Advent Devotional- Messianic Prophecy

During Advent (which begins Sunday 11/27/11) and goes until Christmas Eve, I will be blogging more about scripture passages about messianic prophecies.  Many of these passages will seem familiar to anyone who has focused on advent.  Prophecies about the first advent remind us that God is in control, that the future is in His hands, and there is a plan for salvation. There are over 300 clear messianic prophecies.  There is a large gap between most of these prophecies and the time of Jesus' coming.  As a Christian, I believe Jesus is the long anticipated and awaited Messiah.  Certainly the New Testament writers and early church were very conscious of Old Testament prophecies that appeared to be fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. 
Below is a schedule of advent devotionals for the coming month:

11/27/11- Day 1- Genesis 3:15- Galatians 4:4

11/28- Day 2- Son of God- Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17

11/29- Day 3- of Abraham’s line- Genesis 22:18- Matthew 1:1; Gal. 3:16

11/30- Day 4- of Isaac’s line- Genesis 21:12- Lk. 2:23,24

12/1- Day 5- of Jacob’s line- Numbers 24:17; Luke 3:23,34

12/2- Day 6- of the Tribe of Judah- Genesis 49:10; Luke 3:23,33, Heb. 7:14

12/3- Day 7- of the Line of Jesse- Isaiah 11:1; Luke 3:23,32 (Mt. 1:6)

12/4- Day 8- of the House of David- Jeremiah 23:5; Luke 3:23,31; Acts 13:22,23; Rev. 22:16)

12/5- Day 9- Born of a Virgin- Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18,24,25; (Lk. 1:26-35)

12/6- Day 10- His Pre-Existence- Micah 5:2; Colossians 1:7 (Jn. 17:5,24; Rev. 1:1,2; 1:17; 2:8; 8:58; 22:13)
12/7- Day 11- Born in Bethlehem- Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7
12/8- Day 12- Presented with gifts- Psalm 72:10; Mathew 2:1,11

12/9- Day 13- The Messiah shall be called the Lord Psalm 110:1; Luke 2:11; Matthew 22:43-45

12/10- Day 14- The Messiah shall be Called Immanuel- God with us- Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
12/11- Day 15- The Messiah shall be a Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18; Matthew 21:11 (Lk. 7:16; Jn. 4:19; 6:14; 7:40)
12/12- Day 16- The Messiah shall be a Priest- Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 3:1
12/13- Day 17- The Messiah shall be a King- Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 33:22; Matthew 27:37
12/14- Day 18- The Messiah shall be filled with the Holy Spirit- Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16,17
12/15- Day 19- The Messiah shall be concerned with the purity of His Temple Psalm 69:9; John 2:15,16
12/16- Day 20- The Messiah shall be preceded by a Messenger- Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:1,2 (Jn. 1:23; Luke 1:17)
12/17- Day 21- The Messiah shall be “from” Galilee- Isaiah 9;1; Matthew 4:12-17
12/18- Day 22- The Messiah shall have a ministry of miracles- Isaiah 35:5,6; Matthew 9:35 (John 11:43-47; 21:25)
12/19- Day 23- The Messiah would teach in parables Psalm 78:2; Matthew 13:34
12/20- Day 24- The Messiah would Enter Jerusalem on a Donkey- Zechariah 9:9; Luke 19:35-37
12/21- Day 25- The Messiah would be a stumbling block for the Jews and Light for the Gentiles Ps. 118:22 (1 Pt. 2:7); Isa. 60:3; Acts 13:47-48
12/22- Day 26- The Messiah would be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver- Ps. 41:9; Zech. 11:2; Mt. 10:4; 26:15
12/23- Day 27- The Messiah would suffer for our sins and raised- Isaiah 53; Matthew 27, 28
12/24- Day 28- The Angel’s prophecies-  Matthew 1 ; Luke 1:26-38
12/25- Day 29- Simeon’s Prophecy- A Sword will Pierce your soul as well Luke 2:29-35

12/21/10 John 1:4-13 Light on the Longest Night

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

(Lunar Eclipse 2010)

