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Sunday School Lesson
The divine plan unfolds in accordance to the eternal design. When the angel, Gabriel, was sent on his two missions (Luke 1:11-20, 26- 38), the individuals who were involved demonstrated the same response - fear (Luke 1:12, 29, 30). These visits broke 400 years of divine silence for the nation of Israel. During this interval, many changes took place in the nation. Yet, there was no voice of a prophet. When the priest, Zechariah, had his conversation with the heavenly messenger, he needed a sign that the predicted situation would come to pass. The angel told him, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. Luke 1:20. When this elderly mute man returned home, his elderly wife conceived. In due time she gave birth to a son, as had been declared. Luke 1:13,57. The birth of a child was seen as a great blessing from God. The family and neighbors recognized this as a time that brought great joy. Concerning Elizabeth, we are told that her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. Luke 1:58. The name for the child was not assigned until the male child was circumcised on the eighth day. The name given by the neighbors was Zechariah, in honor of the father. Elisabeth would not allow this name to be used. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. Luke 1:60. This announcement seemed to have caused quite a stir. And they said an angel came to Zechariah. And his father Zechariah was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied. Luke 1:67. The words of this priest pointed to the fulfillment of the promise of the coming messiah. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel. Luke 1:68a. Thus the focus of this message is on the one who has provided for the salvation of mankind. The provision and relationship is described - for he hath visited and redeemed his people. Luke 1:68b. The means of making this a reality is declared. He hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1:69; Psalm 132:17. The godly priest made reference to the writings of the prophets, as he glorified God - as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets. Luke 1:70; Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5. Men of God had been speaking of the coming of the messiah since the world began. Luke 1:70b. With reference to the national history, Zechariah declared that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. Luke 1:71. Yet, there is a divine purpose - to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham. Luke 1:72, 73; Genesis 12:1-3; 15:13,14; 17:19. There had been much oppression of the nation of Israel throughout their history. Much of this difficulty was brought about due to their rebellion against the divine directives. The desire to serve God was ingrained in the lives of those who had their life-focus on the divine plan. Malachi 3:16. Zechariah reflected this thought pattern in his words of prophecy - That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. Luke 1:74, 75. The message of this priest changed from reflective to predictive. He spoke of the ministry of this just-named son. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord. Luke 1:76a. The purpose of this coming ministry is described - To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God. Luke 1:77,78a. The holy spirit - through this man - explained the means by which this divine provision would come - whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us. Luke 1:78b. The eternal purpose is declared - To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:79; Isaiah 9:2. This child developed physically and spiritually. Finally, the time came for his ministry to begin. Luke 1:80.
The divine plan of salvation has reached to our day. Have you accepted this provision into your life? If not, please do so, today. Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 10:9, 10.
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