Luke 1:5-12

Luke 1:5-12

1. Let us mark the high testimony which is borne to the character of Zechariah and Elizabeth. We are told that they were "both righteous before God," and that [they walked] “blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.”
2. Let us mark the heavy trial which God was pleased to lay on Zechariah and Elizabeth. We are told that "they had no child."
3. Let us mark the means by which God announced the coming birth of John the Baptist. We are told that "an ANGEL of the Lord appeared to Zechariah."
4. Let us mark the effect which the appearance of an angel produced on the mind of Zachariah. We are told that he "was troubled, and fear fell upon him."

"It matters little whether we interpret this "righteousness" as that which is imputed to all believers for their justification, or that which is wrought inwardly in believers by the operation of the Holy Spirit, for their sanctification. The two sorts of righteousness are never disjoined. There are none justified who are not sanctified, and there are none sanctified who are not justified."

"If afflictions drive us nearer to Christ, the Bible, and prayer, they are positive blessings. We may not think so now. But we shall think so when we wake up in another world."

"Believing on Him, we may draw near to God with boldness, and look forward to the day of judgment without fear. When the mighty angels shall go forth to gather together God's elect, the elect will have no cause to be afraid. To them the angels are fellow-servants and friends. (Rev. 22:9.)"

Questions:

1. Could it be said that we are striving, by the grace of God, to serve God faithfully and living up to the light of God’s Word that we have?

2. When we suffer or go through trials, are we tempted to consider ourselves cursed or do such things draw us closer to Christ, the Bible, and prayer? Let us pray for the grace to see such results as positive blessings!

3. Angels take deep interest in the work of Christ and the salvation of sinners; they rejoice when sinners repent and delight to serve the saints. Do we think, or strive to think like them in these ways?

4. Do we tend to think of angels as cute and fat little cherubs that sit comfortably on a shelf or as beings that always have to tell people, ‘do not be afraid?’ Do these beings remind us of our need for a great mediator and give us confidence in the work of Christ?