Thoughts: This passage has much to say about light.  Today is the Longest Night and shortest day.  It is made even longer because the total eclipse of the full moon will take place this morning between 2:41- 3:52 EST.  It is only the second time that the total eclipse has occurred on the winter solstice in the last 2,000 years (the last being 12/21/1638).
Jesus is called "the true light that gives light to everyone" and he was "coming into the world."  Even in our darkest nights, our lowest valleys, our dark nights of the soul, Jesus can give light and hope.  Real hope cannot be overcome by darkness, but as the darkness and sadness encounters it, it gives way.  The illusion is that darkness snuffs out the light- but reality is that light illuminates the darkness- making it flee away.  So Christ gives hope in the despair of the longest nights of our lives.  But we must truly look to Him. 

Prayer: Lord, let your hope grow in me, out of me, and into others.

John Calvin abridged: All the godly are light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8).  John was careful that his light not obscure the glory of Christ.  The disciples were called light (Mt. 5:14) because they held forth the torch of the gospel.  But Jesus is the eternal source of light of all.  Augustine says a teacher in the only school in town may be called the teacher of all even if others do not attend the school.  But I (Calvin) prefer to believe that the rays of Christ's truth are spread over all- so that there is no one who is not somehow reached with some perception by the light of Christ.  But this is not the light of faith here, but the light of reason/nature.

12/20/10 John 1:3-5 Jesus the Light in the Darkness

 ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Thoughts: As God in the beginning created light and life, so the Son (who is the beginner as God) is able to give light and life today.  He offers eternal life to us, and he gives us hope and truth (light).  In our world, it seems that despite the problems we have, we are turning away from our Greatest Help instead of toward our greatest Help.  We are purposefully and quickly becoming more secular.  Even religious leaders are acting like they are doing God a favor by being critical of Christianity and laissez faire toward the emptiness, and shallowness of secularization.  Yet the darkness does not overcome the light.  Light is more powerful than darkness- and God wins in the end. 

Prayer: Jesus, you are my life and my light.  Help me to trust that your resurrection will overcome death; your truth will win out in the end; your light will shine in the darkness.

John Calvin abridged: Having affirmed that the Speech is the eternal God, he now affirms His deity by His works.  There are many who agree that God is the Master Builder, but then they don't appreciate that God has said far more about Himself than that, and they fly off into firivolous speculation.  In saying that "In him was life" the writer also attributes the preservation of life to Him.  Our understanding has been plunged into darkness, but the power of Christ still allows some light to shine upon us. 

12/19/10 John 1:1,2 The Word as God but separate

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

(Star Field Hubble Telescope)

Thoughts: This passage goes along with what Jesus said, “Before Abraham was- I am” (Jn. 8:58; cf. Ex. 3:14). He was in the beginning- He is eternal. He is the Word of God- that is, just as God speaks His word and that word comes into sure being- so God emanates from Himself (as the sun's light is part of the sun but emanates from it). Our words do not create- they are not as powerful, they are not as true. But the more powerful the king, the more powerful his word. God, as all powerful, is also all true and reliable. Jesus is the Word, and you can substitute his name for “Word.” Thus you get, “In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God and Jesus was God. He was with God in the beginning.” Thus the divinity of Jesus- yet separation from the Father is expressed.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus, for being with the Father, yet coming down to earth for us.



John Calvin abridged: Here John speaks of the eternal speech of God that became flesh (1 Tim. 4:16). The design is to show that the restoration of human beings must be by the Son of God who had originally breathed life into every creature. So we do not withdraw from the only God when we worship Christ, and life is restored by the one who issued it in the first place. God was never without his eternal wisdom and speech and so the Father was never without His Son. Justly Augustine says that this “beginning” has no beginning. Here we have eternal generation. Here it is mentioned that the Son has a distinct personality from the Father in that he mentions that the Speech was always with God, if he did not have some distinction from the Father. When John says the “Speech was God” it eliminates all right to say that the Son did not have eternal essence.

