Things are Beginning to Happen!

God Saves Gentiles! Luke has Good News!

A study of the NT book of Luke

by Pastor Frank Rice

Luke 1:57-80

Those of us who have been privileged to have children know what it’s like to wait,.. and wait,... and wait! We know what is going to happen; it’s just a matter of time. But then, things begin to happen. That’s when the real excitement begins. What’s been anticipated is beginning to happen! The angel Gabriel had visited two families and made promises to them that included a son & a Son. Things are beginning to happen and everyone joins in the excitement. God’s plan is progressing!

 

❖      The time arrived for Elizabeth to deliver a son, just as predicted / promised (v. 57)! She had been in seclusion five months and evidently active, to an extent, for the next four. Anticipation is widespread and growing. (Unlike us, she had to wait to find out if this was indeed a son!)

 

❖      The whole community rejoiced at the news of this miraculous and heartwarming event, just as predicted / promised (v. 58)! The Lord, in His mercy, had lifted the stigma of barrenness from her by giving her a son!

 

❖      The naming of this child is more complicated than we might have anticipated (vv. 59-63)!

1. Contrary to tradition, the child will not be named until he identifies with his people (v. 59a). Circumcision is that mark of identification.
2. In keeping with tradition, the crowd insisted on naming this little guy after his father (v. 59b). They had pretty much settled on the name for the child! Until…
3. In obedience to angelic instruction, and contrary to popular sentiment, his mother says he will be called John (v. 60)! (“Huh? Where’d she ever get that name?”!)
4. In seeking to override her opinion, the crowd appeals to tradition, and then to the master of the house who seems to be unusually silent on the issue (vv. 61-62). (He does not hear any of the debate!)
5. “If Zachariah could be addressed, why go to the trouble of signing the question to him? The term here suggests that Zachariah is deaf and mute.” (Bock)
6. The father requests a writing tablet and has the final, firm word on the debate (v. 63a). Actually, the final word had been spoken nine months earlier. Dad is just complying! (After consulting with the father the call on the field is confirmed!)

 

❖      The awestruck excitement of the crowd is more significant than we might imagine (vv. 63b-66). They were amazed / surprised!

1. Father Zachariah, the priest, did not follow the tradition!
2. Father agreed with mother, though he had heard nothing!
3. Their amazement turned to fright when Zachariah spoke for the first time in over nine months (vv. 64-65a)! The first words out of his mouth were praise for the God of Israel!
4. “Zechariah learned during his period of silence to trust God.” and “The child receives a name God gave him, and not a traditional name, indicating that this child is special.” (Bock)
5. People had to have asked, “Why John?” and Zachariah had an opportunity to explain!

 

❖      These dramatic events had an indelible impact (vv. 65b-66).

1. The words of the witnesses of these events became the widespread topic of discussion (v. 65b)!
2. Those who discussed these events continually pondered them, wondering what kind of child he would be (v. 66a)! “All who heard about the events had a strong and deep emotional reaction to the news.” (Bock)
3. Luke adds that the Lord’s hand was on him (v. 66b).

❖      This Spirit-filled father praised/prophesied regarding the Lord’s intervention in the life of His people (vv. 67-75)! Things are set in motion. This action taken with continuing results!)

1. He exuberantly blesses/praises Israel’s God because He has visited, redeemed, and raised up a deliverer from the Davidic line (vv. 67-69)! This is as good as done!
2. He has done what He promised through the holy prophets, down through the ages of time (v. 70)!
3. He has done what He purposed to do, to deliver His people from their enemies, those who hate them (v. 71)!
4. He has performed the mercy (mercy is an action word) and taken action on His holy oath / covenant (vv. 72-73)!
5. He has provided deliverance and the opportunity for His people to serve Him confidently, in holiness, in righteousness, and intimately, in His presence(vv. 74-75)!
6. “The major theme of God’s redemption through the Davidic ruler dominates the passage. The Davidic redemption described in the hymn has both political and spiritual aspects.” (Bock)
7. “The expectation of the devout for a political and spiritual rescue is not merely because of a pragmatic desire to be politically free, but also because of a wish to serve God.” And “The idea of being rescued is subordinate to the idea of serving God.” (Bock)
8. “The goal is not simply to save the people so that they can live in tranquility but so that they can serve God ‘in holiness and righteousness.’” (Garland)

 

❖      This Spirit-filled father prophesied/praised regarding this son’s future service for the Lord (vv. 76-79)!

1. His son will be called the prophet of the Almighty, “running interference” for the Lord, preparing for His arrival (v. 76)!
2. His son will preach deliverance to His people and proclaim the way to remission (forgiveness) of sins (v. 77).
3. His son will explain the kindness (tender mercy) of God as He prepares to visit them (v. 78).
4. His son will introduce Someone who will give hope to the desperate and help to those needing reconciliation (v. 79)

 

❖      The author of this tremendous narrative provides insight into the “unknown years” of this special God-given son (v. 80).

1. This young man continued to mature physically & spiritually.
2. He spent much of his time (~30 years) alone “in the woods” until the time when the Lord would call him for service. “We are left with the impression that all is going according to plan.” (Green)

 

“God’s salvation is not intended to be a private affair, but is designed to show God’s greatness to all the creation… The goal of redemption is not a rest in heaven or material prosperity, but service to God in holiness and reverence… He saves, redeems a people, and keeps His word. But He also grants the saved a privilege: to serve Him. Salvation leads to service; it is a means to an end.” (Bock)

“The evidence of salvation – that God’s grace has taken effect in one’s life – is to be found in one’s participation in bringing salvation to others.” (Garland)

 

You’ve been set free to serve!