On this occasion, pastor Mike focuses his sermon on Luke 1:57-80 and the theme of God as a promise to keep God. The passage tells the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, an old married couple who miraculously give birth to John the Baptist after years of barrenness. This demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give them a son despite their old age.

How God Promises Keeping God?

Pastor Mike sets the context by explaining that the book of Luke contains investigative reporting by Luke exploring if the claims about Jesus are true. Luke aims to build confidence that Jesus is the resurrected Messiah. Luke's audience is weary after waiting hundreds of years for God's promised Messiah. But God begins breaking the silence, first by sending the angel Gabriel to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Though Zechariah doubts initially, not believing his elderly wife could conceive, Gabriel strikes him mute until the baby is born.

Zechariah and Elizabeth named their newborn son John, as Gabriel had instructed despite protests from relatives who wanted the baby named after his father. Zechariah confirms the name John in writing, an act of faith and obedience. As a result, God restores Zechariah's voice. The meaning of the name John ("the Lord has given grace") reflects God's grace in giving this child.

John's Birth and God's Promise

The people who hear about John's birth are amazed at God's mercy in allowing such an elderly woman to conceive. They wonder about God's purpose in this child. Zechariah prophesies through the power of the Holy Spirit that John will be the prophet who goes before the Lord Jesus to prepare His way. John grew up strong in spirit though very little is recorded about his early life. The focus is on the miraculous work of God, not glorifying John.

Pastor Mike explains how God keeps working behind the scenes in Zechariah's life during his muteness. Though on the surface, it seems like Zechariah is forgotten or abandoned by God during this trial, quite the opposite is true. God is meticulously crafting Zechariah's faith and obedience. God often uses times of discipline and suffering to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

Zechariah responds to the restoration of his voice with praise and blessing to God, having learned to trust God's faithfulness during his mute period. When we truly grasp how faithful God is, even amidst suffering, it naturally leads us to praise. This big, deep, great, high, serious and strong is God promising keeping God for those who authentically serve Him.

Get Ready to Hear God Promises Keeping God!

This passage contains a beautiful song of praise from Zechariah about the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to send a Savior. Jesus is the “horn of salvation” who redeems us, defeats our enemies, shows us mercy, and provides forgiveness of sins. God is praised for His faithfulness in remembering His promises.

In summary, God always keeps His promises no matter how impossible they may seem to us. He wants us to boast and testify about His great faithfulness. Even when God seems silent or distant during painful trials, He is intricately crafting spiritual growth in our lives. We can trust His perfect timing and purposes even when we can’t understand it in the moment. Jesus secures our redemption and victory through His sacrifice on the cross.

To hear pastor Mike's full sermon, click here.

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