12/16/10 Luke 2:15 Come and Worship

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

(The Shepherds, William Hold)

Thoughts: When God does something in our lives, we should not just take it in, but respond.  The angels had given the shepherds a call to worship- "You will find the baby..."  So they looked for the baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.  When the supernatural intersects with our lives, we are called to find Him- and worship Him.  Advent and Christmas are about this intersection- He has come- and we are called to worship. So many of the Christian songs are calls to worship- "with the angels let us sing- alleluia to our King"; "O Come all ye faithful...O come let us adore Him!"  "Come and worship, come and worship- worship Christ the newborn King!"  God calls to us to leave our sheep (our work), our fires (our comfort), our caves (our homes/family/friends), and go and give Him homage for our Savior has come.

Prayer:  God, give me ears and strength to head your call.  You are worthy of my worship. 

John Calvin abridged: The Lord made the shepherds witnesses to the coming of His Son, and they were obedient.  They were not expressly commanded to come to Bethlehem, but they were aware of God's plan so they hurried to see Christ.  So, if we know God has come- should not delay or make up excuse to not come to Him.  It is worth noting that the shepherds encouraged each other.  It is not enough that we are each attentive to our own duty, So they did not neglect the treasure given to them by the Lord (through the angel).  So we too should also seek to follow wherever God calls.

12/15/10 Luke 2:13,14 Glory and Peace

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

(Annunciation to the Shepherds- Govaert Flinck 1639)

Thoughts: Two things happen when God comes to earth: 1) He is glorified, and 2) His people have peace. 
God is worthy of praise because He does not leave us alone, but comes to us.  He is glorified because His glory is reflected on earth when God squeezed himself down to accomodate Himself to us.  God is worthy to praise because he seeks to bridge the gap we are unable to bridge.  Jesus is also the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:7) who brings peace to those who believe in Him.  It is implied here that He does not bring peace for those who do not beleive.  In fact, Jesus himself said he did not come bring peace to all earth (Mt. 10:34). Isaiah says there is no peace for the wicked (48:22; 57:21).  Yet, to those who are on his side, he brings the peace of victory, of forgiveness, of blessing, of hope, of strength, of His love.  God is with us- Immanuel- so we have peace with God, with others, and with ourselves.

Prayer: May you be glorified through me, O Lord.  May your peace flow into me and through me to the world.

John Calvin abridged:  An exhibition of divine splendor had already been made with one angel.  But now God adds even more with multpile angels. The Bible speaks of two or three witnesses as being sufficient, but here were multitudes of angels. If we cannot join with the company of angels of praising Christ for our salvation, what stubbornness we have!  "Glory to God" We are redeemed that we might testify to this highest praise.  It is not outward, earthly peace that the angels sing- but the inward peace that comes from knowing we are reconciled to God.

12/15/10 Luke 2:8-12 The Shepherds; Angelic Appearance to the Shepherds

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

(Shepherd's Field in Bethlehem- taken by the author 6/2010)

Thoughts: Shepherds are the bedouins.  They are the poor, usually uneducated folk that brave the elements to keep the sheep.  Most scholars point out that the shepherds in Bethlehem kept the flocks for the sacrifices in Jerusalem.  In Bethlehem there is the shepherd's field church where the appearance of the angels is celebrated.  God did not reveal himself to the rich people in the end, but to the poor folk out in the caves/fields with their sheep.  The Great Shepherd of the Sheep has come to protect, heal, and guide His people to the greener pastures of eternal life.  As the shepherds listened, we should hear His voice.

Prayer: Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness.  Make my way straight before you.  You alone make me dwell in safety.  You are my shepherd.  Let me hear your voice and follow you and your way. 

John Calvin abridged:  Not many witnesses saw these events- and most of these were at night.  God revealed Himself not to the wealthy but to the humble and those who were not valued by the world.  So we are not to have the Gospel depend on worldly splendor- but we hold these treasures in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:5; 1 Cor. 2:4,5). If we desire to follow the Lord, let us not be embarrassed to take as our instructors those who were seen as the garbage of the world. The angel told them to not be afraid, trying to keep them from being overwhelmed with awe.  Real joy is found not in the surface-mirth of the world, but in the deep joy that comes from knowing of the Father's care. If the stable gave no offense to the shepherds, and did not prevent them from coming to Christ for salvation in his humble state; so we should not be offended by the mean and humble state of the signs of God's love.

