The Hope of All People

On Sunday, December 9, I preached on Luke 1:5-25. The message highlighted the various groups or individuals mentioned in the text and how the expectation of the coming Messiah impacted them. God describes Zachariah and Elizabeth as just or saved. This declaration of righteous standing before God is characteristic of all who by faith receive God's offer of salvation. The demonstration of their righteousness is their faithful observance of God's law. In other words, this is the fruit not the root of their salvation. The sincere expectation of this couple for the Messiah is overshadowed by their personal frustration in not having a child. The angel, Gabriel, informs them of God's special blessing in giving them a child. Naturally speaking there is no way this can be. Zachariah expresses his lack of faith in this promise and is rebuked by Gabriel. It seems that Gabriel cannot believe that Zachariah cannot believe this word from Jehovah God. The angels of God had lived for all eternity with the expectation of the Messiah's arrival. Knowing that John was to announce the arrival of the Messiah, the angels are eager to see God's plan unfold. Gabriel's surprise at Zachariah's doubt is indicative of his complete confidence in the message God have given him. Certainly our confidence in the Word should be equally resolute. So many of God's promises have been fulfilled, we should never doubt His ability and determination to keep His Word. The Christmas story should remind us of the Messiah's Second Coming. Included in the promises for this and subsequent events are both enjoyable and terrifying promises. Considering this, Peter asks, "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" (2 Peter 3:11). May God's promises inspire holy living in each of us and a desire to reach the lost with the Good News of Salvation.