Sunday, 7 January 2018

God's Work by God's Power

Pastor Melinda Song

Zechariah 4:1-6 (NIV)
1 Then the angel who talked with me returned and wakened me, as a man is wakened from his sleep.2 He asked me, “What do you see?”
I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. 3 Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
4 I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5 He answered, “Do you not know what these are?”
“No, my lord,” I replied.
6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

INTRODUCTION

In 538 B.C. the conqueror of Babylon, Cyrus of Persia, issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Led by Zerubbabel (also known as Sheshbazzar in Ezra 1:8), about 50,000 Jews returned home to rebuild the temple but the temple still remained an uncompleted ruin after 16 years.

God then raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to remind His people of His promise and to stir up the people from their slumber so that they would begin again to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem.

Zechariah’s His name means ‘Yahweh Remembers’ and he encouraged the people with the fact that God remembers His covenant.

In the vision Zechariah saw a golden lampstand. This lampstand could not be the seven-branched menorah. It was probably a cylindrical pedestal, made out of gold, with a bowl on top. The bowl, or, in some translations, the flared feature on top of the column, had seven lamps, each with seven pinches, or spouts, to hold seven wicks.

Besides the lampstand, Zechariah also saw “two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left” (v. 3). In verse 12, the prophet asks: “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?”

The word “branches” could also be “clusters” of fruit on the olive trees. Presumably, “the golden oil” from the crushed olives is channelled to the lamps through these two pipes in order to keep them burning.

The prophet asked the angel for an interpretation of the vision three times (vv. 4, 11, 12) because he had never seen a lampstand with a reservoir, and certainly not one with self-filling lamps that are fed with a constant supply of olive oil from two olive trees.

The angel doesn’t actually answer Zechariah’s first request for an explanation. Instead he gave a word for governor Zerubbabel. It is this: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (v. 6).

Any work this group of returnees from exile were going to do would only be accomplished by the power of the Spirit of God. They had tried to rebuild the temple by their own strength but failed (Ezra 3:8–13). Relying solely on human resources, human wisdom and human strength, their efforts were worthless.

Only God Can Do God’s Work! The vision and the promise that God gave Zechariah in the sixth century B.C. is applicable for us today.

First we have to recognise that there will be…

A. THE PROBLEM(S)

Zechariah 4:7 (NIV)
“What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” 

Zerubbabel was the people’s leader in Jerusalem. He had the responsibility to finish the work of rebuilding the temple but the work had ground to a halt. Before him lay the mountain of rubble that used to be the once glorious Temple of Solomon. The task seemed impossible.

We cannot pursue God's eternal purpose without encountering a "great mountain.”
- lack of finance or human resources
- obstacles  
- threats
- opposition   
- discouragement
- doubt/unbelief

There will be problems but the mountain will be levelled. Zerubbabel must trust in…

B. THE PROMISE

1. It is NOT BY MIGHT!

The Old Testament uses the word MIGHT more than 100 times to refer to collective strength and resources of a group, such as the armies of Pharoah or of Israel or of Babylon.

In other words, the Temple is not going to be rebuilt by the people pulling their collective strength to get the job done.

a. Not by might of NUMBERS

When Solomon built the temple, he employed 150,000 men. He had 3,000 foremen on the job. Only 50,000 people had returned from Babylon, including the aged, women and children.

There is nothing wrong with the mega-church concept. We want to thank God for the overwhelming number of people at the Christmas service. It is always a joy to worship with a big congregation, to have new people worshipping with us, who will eventually make TOP their home church.

And we have to guard against inverted pride in small numbers - where people think they're wonderful because they're small.

God can and God will do things on a large scale, and we rejoice to see many souls saved for the kingdom of God but it is not in the strength of numbers that blessing comes.

BIBLE ILLUSTRATION: Gideon had 32,000 soldiers which when compared with 135,000 Midianites is not much. Then God comes along and says: 'Get rid of your soldiers down to 10,000 men', and he sends all the ones who are fearful home. Then through another strange exercise - which there are whole lot of different interpretations of - God whittles down his numbers to 300. 300 versus 135,000 but Gideon routs the enemies of the Lord, 'The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon!'

