Intro:
Try to image it is the time when B.C. turns to A.D. God has been
silent for hundreds of years. There has been a promise of the coming
of Elijah who will usher in the age of the Messiah (Mal. 3:1-4,4:5-6). The nation of Israel (God's chosen people) is under Roman
rule (as well as the whole world). How long will God wait before
sending hope?
Then
the events of Luke 1:57-67 happen...
God's
Promise to David – Luke 1:68-71
-
visit from God –Finally, the wait for God's action is over! He has
come to His people!
-
redemption - see Romans 3:24-25 for further explanation of God's
redemption
-
horn of salvation (a horn is a symbol for power)
Salvation
from enemies – this statement is made as Israel remains under Roman
rule
God's
Covenant with Abraham – Luke 1:72-75
-
what God did – rescued us from our enemies
-
Our reaction → He has enabled us to serve Him!
without
fear – only because God has enabled us to do so
in
holiness & righteousness – Abraham was credited as being
righteous -Gen. 15:6
how
long? – all our days
Didn't
Abraham serve as a wonderful example of this entire process?
God's
Plan for John (the Baptist) – Luke 1:76-80
-
knowledge
of salvation
– deliverance from oppression comes through
remission of sins (Acts 2 sermon “repent & be baptized for the
forgiveness
of sins...”
-
tender mercy – justice does not require God to save us, it
is His mercy that allows it!
-
The sun/Son
the
dawning of a new day – is like Christ coming & bringing a new
way (of peace v.79)
Conclusion:
see Luke 1:76 -John was given the task to prepare the way of the
Lord. We have been entrusted with the task of preparing the way for
Christ's return. Will you step up and become a servant of the Most
High?
