Be My Guide - "Zechariah and Elizabeth" - Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-80 - Mike Maglish

LifeSpring Christian Church Sermons

Zechariah and Elizabeth
Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-80
Mike Maglish

Part of Be My Guide

December 8, 2024

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Lk 1:5–7). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

Zechariah was a life-long Priest (Vs 5,8)

Elizabeth was from the tribe of Levi (Vs. 5)

They were both righteous and blameless (Vs 6)

They were “beyond what’s considered old” (Vs 7)

Elizabeth was Barren (Vs 7)

God was GUIDING Zechariah and Elizabeth AFTER it was possible

8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Lk 1:8–9). (2016). Crossway Bibles.The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Pr 16:33). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

There were 24 priestly divisions (1 Chron 24:7-8)

Each division served for 2 weeks during the year

They were allowed to offer prayers 1 in their lifetime

(Lk 1:10–17)

God’s plan is to GUIDE people to JESUS
(Lk 1:18–20)

Genesis 18:12-15

This story has clear parallels to Abram and Sarai

They were VERY OLD

God promised them a son

Sarai laughed

God made Sarai pregnant

The Promise began with Abraham and was fulfilled in Jesus. In IMPOSSIBLE situations.

(Lk 1:67–79)

God is calling ALL to HIM through JESUS

“Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ac 2:37–39). (2016). Crossway Bibles.19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2 Co 5:19–21). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

Takeaway - God wants YOU to RECEIVE Jesus as your SAVIOR