What a lesson to us! We are very numbers-orientated but take PPN for example, whether few or many, what does it matter, if God is in the midst?

TOP is not a big church, neither are we a small church but if we put our trust in numbers. Our trust must be in God alone.

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 

b. Not by might of MONEY

Solomon also had an unlimited funds. They had meagre funds. The task seemed impossible.

It is good to belong to a church which is able to pay its bills. Thank God for all of you who gave to the Giving Christmas. The final collection came to RM9,600. Do you know why God sent RM1,600 over our target? God already had in mind 16 secondary school students who had no longer qualifies for our Love Project which is only for primary school students.

Next week is our Harvest Mission. God is on the move in TOP so prepare your hearts to sow into God’s kingdom. If we think that giving generously is enough, we are missing the point. Bro. Jason our Missions Director also has plans for mission trips in 2018. And the Church Board has designated funds for local social and community works

God’s work will not lack God’s provision but if we are putting our trust in money instead of in God, then we will be rebuked.

“NOT BY MIGHT,” says the Lord Almighty because He is the ALL MIGHTY God.

1. It is NOT BY MIGHT, and

2. It is NOT BY POWER!

The Old Testament uses the word POWER more than 100 times to refer to the strength of individual men and women. The Temple is not going to be rebuilt by Zerubbabel’s master organisation or by the skills and abilities of any one craftsman.

We must not put our trust in our own power or our own efforts.

a. Not by power of HUMAN WISDOM

Our education, our clever ideas, our brilliant schemes, our ingenious slogans won’t achieve anything by themselves. The Bible says that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight” (1 Corinthians 3:19).

There is no amount of human intellect or skills sufficient to accomplish the work of God effectively. It is not by our might, power, or abilities, but by the Spirit of God, that we accomplish God’s plans and purposes for us in life.

b. Not by power of HUMAN STRENGTH (HARD WORK)

Don’t get me wrong. There is a place for human wisdom and hard work. And we can’t just sit back and put our feet up and expect God to do the work without us playing our part. But if we put our trust in human wisdom or hard work, instead of in God, nothing will happen either!

1 Corinthians 1:24b-31
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

On another thought: All of this means that none of us should think for a second that we can leave the work to other people. We cannot say, “Here I am Lord, send somebody else.” The work of building the church is not just the responsibility of a few “special Christians”, but of EVERY Christian.

ILLUSTRATION: Once upon a time there were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.

But Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it.

But Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about it, because it was Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, and Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody and Nobody did the job that Anybody could have done in the first place.

Very often in church, Nobody does the job that Anybody could have done in the first place. God wants to use each and every one of us.

There is no task too insignificant or too small. The Lord Almighty asked: "“Who despises the day of small things? " (Zechariah 4:10). God’s number is infinity so "little is much when God is in it!"

All of us CAN do something for God because it’s not by might, not by power…

BUT BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord Almighty.

C. THE POWER

The olive oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 4:18; Acts 10:38; Heb. 1:9; 1 Jn. 2:20). The bowl of oil fed by pipes from the olive trees symbolised God’s inexhaustible and abundant power through the Holy Spirit. Human effort without the supply of the “oil” of the Holy Spirit would burn itself out.

What the golden olive oil was to the seven fluted oil lamps the Spirit of God is to all aspects of any work done in His name; God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s provision and power. Those who resist this principle will learn the hard way that they will be powerless to do God’s work.

ILLUSTRATION: THE POWER MUST BE USED
A young missionary, Herbert Jackson, was given a car to help him in his work. The car was a major asset, but it had one difficulty—it would not start without a push or a jump-start. Jackson devised a system to cope with the car’s inability to start. When he was ready to leave his home, he went to a nearby school and asked permission to bring some of the children out of class to help him push-start his car.

