Merrcy - New Birth in Late Life

January 5, 2013

“Mercy - New Birth in Late Life”

Blessings Folk!

Todays reading is from Luke 1:57-80.

Remember, we are doing a day-by-day synoptic view of all four Gospels. The past couple of days have been from Luke. Luke is the only Gospel writer that provides this information.

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Birth of a son.
Great rejoicing.
God’s great mercy manifest.

Have you noted how prevalent mercy is in the birth narrative of the Lord?

Mercy upon individuals.
Mercy upon man.

Mercy: “unmerited favor”.

Glory!

Obeying the Word of the Lord the baby was circumcised on the eighth day - Genesis 17:10-12

Upon naming the baby the mother proclaimed “he must be named John”.

Why “must”?

Because this is what the angel had told them - Luke 1:13

They were obedient to the Word of the Lord.

Have you noted the importance of obedience in the birth narrative of the Lord?

A little side observation.

They “made signs to the baby’s father”. Does this mean he was deaf and dumb?
Likely.

Upon proclaiming “John” Zechariah’s mouth and tongue were released.
He had believed.
This declaration of belief before the people set him free.

What was the reaction of the people?
  • filled with fear...throughout all the hill country of Judea
  • kept talking about these things
  • questioned as to who this child might be

Then, this great statement - “for the Lord’s hand was indeed with him.”
From conception.
From birth.
Through life.

Then Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.

Mary and Elizabeth had lifted up proclamations of the glory of God.

Zechariah prophesied.
Rarely is this prophecy of praise examined, meditated upon, taught, preached.
Take a moment.
Re-read.
Allow the Spirit to reveal…



Ah, amazing is it not.

The Lord…
  • Helps
  • Redeems
  • Raised up a horn of salvation
  • Spoke through prophets
  • Saves from enemies
  • Has done all this to show mercy!
  • Has done all this to remember His holy covenant

To what purpose?
That we might…
  • serve Him without fear
  • serve Him in holiness and righteousness before Him all of our days

Zechariah declares that John..
  • will be called the prophet of the Most High
  • will go before the Lord to prepare His ways
  • would give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins

Why?
Because of God’s tender mercy (there it is again!)

Result?
The Dawn will break upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Conclusion:
  • believe
  • fear not
  • receive/rest in the mercy of the Lord
  • serve Him without fear
  • serve Him in holiness and righteousness

Blessings!