(Fresco inside Shepherd's Field Church)

12/14/10 Luke 2:4-7 Hopsitality and Christmas

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

(Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem)

Thoughts: It is haunting- to think that there was no guest room available for them.  It is haunting to us that the Creator of all that we see- who made every space and room- was forced away- forced out into the cold.  Hospitality has always been a part of the Judeo-Christian message.  Abraham was hospitable to three stangers- and entertained angels unawares (Heb. 13:2).  Christ came that we might be welcomed into heaven and we did not welcome Him.  On a cold winter's day, let us seek to be hospitable to those we meet, and even go out of our way to bring someone in from the cold spiritually or physically.

Thoughts: Help me to remember those in need.  We remember you, who had no needs, became needy that we might respond to you, and you to us.

John Calvin Abridged: We see here not only the poverty of Joseph- but the tyranny of a government that would make a woman travel pregnant at an inconvenient time, not allowing any excuses.  Joseph was not devoid of feeling, but was forced to yield to the government and entrust his wife's care to God.  We also see what kind of beginning the Son of God had on this earth, and in what kind of cradle he was placed. His condition was such because he emptied himself (Phil. 2:7) for our sake.  When he was thrown into a stable and a manger, it was that heaven would be opened to us- not as a temporary lodging, but as an eternal home- where the angels welcome us to their eternal dwelling.

12/9/10 Luke 1:54-56 God Keeps His Promises

54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

(Sandra Botticeli, Madonna del Magnificat 1480)

Thoughts: God has not only remembered the poor, remembered the humble, remembered the godly, but also remembered His people.  The people of Israel were to be a kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6).  The true faith in the One God was to be conveyed through the naiton of Israel.  It is through Abraham, God had said, that all nations would be blessed (Gen. 12:1,2).  Mary is basically praising God for keeping his promises.  Christmas is about that.  God promised deliverance for us- a way ot of the trap of life, and He delivered.  When God says something he delivers. He doesn't jerk us around, changing his mind with every wind that blows.  So when God promises us heaven, we can count on it.  God promised to show his care to Israel and to all nations through Israel.  He shows He cares for us by keeping his promise as well.

Prayer: Thank you for your promises Lord.  They are true and reliable as you are. 

John Calvin abridged:  God fulfills the promises to the fathers. The nation was on the edge of ruined, but God showed the might of his mercy by remembering.  Mary shows that in the accomplishing of these promises, God has been true and faithful. 

12/8/10 Luke 1:50-53 Reverse of Fortunes

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

Mariotto Albertinelli (1503)

Thoughts: The mercy of God is not just for a time, but permanent. God is not just God of the past.  It is easy for us to forget the 350 year span between Malachi and Mary/Elizabeth.  While there was the miracle that is celebrated at Hanukkah, there was no deep prophecy written for centuries.  The promise for a messiah was centuries old and miracles were few and far between. But Mary is remembering God's mercy is for today for all who fear Him in every generation and time.  So today, many think God is God of the past but not the present or the future.  It takes faith like Mary's, Elizabeth's, Anna's, and Simeon's to be a remnant in a declining culture-believing that God remembers and is able to change things.  But this "remnant faith" changed the world. Elizabeth's husband's name, "Zechariah" means "God has remembered"- and He does!
     Here Mary celebrates that God not only remembers people of every generation, but also remembers the powerless and humble who put their faith in Him. This is a revolutionary statement.  God is not impressed or only concerned about the wealthy and powerful, but all people.  James (4:10) and 1 Peter (1 Pt 5:6) say, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up."  Here, at the beginning of the Gospel, a specifically Christian virtue, humility, is elevated.  Jesus said the last shall be first, and so it was and is.  But it is not simply that God remembers the poor- but the His mercy is for the poor who put their trust in Him.  This is a great remembrance, and a great reversal of fortune.

Prayer: As Mary humbled herself, help me to humble myself in your presence.  Help me to trust in your ability to lift me up in my time of need. Have mercy on those who are humbled today, Lord- those without heat or shelter; those with little food or hope. 