Throughout the day, he was careful to always park on a hill or to leave his engine running when he stopped for short visits.
For two years the young missionary used what he believed was an ingenious method to enable him to use the car.

When poor health forced the Jackson family to leave the field, a new missionary arrived to lead the mission. When Jackson explained to the new missionary his methods for starting the car, the young man opened the hood and began inspecting.

“Why, Dr. Jackson,” he interrupted, “I believe the only trouble is the loose cable.” He gave the cable a twist, pushed the switch, and the engine roared to life.

For two years, Dr. Jackson had used his own devices and endured needless trouble. The power to start the car was there all the time—it only needed to be connected.

(Source: Living Beyond Your Capacity, Paul Chappell)

Look again at the lampstand.

Lampstands in the Bible signify testimony, or the witness of God on the earth. Here it represents Judah, but it also represents the church in the New Testament. In Revelation chapter 1 through 3, lampstands are mentioned several times, and of course Jesus is walking through seven lampstands representing the seven churches of Asia Minor. 

1)     We have the Fountain Head of Power.   "A lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it" (Zechariah 4:2). God the Father is the Fountain Head of the Spirit's power

Luke 11:13
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

Luke 24:49
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

2)     We have the Fullness of Power. The "seven pipes" (Zechariah 4:2). Seven is the number of completeness and fullness. Some scholars believe that there were 7 times 7, or 49 pipes! All this and more is promised to us when we are filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

3)     We have the Function of Power. The "seven lamps" (Zechariah 4:2). These lamps had one function: to give light.

TOP is a lampstand, a lighthouse to the community. The church exists, and likewise every Christian, to shine in a dark world (Matthew 5:16).

4)     We have the Flow of Power.  "Two olive trees" (Zechariah 4:3). Historically, these trees represent Joshua the Priest and Zerubbabel the King (or ruler) (Zechariah 4). Ultimately, the olive trees symbolize Christ our Lord as Priest and King.

It is only by a personal and perennial relationship to Jesus as Priest (calling for a life of prayer and intercession) and King (calling for a life of dedication) can the endless supply of oil be poured out “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Phil. 2:15).

So, the bottom line is that all our living and shining is not by might nor by power (in the flesh), but by God's Spirit.  This must now be our corporate and personal lifestyle - living and shining by the Spirit in every circumstance and at all cost.

CONCLUSION

When Zechariah preached to the people, Christ had not yet gone to the Cross and ascended to heaven, and yet He could assure the people of a constant supply of His Spirit. Today Christ has completed the work He came to do. He has risen from the dead and He has ascended up to the right hand of God, and He has poured down the Spirit to strengthen His church with His might.

If Zerubbabel must believe the word of Zechariah, so must we. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

How does Christ strengthen us? He strengthens us by His Spirit and by His Word.

Let us not be discouraged by the problems which confront us day by day. Let us not be discouraged by our own inability and weaknesses—for when we are weak, then we are strong. 

Let us, rather, be much in prayer waiting upon the Lord. Let us be dependent upon Him. Let us seek by His grace to be obedient to His Word and calling. 

In Him and through Him we shall attempt great things for God. We can not do God's Work without Him. He has chosen not to do His work without us.

Therefore we need to get together.
It is not by might
It is not by power

But by His Spirit.

Sunday, 31 December 2017

Success for 2018

Rev Lawrence Seow

Joshua 1:1-9 
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant gave you. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

MOSES IS DEAD       
Leave the past behind

Israel knew Moses was dead (Deut 34:8)

The Israelites grieved, mourned for Moses 30 days

Many people are still trapped in their past, they cannot lay hold of the future

They have no future because they cannot let go of what happened in the past

Past hurts…relationships…failures…disappointments (we all have them)

Past success…glories and achievements…laurels and reputation…seniority…education and experience

Life can get very complicated and sometimes we become confused and conflicted

Here are a few real-life scenarios:

A woman is in a loveless marriage...it’s a toxic relationship...but she has 2 young children...wants to walk out on the marriage but has to consider the kids

