Last week:
Words Matter…bless or curse. If we speak more of God’s words…?
Genesis 1:3-4 “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”
John 1:4-5 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.”
-Greek ‘Zoe’-life, belongs to God, gifts it to creation, to those who believe: eternal life through Jesus/ Logos
-Greek ‘phos’- a never-quenched light
No Jesus=No Light=No Life
Know Jesus=Know Light=Know Life
1 John 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare it to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
We equate darkness as “the absence of light.” The Inner-web search:
-blackness/obscurity/gloom/secrecy/impurity/wickedness
Hebrew ‘light’= ‘or’ light 114/123x of day, of luminaries: sun, moon, and
light of life: Job 33:30 “ Psalms 56:13
How about Psalms 1119:130 “The entrance of Your Words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple.”
Or Psalms 119:105 “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” KJV.
Luke tells us about the birth of John the Baptist.
-Zechariah-“The Lord Yahweh remembers.” He was a common temple priest, in his 60’s and nearing the end of his service. His was of the 8th course of Abidjah. (1Chronicles 24:10). Twice per year, one week at a time they would gather at the Temple for their due service. There were 4 tasks, with the last and most honored being the burning of incense being given out by lots. This was the last thing done, thus more people were at Temple to observe outside.
-Elisabeth-“God’s oath/promise of God.” She also, in her 60’s, was from the line of Aaronic High Priests, Mose’s brother Aaron. They were both found righteous according to the Law and Commandments…but unfortunately barren…no children. This was like a great millstone of shame around her neck for decades. She would have had to endure much harsh stares, glares and side remarks from her “friends.” “Wonder who sinned, she or Zechariah? Must be her, since he’s able to serve Temple duty. Poor Zechariah.”
Can’t you hear it? Could she do anything about this? Probably had spent a small fortune trying all kinds of things. But ultimately, it was prayers to the Lord, lifted up often, with tears and much pain. They both would have done this for decades. Finally, now…it was over. They’re old, and can’t have children…
-Zechariah had been instructed for years about the “strange fire” that Nadab and Abihu of Leviticus 10. Apparently fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them while in the Holy Place. (The Most Holy place was up a few steps, elevated with the Ark of the Covenant.)
Now, as he was accomplishing the most holy service, with all the attendants outside…he sees and hears the Angel of the Lord, Gabriel…and he freaks out!! “I’m going to die! God is going to send fire and kill me!!!”
That’s why Gabriel says “Don’t be afraid!!! Your prayer has been heard and your wife Elisabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth!!!”
(Luke 1:5-37).
-Last point: Look back at what both of their names mean in Hebrew and lets mash them together.
“The Lord remembers His Promise.” When Gabriel told him this prophetic word…there was a hidden truth within their names. When Zechariah and Elisabeth would now come together in a ‘covenantal-way,” the Lord is telling them He would manifest His Promise to them…He would finally answer their prayers, because now…the time was right! John would be born to them both, to the amazement of all…and would bring joy to their home, and the greatest prophet of all would enter into this world with a message of repentance.
There’s more…stay tuned!!!
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