Luke 1:5-7, 13, 18 NRSV
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years…. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. Zechariah said to the angel, how can I be sure of this? My wife and I are very old.
Luke 1:57-62 NRSV
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God.
Luke 1:72-73 NRSV
He has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors and has remembered his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham.
1. God’s
God doesn’t scrap his , break his , or abandon His .
Question for Reflection:
What was a time in your life when you experienced God’s presence and faithfulness most profoundly?
2. Believe in God’s
Favor = God’s in you
Luke 1:68 NRSV
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
Luke 1:72 NRSV
He has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors and remembered his covenant covenant.
Luke 1:78-79 NRSV
Because of the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79 to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:78-79 CEB
Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn from heaven will break upon us.
“Our disappointments are but His appointments.” —Arthur. W. Pink
Question for Reflection:
Where do I feel most distant or disconnected from God’s favor right now? How is His tender mercy and favor at work it? What is He inviting me to?
Luke 1:68-69 NRSV
Bless the Lord God of Israel because he has come to help and has delivered his people. 69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us.
3. Jesus is our
Answer Key: Remember, Faithfulness, projects, promises, people, Believe, Favor, delight, Jesus, Assurance