A man suffers a stroke...he was very active before...now immobile...considers ending his life (conflicted)

A husband whose wife is more successful...she is busy...has no time for him...he feels neglected...meets another woman...a young divorcee...begins a relationship

A man with elderly parents...he has failed in life...wants to migrate and start a new life elsewhere...but his duty to his parents holds him back

We are conflicted souls...a bundle of contradictions...a paradox of inconsistencies, even among the very best of us

Conflicting thoughts...emotions...beliefs and passions (full of contradictions)

Psalm 90:10    our years are 70 or 80...the best of them are but trouble and sorrow

Moses is dead!

Break that fixation…paralysis that results from always looking back

This applies also at the church-level…forget the past – people who have come and gone, great times, bad times…highs and lows…what you’ve accomplished OR failed to do

CROSS THIS JORDAN       
Cross Over – A New Start

The River Jordan is below sea level – deep and turbulent during rainy season, but slow and sluggish during the summer

Where Jesus was baptised…

Israel had to cross this river to enter the Promised Land…it was in their way

There will always be obstacles and hurdles in the way of The Promised Land

Giants were waiting for them across the Jordan

There will be daunting challenges ahead, intimidating situations and uphill tasks

The devil will even send roadblocks and distractions your way

God never promised it would be easy or smooth sailing…if you don’t cross this Jordon you’ll never enter the land of Promise

Diamonds are formed after undergoing tremendous heat and pressure...deep under the earth’s crust...carbon material

BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS

Go the distance – boxing parlance for finishing the fight

Do not quit or stop half-way – no matter how tough or bad it gets

Heard it before, and you need to hear it again – the Christian race is not a 100 meter dash; it is a marathon

It’s not how well you start but how you finish that matters

A pastor was preaching one Sunday when he spotted an old friend in the service. He asked a deacon to invite this man (obviously very wealthy and successful) to lunch after the service. During lunch, the man broke down and sobbed. He told the pastor how they had both grown up as teenagers in church, and while the pastor answered God’s call, he had pursued his career and achieved success. But after so many years, he knew deep inside he was not where God wanted him to be. And all his secular success and accomplishments could not make up for it.

Sad truth is many Christians start out well but they relax along the way…get complacent and stop pressing on

Story of the man who found an eagle’s egg

This is why we need God’s Word – meditate on it day and night, keep us focussed and strong (read text again)

Your mind is the control tower

When we think God’s thoughts we think the most powerful thoughts


Sermon notes courtesy of Rev Lawrence Seow

Monday, 25 December 2017

How Were the Wise Men Wise?

Pastor Melinda Song

Matthew 2:1-12, NKJV
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
‘But you, Bethlehem, inthe land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”[a]
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 2, the Christmas story has jumped ahead about two years. Matthew chapter 1 closed with the baby Jesus being born and named, but now in chapter 2 Jesus is called a “child” (2:8,10) and the family is living in a house in Bethlehem.

By comparing the birth stories of Jesus in Matthew and Luke it appears that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Then they presented Him at the temple before heading back to Nazareth (2:39). Later on they decided to move to Bethlehem as that’s where they were living in Matthew 2.

Then came “wise men from the East.”

A. Who Were The Wise Men?

Not much is known about these wise men. We are used to singing:

"We three kings of Orient are
bearing gifts, we traverse afar..."

They weren't kings and neither were there three of them.

These men are described as "Wise men" (NRSV, KJV) or "Magi" (NIV). The word is magos, "a Persian or Babylonian wise man and priest, who was expert in astrology, interpretation of dreams, and various other occult arts."

They came from "the east”, probably from Babylon, Persia or the Arabian desert. At any rate, they were men of wisdom and learning from an exotic, far away land bringing a caravan into the capital city of the Jews, seeking a newborn king.

The Biblical record says little about who these men were. 

