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John, The Forerunner
Of The Savior (Luke 1:1-23, 57-66)
The Messiah had his fore- runner. A forerunner is a predecessor, literally some- one who runs before. For Jesus that person was John the Baptist. John the Baptist ran before Jesus.
Today’s text backs up from last week’s lesson. Be- fore Gabriel made the an- nouncement to Mary about Jesus, he gave the announce- ment to Zechariah about John. In this text we learn of the forerunner’s father and the forerunner’s future.
The Forerunner’s Father
Luke 1:8-13, 18-20
Zechariah brackets the text for today. He appears at
the beginning and at the end. Another literary feature of this account is character de- lineation. In other words, where is Zechariah at the be- ginning of the story? (Shocked and bewildered.) Where is he at the end of the story? (Unbelieving and si- lenced.)
Zechariah features prominently in this passage. As much text is devoted to him as to his son. We learn several things about him. His priestly division was on duty to serve in the temple. King David had gone to extreme measures to set this sophisti- cated priest system in place (1 Chronicles 24). Priests represented the people to God and God to the people.
This was done through prayer and symbolized by in- cense.
Zechariah was chosen by lot. This was a game of chance under the sovereignty of God (Proverbs 16:33). Many priests were born, served all their lives, and died without ever being al- lowed this privilege.
Zechariah could not have been more surprised when an angel of the Lord (later identified as Gabriel) ap- peared to him to his left on the right side of the altar of incense.
Zechariah gave the typical human response to such a di- vine visitation, namely fear. One of the things that could explain this reaction is sin. Somehow we know that we do not deserve such a visita- tion from above.
Gabriel quieted him (Don’t be afraid), assured him (your prayer has been heard), and promised him (Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John).
This was all a bit much to receive. Zechariah asked, “How can I be sure of this?”
He was not asking like Mary did, “How can this be?” It was like he was asking, “What miraculous sign can you show me to ensure that this will happen since we are the Abraham and Sarah of the New Testament?” Gabriel (and God) was put off by such a question. As punishment, Zechariah was unable to speak for nine months. Nine months would be sufficient time for Zechariah to wrap his mind around this stunning event.
The Forerunner’s Future Luke 1:14-17
Gabriel not only an- nounced to Zechariah that he and his wife would be used to birth this special child. He also announced several things about John, the fore- runner’s, future.
First he would be a joy and bring joy. This would certainly be true for his par- ents who longed for a way out of barrenness. But others would rejoice as well (ex- tended family, the nation of Israel, and proselytes).
Secondly, he would be great in the sight of the Lord. In fact, Jesus said that he was the greatest man ever born of a woman (Matthew 11:11).
Thirdly, he would be under a Nazirite vow (Num- bers 6:1-21), which would underline his dedication to the Lord.
Fourthly, he would be
filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. Evi- dence of this was in last week’s lesson (Luke 1:44) and indicated that he would speak by special inspiration.
Fifthly, he would bring Is- rael back to God. This would be shocking to some Jews be- cause they were Israel after all.
Sixthly, he would play the role of a spiritual Elijah. He would abruptly “happen” on the scene much like Elijah did (1 Kings 17).
Finally he would turn the hearts back home. This is a touching citation from the last line of the Old Testament (Malachi 4:5, 6).
United families and saved people make for a great Christmas.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 15-B