in 1:67-75 in which Zechariah blesses God for the wonder of His plan; and Part 2 found in 1:76-79 in which he blesses his son as God’s messenger bringing knowledge and light.
- Such a heart sings the praise of God’s great plan. (1:68-75)
This salvation is from God; it comes from outside of us.
This salvation from God is by the power of God.
This salvation sets us free, it delivers us.
This salvation is based upon the mercy and the promise of our God.
This salvation leads to service and sanctification. - Such a heart sings the praise of God’s provision of a messenger bringing knowledge and light. (1:76-79)
Conclusion:
Note who Zechariah describes the need in 1:78-79.
The picture is a caravan overtaken by darkness in the wilderness.
Stranded in an unknown land, shrouded in darkness on a starless night.
Frightened by every sound.
Hoping, longing for the break of day.
After what seems an eternity – in the east blackness turns purple.
Soon there is a hint of orange.
Ultimately black gives way to cobalt blue.
Day has dawned.
Such is the coming of Christ and God’s great salvation.
From darkness to light.
From death to life.
This is what it means to be saved.
I can promise you this. If you come to Christ the dark night of your sin will be over and the dayspring of His light will rise in your heart.