B. How Were The Wise Men Wise?

They were wise to seek Jesus

v. 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

There are numerous theories on what the star was. People have speculated that it could be a  supernova, an explosion in an existing star that for several weeks or months gives out a great deal of light. However, there is no historical record of a supernova just before Jesus' birth date.

Or it could have been a comet but astronomers have calculated that Halley's comet would have been visible in 12-11 BC, which was years before Jesus' birth at around 6 BC.

There was a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars that occurred in 7-6 BC, and mention seems to have been made of this in some ancient texts but there is no evidence that such a conjunction of planets would have been actually referred to as a "star."

We just don't know enough to say authoritatively exactly what the Star of Bethlehem was.

The Magi, although Gentile, may have linked the star to “the King of the Jews” through studying the OT and other Jewish writings. They could have been exposed to some Old Testament prophecies from some of the Jews who had settled in the east during the Babylonian exile.

They were watching and waiting for signs of the fulfilment of Number 24:17 which says, “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” So when God sent the star that pointed the way to Jesus, left their homes, their families, and at great expense travelled hundreds of miles to follow the star in search for the King of the Jews.

Even today, 2,000 years later, wise men still come to Jesus! 

Application: We each must make our own journey to find Jesus, to meet him personally, and make him a living reality in our lives.

Today we are glad to have four great examples in our midst today who are following in obedience to Jesus through water baptism. 

If you have been waiting to come to Jesus for salvation, delay no longer, just come to Him today! He waits to save those who will call on Him!

For those of us who are already Christians…

Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

You can be the star lighting the way for many to come into salvation.

They were wise to worship Jesus

v. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When they saw Jesus, they worshipped Him. Why? Because He is God and He is worthy of worship and He demands worship and we are happier when we worship Him.

The purpose that these Gentiles from a faraway land travelled perhaps hundreds of miles was to worship a baby born of peasant woman in a manger.  The point of this story is that we ought to worship Jesus as well.

Application: Christians are not simply those who believe in Jesus. Christians are those who know, love, trust and worship Jesus. Christianity and Christmas is about worship of a God who loves us so much that He came and dwelt among us.

This story teaches us what real worship involves. Real worship always involves giving.

These Magi brought Christ their best gifts, gifts fit for a king. They were willing to use their TREASURES to make the long journey to see the King. They also carried fantastic treasures of gold, incense, and myrrh to present to Christ.

The Magi used the gifts of their TALENTS too! They were men who knew the heavens. They understood that the star they were seeing was a special sign and then acted on that knowledge.

The Wise Men were wise, because they gave Jesus their gift of TIME. They took time off to make a journey of maybe months or years to Bethlehem.

These gifts represent a great sacrifice. The Magi gave the best they had. They came to the Messiah prepared to give. If we want to experience Jesus, then we must worship him and make sacrifices to put him first in our lives. We must be willing to sacrifice our time, our talents, and our treasure for Christ.

They were wise to obey God

v. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

The Lord commanded to return to their country by another route – it may have been an unfamiliar route, or less convenient, or more costly, or more dangerous one. They are sensitive to God’s leading and they are more than willing to submit to His plans and respond with obedience when He speaks.

Application: Sometimes what God calls us to do is unfamiliar and inconvenient and uncomfortable, sometimes it’s risky or costly or dangerous but if we want to really experience Christ we must submit to his Lordship.

CONCLUSION

The wisdom of Christmas is this:

1. The wise seek Jesus
2. The wise worship Jesus
3. The wise obey God

As God called the wise men to Christ by a star in the sky, He continues to call people to Himself through His servants and the word of God.

We are led to the same Christ as were the Magi, not for the gifts that we would bring to Him, but for the gifts that He would give to us, the gifts of forgiveness and life and salvation that are greater than all of the gold, frankincense and myrrh in the world.

Christianity and Christmas is about worship. The Savior has come. He has called us out of the darkness of sin. He has delivered us from the darkness of death. He has given us his Son. Wise is the man who worships the Christ the Lord in humble faith!


