“The Silence is Over!”

Well Good Morning, you are going to need your Bibles today. I hope that you have brought one. Here at Antioch one thing is you are always going to need a Bible and a note book. Turn with me to Luke chapter 1. Last week we began our exciting journey as we took a look into the beginning act of the gospel of Luke. Why did Luke write this gospel? What was his purpose? His purpose or intent was that we as his readers could be for certain that the work and life of Christ are trustworthy. As believers we must understand this.

This morning we really begin to understand what is happening here in the opening of Luke’s narrative. The nation of Israel has been in a difficult time of darkness because of their unfaithfulness and rebellion. We can look back and see a history of God’s people coming close to Him and then acting out in rebellion and finally the Lord’s forgiveness. We see this pattern over and over again. However, it had now been over 400 years since the last prophecy had been spoken in Israel. God had not communicated with His people through a prophet, through a revelation, or through a miracle. Just silence during this 400 years since the days of Malachi.

But now the nation of Israel finds themselves sitting under the heavy and oppressive rule of Rome. They are hoping and looking for the Messiah to come and dispel the spiritual darkness that had held the nation in despair for so long. In Luke chapter 1 verses 78-79 shed some light on this matter. What we see here is that Zacharias’ desired for those who feared God, that the sunrise from on high (the Messiah) would come.

Luke 1:78–79 ESV

78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

What is so interesting about these verses here is that we know that Zacharias was reminded of some of the last words from Malachi before the silence of God. Listen to these words from Malachi chapter 4.

Malachi 4:2 ESV

2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

This prophecy looks forward to the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ who would deliver his people from the darkness of their sin. The Old Testament ended with the most positive and the most hopeful promise. The sun of righteousness would arise and He would be a glorious light for those who would trust in Him. (Jesus)

Malachi’s prophecy also included God’s promise to send a messenger or a forerunner who would come before the Messiah and signal the end to God’s silence toward His people. We see this in Malachi chapter 3 verse 1. This of course would be John the Baptist. His preaching and teaching would be a source of light to the spiritual darkness surrounding Israel, and a call for the people to prepare their hearts to receive Christ.

It is essential for us to see that Luke started his gospel with the salvation story of John the Baptist because what this does is help us to see how the Old Testament connects with the New Testament. They are both one unified and complete revelation from God, offering us hope and redemption through faith in the one true living God and His Son Jesus.

Turn with me to Luke 1 and let us begin in verse 5.

Luke 1:5–17 ESV

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will 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 for the Lord a people prepared.”

There are several important lessons that we must see here from our text today.

1. The Character of God’s People.

(Verses 5-6) King Herod was not a Jew but he did come from the Edomites which were descendants of Esau who was the brother of Jacob turned Israel. But Herod was a puppet King and he ruled for 36 years from 40 B.C. to around 4 B.C. During his reign he had some amazing accomplishments. He rebuilt the Jewish temple, he rebuilt the pagan temples and he also built up Masada. However he was never secure in himself, and because of this he was constantly paranoid about his power and authority. He killed everyone who got close to him including his own family members. He was to the Jews what Nero was to the Romans. These days were dark days under his reign when the gospel of Luke takes place.

I always find it interesting the meaning of names in Scripture. Here the name Zechariah means, “Yahweh has remembered.” God has remembered again. This is important for us to remember today. God is a God who remembers us. He does not forget His promises, and now after 400 years of silence, Zechariah appears on the scene.

Zechariah was a priest from the division of Abijah. To be a priest was to represent God to the people. This was a very respected and honorable position. The priests would bring God’s people together in the temple area and offer up sacrifices for their sin. They would help teach and interpret the Scriptures. They would give counsel to them and even judge them when necessary. Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth was also from a priestly line. So, what do we know about them?

-First, they were both righteous before God. Zechariah and his wife were different from the self-righteous hypocrites whom Jesus was constantly dealing with. They were both righteous not in the sight of men, but in the sight of God. The Lord justified them and redeemed them because of their faith. Zechariah and Elizabeth believed in the one true living God and the revelation of His Word in the Old Testament. They believed that God’s law was right and true, but also knew that they could not keep it perfectly. They had been declared righteous by grace through their faith. And God was pleased with them.

People today who are declared righteous have a love for God. They are devoted to Godly things like prayer and the reading of God’s Word. They have a desire to turn from their sin and follow the Lord and obey Him. Is this you today?

-Second here, they walked blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. What this means is that Zechariah and Elizabeth were not sinless, but rather their lives were a picture of their obedience to God and His laws. These two were like Job who was known as blameless and upright fearing God and turning from evil and sinful ways. They had a deep love for God and because of this their character showed it by how they walked, talked, and acted.

2. The Trial of God’s People.

(Verse 7) The Second lesson that stands out to us here is the trial for this couple that were both advanced in years. This trial seemed hopeless. This couple had lived all their lives being known as the couple without children. Think of how this must have felt for them??? Elizabeth was barren, just like Sarah and even Hannah. In those days, people who were considered barren had a sense of reproach. Some folks may have thought that there was some dark sin in their lives and because of that they could not have children. But we know of course that there was no hidden sin, they were godly and blameless. We are told here in verse 7 that they had no children. For Jewish people this was a very difficult affliction. To be without children was one of the most difficult sorrows anyone could face. Think about Hannah.