John Calvin Abridged:  God's power to help is contrasted to those who will not or cannot help (Isa. 59:16).  God scatters the proud as He did at the Tower of Babel when they overreach in their covetousness.  Mary ascribes to God's power what the ungodly ascribe to Fortune.  Yet God does not toss us up and down without purpose as if we were balls being thrown in the air.  It is not that God simply delights in changes in power, but that there is a purpose in his elevating some to a position of recognition (Dan. 2:21; Ps. 107:39).  Those who are in a high position, need to remember the One who allows them to be there.  It is too easy for the great, power, and well-fed, to ascribe all their power to themselves and not to God.

12/4/10 Luke 1:34-38 Marys Faith Compared to Zechariah's Doubt

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

(Greek Church of Annunciation- ancient well in Nazareth where legend says the angel spoke to Mary)

Thoughts: Mary gives us the great example of questioning in faith- She asks "How will this be" but at the same time she is willing to submit to God's will.  In contrast is Zachariah who questions in the Temple thinking in doubt.  Our answer to God should be may it be to me as you have said.  Zechariah believed only in the usual.  Mary believed nothing was impossible.  Too many Christians today believe only in the usual.  In dark times, we need to grow in faith, believing in the power of God- with Him nothing is impossible.  Without that belief we are no different than the mute Zechariah, compared to the praising Mary. 
Prayer: Give me grace, O Lord, to believe in you. Help, Lord, my unbelief.
 
John Calvin abridged: Mary, a little like Zechariah wonders how the angel's words could happen when she had not known a man.  However, she does not ask in such a way that God's power is lowered to the level of her senses.  The question arises from admiration rather than distrust.  The virgin was not given an answer to the specific manner- which was not necessary.  Rather she was asked to trust the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Christ is to be born in an extraordinary way to show he was holy and not just a part of the ordinary rank of humans.  "Son of God" is a title referring to Christ's divine essence.  He is of the holy seed, meaning that he did not contract normal human impurities from sin.  Yet he was truly human to vanquish death and evil from us who are human. 

12/3/10 Luke 1:29- 33 A Royal Prediction (Advent)

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

(Annunciation, Henry Tanner)

Thoughts: This passage is full of royal overtones. Particularly it speaks of entering the presence of the King of Kings who appoints princes.  Exodus 33:20 says that no one can fully see God's face and live- perhaps this added to Mary's natural fear.  Maybe you remember the story of Esther in which the queen was only allowed in the presence of the king by invitation, or if he extended the scepter toward her.  Otherwise to be in his presence meant death.  Mary is granted favor with the King of kings in much the same way that Esther was granted favor in the presence of the King of Persia who extended a scepter to her so that she would not be killed (Esther 4:11; 5:12).  The angel tells her to not be afraid for God would bless her with a son.  The angel tells him what He is to be called, and that he would be a Prince- but not just any prince: rather a prince who will rule forever- inheriting the throne of David.  It is interesting that two things were dying out during the time of Christ: 1) the Davidic line and throne (the Hasmonean line was all but dead), and 2) the sacrifices in the temple- stopped within a generation of Jesus' death.  God was interested in continuing the work of the king (governing), and of the priest (sacrificing).  This took a major act that started with the angel's coming to Mary. The king was coming- and coming through Mary.  Because this king/priest came through Mary we can approach the throne of grace with confidence (Heb. 4:16). In a time in which the Federal Bank spends 3 trillion dollars without any government approval, in which huge debates about morality are going on, and so many are oblivious to the presence of God- it is important to enter the presence of the King of Kings through prayer!

Prayer: Lord, may I find your favor.  May those who come after me praise your name forever and ever.

John Calvin abridged: The angel had not been sent to her for trivial purposes.  We too should not be careless observers of the works of God; and our consideration should be regulated by fear and reverence.  A person receives favor not when they seek it, but when it is freely given.  The angel adapts his words to Isaiah's prophecty (7:14).  The word "conceive" sets aside any idea that Christ was only a ghost or phantom.  Here Jesus is given a name "Jesus" meaning salvation, and titles Jesus, the anointed one, Son of God. Christ's throne was erected among the people of Israel that He might be given the entire world.