On this Christmas Day, let us worship Jesus because of Who He is. 

Sunday, 17 December 2017

On the Brink of a Miracle

Pastor Melinda Song

The very first Christmas occurred during a very dark time in the life of Israel. God has been silent for 400 years since God had spoken to His people through the prophet Malachi. God is still at work although the people still felt like God had abandoned them. But now, God is going to announce the source of a new hope in quite an unexpected way – by sending his angel to an old priest who had experienced his own sorrow in life because he and his wife were childless.

I have entitled today’s message “On the Brink of a Miracle” and the text is taken from…

Luke 1:5-25, NIV
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

19 The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

Of the four Gospel writers, Luke gives us the most detailed account of Jesus’ birth, childhood and development. He begins his Christmas story by introducing us to two people, the parents of John the Baptist, who are “On the Brink of a Miracle”. 

1.     A godly couple (v. 5-6)

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.

Zechariah was one of about 20,000 priests serving the temple who were divided by King David into 24 divisions (1 Chron. 23-24) due to their large number. Each division would serve in the temple one week at a time, twice a year. Thus a priest could only serve once in his lifetime.

Unlike the religious leaders whom Jesus called hypocrites, Zechariah and Elizabeth were a godly couple who pleased God with lives of outward compliance with inward obedience.

2.     BUT (v. 7)

7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

Having children was seen as a blessing from God in the Jewish culture – an indication of divine favour. So being childless was a great disappointment to them and a disgrace for Elizabeth (v. 21)

There was little hope of things changing as they were old. The possibility of a touch from God was remote. Do you ever feel that it’s just time to give up? Yet childlessness was a theme repeated throughout the Old Testament, as with Sarah, Rebekah, Manoah’s wife, and Hannah. God can turn around the situation.

TRUST GOD WHEN YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND

Some of you, despite being faithful, are disappointed because of unanswered prayers. You don’t understand why things are happening against you and that is where you need faith to trust God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

You may be facing a dead-end situation right now—financial, emotional, or relational, but if you will trust God He will make a way for you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. This is what a walk of faith is about: you trust God even when you do not seem to understand.

A WORD OF CAUTION! Barrenness was considered a sign of God¡¦s disfavour and punishment so this couple lived with shame because there are some who probably suspected them of serious secret sin. Often we look at people and their difficult situation and blame or condemn them. We look at a couple who haven’t had children and wonder what is wrong? We look at families whose children are turning away from God and people condemn them for not being good parents. We look at couples who have separated or divorced and wonder what they’ve done wrong.

It is all too easy to lay blame on people and condemn them, but here is a couple who were God fearing, who were right with God, yet they didn’t have all the “blessings” we think they should have. The lesson? Even righteous people live with disappointments and hurt and instead of making that greater, we need to empathize with them and support them in their pain.

Zacharias could also have gotten rid of Elizabeth and married a younger woman to have children but he didn’t. Instead he honoured the covenant of marriage and committed the situation to God, the one person who could do something about it.

3.    A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (vv. 8-10)

8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

Each morning lots were cast to decide on the priest who would enter the holy place, bearing burning coals from the bronze altar in the temple court, to burn incense which symbolised the prayers of God’s people rising toward heaven. That day the lot fell to Zechariah

HAVE THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

In spite of uncertainties, in spite shame in the society; Zechariah not only believed God but he faithfully went to the temple to perform his duties as a priest.

It is important to have the right perspective/attitude when waiting for your promise. The problem with many of us is that when things don’t work out as we plan, we get discouraged, lose our joy and our spiritual life goes downhill. Such people are no more seen at church.

Zechariah DID NOT GIVE UP. We have to keep doing good despite the bad happening in your life.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”

God is looking for people like this today. You may be facing a hopeless situation, an unanswered prayer but can you praise God in spite of the problem?

God has a set time for your breakthrough, but if you want that victory in God’s time, you need to have the right perspective.

