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COVENANT FULFILLMENT (1 OF 4)
by Marion Clark
Scripture: Luke 1:67-70
This content is part of a series.
Covenant Fulfillment (1 of 4)
Series: Advent
Marion Clark
Luke 1:67-70
Introduction
John the Baptist's father was a priest. His name was Zechariah. Being a priest was similar to being in the National Guard. As in Zechariah's case, he lived in his hometown making a living such as farming. For one or two weeks annually, he would pull temple duty in Jerusalem. Perhaps also he may be called to serve during special feasts. The duties of a priest varied, such as assisting in the daily sacrifices people would bring, taking care of the temple facilities, examining people for signs of leprosy, and so on. The prize duty was to offer incense in the Holy Place of the Temple. This task was chosen by lot, and one could only hope that once in his lifetime his name would be drawn.
Zechariah got his turn. As he was performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared before him and gave him the good news that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son. Because he and his wife were old, Zechariah asked how he could be certain that Gabriel was right. This irked Gabriel - he was, after all, an angel who stood in the presence of God - and he took away Zechariah's ability to speak. Zechariah remained mute for over nine months until the day his son was born.
For the Advent season, we are going to consider what he had to say, for he gives us insight into the meaning of Christmas. The titles of the sermons give away the theme of the messages: Covenant Fullfillment, Covenant Mercy, Covenant Service, and Covenant Salvation. As we will see, Zechariah's expectations of the Messiah to come - and those of all the Jews - were founded upon their understanding of the covenant that God made with his people. As you learn about this covenant perspective, I hope you will find your understanding of Christmas more fully enriched.
Text
''Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his serva ...
Series: Advent
Marion Clark
Luke 1:67-70
Introduction
John the Baptist's father was a priest. His name was Zechariah. Being a priest was similar to being in the National Guard. As in Zechariah's case, he lived in his hometown making a living such as farming. For one or two weeks annually, he would pull temple duty in Jerusalem. Perhaps also he may be called to serve during special feasts. The duties of a priest varied, such as assisting in the daily sacrifices people would bring, taking care of the temple facilities, examining people for signs of leprosy, and so on. The prize duty was to offer incense in the Holy Place of the Temple. This task was chosen by lot, and one could only hope that once in his lifetime his name would be drawn.
Zechariah got his turn. As he was performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared before him and gave him the good news that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son. Because he and his wife were old, Zechariah asked how he could be certain that Gabriel was right. This irked Gabriel - he was, after all, an angel who stood in the presence of God - and he took away Zechariah's ability to speak. Zechariah remained mute for over nine months until the day his son was born.
For the Advent season, we are going to consider what he had to say, for he gives us insight into the meaning of Christmas. The titles of the sermons give away the theme of the messages: Covenant Fullfillment, Covenant Mercy, Covenant Service, and Covenant Salvation. As we will see, Zechariah's expectations of the Messiah to come - and those of all the Jews - were founded upon their understanding of the covenant that God made with his people. As you learn about this covenant perspective, I hope you will find your understanding of Christmas more fully enriched.
Text
''Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his serva ...
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