1 Samuel 1:10 ESV

10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.

It is important to remember today that even though we follow God and serve Him, there may come the trials of life. Zechariah and Elizabeth continued to serve God even though they did not have what they wanted. The trials of this life, the dark days of this life can draw us closer to Christ, or it can cause us to get angry and wonder away from Christ. Elizabeth and Zechariah endured through much testing. Their faithful examples help us to ask, will we continue to love God and serve God through our disappointments? No child, no hitting the lottery or beautiful mansion, no mate. Will the Lord mean more to us than any of these earthy things? Can we still find joy and peace through the Lord as this couple did?Through prayer and God’s Word we can be comforted and encouraged to know that even as we journey through this life there is something much better to come. May our hearts and minds and affections be like that of Zechariah and Elizabeth because they were fixed on the Lord.

3. The Responsibility of God’s People.

In verses 8-10 we see the priestly responsibilities of Zechariah. During this time in Israel’s history they would have had around 18,000 priests who were divided among different groups. Only 14 of those priests among the 18,000 were given the honor to offer up incense on the altar during the course of that year. And only once could that priest have the opportunity to offer the prayers of intercession for the people. This was a once in a life time opportunity. The majority of priests would never have this opportunity to enter the Most Holy place. Interestingly the priest was not selected by other priests for this duty. The only way that one could be chosen for this sacred service was by God himself through the casting of lots. So, when Zechariah was chosen for this responsibility he must have been overwhelmed by this spiritual blessing. In verse 10 we see that while the priest was inside the people and the rest of the priests gathered outside in the morning and the evening to pray. On this particular occasion the people came sometime in the late afternoon or evening to offer these prayers. When Zechariah offered the incense, this represented the people’s dependence on God and therefore it acknowledged God’s sovereignty over all things including them. Here we see the importance not only of what Zechariah did but also of God’s people coming to seek the Lord through prayer. We must be a people of prayer. We must see the importance of not only acknowledging God but seeking Him daily through prayer.

4. The Response to God’s Revelation.

(Verses 11-17) At this decisive moment in history, God once again steps in and speaks to His people. This must have been a very startling thing for Zechariah. Verse 11 tells us that an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah. Remember it had been over 5 centuries since the last time an appearance of an angel had occured. Notice Zechariah’s immediate response.

-First, we see that he was troubled.

-And second, we see that fear fell upon him.

These were typical reactions of people who were visited by angels. The presence of such a holy being made people aware of their sin and God’s judgment of it, however there was good news for Zechariah. In fact beginning with verse 13 we see the good news. Here we see 7 things that God says through Gabriel.

-First of all, “Do not be afraid.” This was good news considering the fact that Zechariah was troubled and fearful. It is good news today to be reminded that the Lord comforts His people. The assurance that the Lord is for us, helps us through difficult times in this life.

-Second, “Your Prayer has been heard.”

In verse 13 the angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard. What prayer is that? His prayer for a son. In fact, the angel tells him that you will have a son and you will name him John. I think it is so vital church to remember that a long delay does not mean that God rejects our prayers or does not hear our prayers. God sent His angel to say, “I have heard you.” I have you in mind and through the forerunner of John would he proclaim the Messiah was here. God was so interested and delighted in Zechariah’s prayers that He gave the baby a name. “John”

-Third, “There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth.” When you stop and think about these first 3 statements that the angel gives to Zechariah they really include most everything we as humans want. Not to be afraid, to have a family, and to be happy. The news that they were going to have a son naturally brought them great joy and gladness, but many others would share in their joy. Why? Because John would turn many back to God.

-Fourth, “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” In verse 15 we see here that God would have a special regard for this child. He will grow up to become a mighty man who will be used by God.

-Fifth, “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while he is still in his mother’s womb.” This means that from conception, John will be controlled by God the Holy Spirit. This is why we see the warning to his parents that he should not drink alcohol or be controlled by it. We know exactly why John was anointed and filled by the Spirit of God because this leads us to verse 16.

-Sixth, “He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” God will use Zechariah’s son to ignite a revival in Israel. John will begin to help people and lead people to the true light Jesus, who will save His people from their sin.

-Finally, He John will go before the Lord in the Spirit and power of Elijah.” John will be the forerunner and go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people. John was truly preparing people to meet Christ.

Conclusion: The angel Gabriel speaking to Zechariah was a very significant moment in the history of Israel. It had been a very long time of silence and now through this angel God breaks His silence and speaks to Zechariah. What does God have to show us after 400 years of silence? Where does He pick up where He left off? In Malachi chapter 4 verses 5-6 God made promises that He now begins to fulfill in the New Testament.

Malachi 4:5–6 ESV

5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

He sends John as another Elijah who will prepare the way for the coming of the Son (Jesus). God now sends His long awaited Savior to His people.