12/2/10 Luke 1:26-28 The Favor of God

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

("The Anunciation" Edward Burne-Jones 1879)

Thoughts: The favor of God is the blessing of God which is the presence of God.  The greatest blessing for the Christian is not money, not fame, not the praise of others, not clothes, but the deep presence of God.  Mary experienced that presence in a way no one else has.  The presence of God overshadowed her.  She was simply a young virgin.  She was not famous.  Probably not well educated.  She did not have much.  But she had everything, and is the most famous woman ever.  She truly was highly favored.  We should seek that same favor of God- His presence- in our lives.

Prayer:  May I grow in your favor and an awareness of your presence, Lord. 

John Calvin abridged: The angel begins with an ascription to God's grace.  God had prepared her heart by grace with his goodness, so that His grace is enlarged.  Blessing is a proof of Divine kindness.

12/1/10 Luke 1:18- 25 The Silence of Unbelief

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 said to him, “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 appointed 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.”

(Anunciation to Zechariah- Domenico Ghirlandaio 1490 Florence)

Thoughts: Christmas means God has spoken through the silence- the Word has become flesh.  In contrast, there is a deep silence of unbelief.  Unbelief means no angel is there to speak.  Unbelief means our words and actions are meaningless in the longrun- heading toward a silent grave.  Unbelief means the universe is a lonely, silent place. Unbelief means that even if God has spoken, we have turned our ears to the off position.  But to believe means we have something to say.  How sad for Zechariah who should have believed but did not.  How sad that he had something to say but could not speak.  Christians today are called to believe that God can answer our prayers.  We are called to speak about what we have seen and heard to the world outside for God has allowed us to experience Him and has given us voices to speak.

Prayer:  Thank you that you did not leave us in our silence, but you have spoken. Help me to believe and speak of you to others.

John Calvin abridged: Zechariah had prayed that he might obtain offspring, and now that it is promised he distrusts, as if he had forgotten his own prayers and faith.  Zechariah looks for an excuse for his unbelief in his old age.  Abraham was old as well, but he believed (Rom. 4:19).  Mary asked, "How can this be" when the angel appeared to her.  But God sees the heart and the rebuke to Zechariah is not judged just on his words but on his heart.

11/30/10 Luke 1:11-17 Praying Expectantly

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 call him 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 before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel 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 parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

(Zechariah and the angel Gabriel at the altar of incense)

Thoughts: Zechariah was a religious person who was walking by sight rather than by faith.  There's a little Zechariah in all of us.  Zechariah was not expecting the presence of God- or anything supernatural- even in the courtyard of the priests in the very Temple of the Lord.  A lot of us come to church not expecting God to break into our lives.  We pray not expecting God to do anything about it.  The great thing about Zechariah was that he was faithful in his prayers even when his prayers didn't seem to be answered for a son.  But God didn't just answer his prayers for a son- he gave him the one Jesus called "the greatest one born of a woman."  We need to pray expectantly- which is hard when God doesn't seem to answer our prayers.  I think about those praying for a relative who has strayed away- a prodigal- and they don't seem to come back.  Or I think of those praying for someone with a chronic disease.  It is hard to pray expectantly- believing God can do "more than we can ask or imagine" (Eph. 3:20).  Yet, the Lord teaches us faith through prayer.


Prayer: Lord, teach me to pray faithfully and expectantly.  Keep me believing in your power and ability to answer my prayers though it may seem impossible.

John Calvin abridged: By an extraordinary purpose of God, it was appointed that John be born in an unnatural way similar to Isaac in the Old Testament. John is a mortal man born of earthly parents in a supernatural way- almost as if he fell from heaven.  God does not try to terrify his servants, yet it is advantageous and even necessary that they be struck with awe in order to give God the glory due his name (Ps. 29:2).  The presence of God leads people to reverence and humbles the pride of the flesh.  When God is absent we indulge in pride and self-flattery.  It is the godly who shake and tremble at the presence of God (here only a spark of the light- an angel).  It is the ungodly and insensible who hear the voice of God without alarm.