Remember the 12 spies? Just because the majority had the wrong perspective, out of the 2 million people who were camped next door to the Promised Land, only 2 made it to the Promised Land just because of the right perspective. Many times it is our perspective that stops our breakthrough.

You show up (that is faith) and God (your faithful God) will show up!

That day was Zechariah’s day! God was ready to make His move. Had Zechariah given up he would have lost his appointment with God.

4.     An Angel shows up! (vv. 11-13)

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

WAIT FOR GOD

Maybe you are waiting for a breakthrough. God is telling you, “Fear not, your prayers have been answered. Today is the day of your deliverance.” Zechariah trusted God in the impossible, kept the right perspective, continued with his devotions and worship, and God decided to step in.

Some of you are discouraged because your prayers are not answered but what if God showed you His side of the story?

Maybe you are praying for your marriage and God is telling that on January 12, 2018, at 3.00 pm you are going to meet the person of your dreams. You will not be discouraged. You will be all excited and relaxed. Why? You know the big day is coming.

God promises that there are set times in our future, but he does not tell us when they will be. There is a set time for the problem to turn around, a set time for your healing, for your promotion, for your breakthrough.

It maybe tomorrow, next week, or a year from now, but when you understand the time has already been set it takes all the pressure off. Do you trust God when you do not understand. Will you continue to do worship God like Zechariah? That is when God works, so don’t give up. You are on the brink of a miracle!

5.     The Angel’s Prophecy (vv. 14-17)

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Elijah, like John the Baptist, was known for his bold, uncompromising stand for the Word of God—even in the face of a ruthless monarch. The final two verses of the Old Testament (Mal. 4:5-6) had promised the return of Elijah before the Day of the Lord.

GOD HAS A GREATER PURPOSE FOR THE DELAY

John’s birth is not merely a nice story of an old couple having a baby. It is about the fulfillment of prophecy; it is about the special role the child is going to play in the unfolding of God’s eternal plan of redemption for his people and the whole world. God had a greater purpose for Zechariah’s delay.

It would be good for us in the Christmas season to grasp the big picture that our lives fit in to. When we raise the issue of why certain things happen to us – whether good or bad – we fall back on Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We then look for the good thing in the situation.

6.     Zechariah’s lack of faith (v. 18)

18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

Zechariah was questioning God’s ability to fulfill His own Word! He totally dismissed the idea that God can enable an old couple to have a baby even though there is certainly precedent for that in the account of what God did for Abraham and Sarah (Gen 18:9-15).

Unbelief is the reason that some prayers are not answered. But let this encourage us also: Even blameless people slip up. God is a God of patience and continues to work with us and often despite us.

7.     The result of unbelief (vv. 19-22)

19 "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

Zechariah doubted God and a sign of silence was given. When Zechariah came out dumb the people outside realised that something extraordinary had happened to him.

8.    Elizabeth became pregnant (v. 23-25)

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

God is faithful. His promises never fail! The Lord is your glory and the lifter of your head and He shall take away your disgrace.

Conclusion
Advent begins with Zechariah – God remembers.
It begins with Elizabeth – God is my oath, and
it begins with the birth of John – God has been gracious.

They remind us that from the beginning God has been the author of a story that results in bringing hope into the midst of a dark world to those who will call upon the name of our coming Savior – Jesus.

When it might seem like God has forgotten His people, God remembers.

It reminds us that God is faithful to carry out His oath that He made with Adam and Abraham and every generation of His people throughout history to send a Savior, the Messiah, who would bring hope to all.

And it reminds us that God delights in extending His grace to us.

Whatever your disappointment is at the moment, God has a set time for your situation and when He answers, He not only takes care of your need but it will be for a greater purpose.

Are you in the same situation as Zechariah and Elizabeth - literally they had given up the hope? Don’t give up! Nothing is impossible for God.


He can reach down and touch you at the most unexpected time in your life. God’s touch always comes in God’s perfect time. Don’t give up! Today you are standing on the brink of a miracle. Come and we shall stand in prayer with you.

God's Work by God's Power

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