12/22- Luke 2:8-14; Angels and Shepherds and us

12/22 - Luke 2:8-14 - The Message of Good News Spreads


(Govert Flinck c. 1600)

Luke 2:8-14



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 of great joy that will be 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." 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."





John Calvin Abridged: Christ’s birth in Bethlehem would have been purposeless if this event were not told to the world. But God’s method of proclaiming the birth appears unsuitable to human eyes. First Christ is revealed only to a few witnesses, and that in the midst darkness. Though God had available many honorable and distinguished witnesses, he passed over these and chose shepherds, poor people, and not highly regarded. This too was a part of Christ’s “emptying himself” (Phil. 2:6). This treasure (of the gospel) was deposited in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7). If we desire to follow Christ, then let us not be ashamed to follow those whom the Lord has taken from the dung heap to be our instructors. 9- “the glory of the Lord shone around them”- he angel appeared not in an ordinary form, or without majesty, but surrounded with the brightness of heavenly glory, to affect the minds of the shepherds powerfully. So the “fear” by which God humbles us helped them to receive his word with reverence. 10- “Do not be afraid”- though it is profitable to be struck with awe that we may give God the glory due his name, it is also important that they be consoled and not be overwhelmed with fear. The angel did not come to announce judgment but the mercy of God. “Great joy…a Savior is born”- Until people have peace with God, all the temporary joys they have in life are deceitful. The ungodly indulge in laughter and reveling and flatter themselves with luxurious indulgence, but their own lusts torment them. But there is a joy that gives peace of mind- the joy of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:7). We should not only rejoice in the salvation brought to us by Christ, but this blessing is so full in order to help us cope and compensate with the pains, distresses, and anxieties of the present life. “Shall be to all people” means that this salvation that the shepherds heard was not for their private joy, but was a joy common to all people and others should hear of it. This joy is indiscriminately offered to all. For God had promised Christ not to one person or to even one nation, but to the whole seed of Abraham- all those who would believe. If we are deprived from this joy, it is because of our unbelief. Now the middle wall of partition (Eph. 2:14) has been broken down opening up the gospel from one nation to all nations. Christ proclaims peace to those near and also to those far off (Eph. 2:17). 11- “This day is born to you in the town of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord”- “This day” means the day spoken of by the prophets and in the law. “Town of David” recalled the promises universally known among the people of God. “To you” personalized the birth emphatically. It would have given no delight if people didn’t think he was born for them. Isaiah likewise says, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Is. 9:6); and Zechariah “Behold your King comes to you, lowly” (Zech 9:9). 12- “And this shall be a sign for you”- The angel meets the doubt of the shepherds which might naturally hinder their faith; for what a mockery it is that the King the only Savior, is seen lying in a manger. The Lord uses this method every day, though it may seem ridiculous among those who do not believe. He holds signs out to us though they are made of earthly and fading elements, to raise us to the glory of immortality. 13- “A multitude”- what God had made known by one angel was confirmed by many. Among us, the testimony of “two or three witnesses” (Mt. 18:16) is sufficient to remove all doubt. But here is a heavenly host, with one voice testifying to the Son of God. What stubbornness we have if we refuse to join with the choirs of the angels! The Lord intends for us to join in full harmony and unity in faith. “On earth peace- good will towards others”- The peace spoken of hear is not an outward peace, but an inward tranquility. We are born “children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3), and are by nature enemies with God, and must be distressed by fearful apprehensions as long as we feel that God is angry with us. But Christ’s peace alleviates the wrath of God and the dread of death. “Peace on earth” means that so long as we trust in the grace of Christ, no troubles (temptations, dangers, attacks, fears) can arise that will prevent us from enjoying composure and serenity of mind. “Good will” is not the good will of people toward each other, but God’s good will toward us. The One with whom we were at deadly variance has bestowed undeserved favor, and this is the source of our peace.

Thoughts: The angel and the shepherds were the first evangelists. The angels broke the darkness of the night, and the darkness of their humility with good, joyful news. The good news is that the Prince of Peace, the source of our joy and peace has come and broken into the fortress of darkness. We who were prisoners are being rescued, and the rescuer has arrived. Lowly shepherds would not be shocked at the news of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, being born in a sheep’s pen. To them, this message of relief is much more meaningful than kings (like Herod) who were jealously holding on to what they have in this world. In our day of abundance, many hold onto the world as if it will last forever. This severe recession is a reminder that we cannot have everything. Perhaps we need to let go of the world a bit in order to receive the peace of the gospel. We can do this by giving. God gave His only Son, and his example of giving everything for us, is a great example for us to follow.
  Angels and shepherds told of his birth.  Christmas is an oppotunity to witness.  Despite trying to squash our witness by changing "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays", there is still a story to tell.  In a recession, there is less joy in giving presents from a secular point of view.  If we give only out of habit, and without deeper motivation (giving because Christ gave), then it is fairly empty and frequently frustrating.  The joy in giving is motivated by love, and the ultimate sign of love and a reason to love others (including family) is found in God's love for us.  If all we are is atoms thrown together by chance- then there is little reason to stay in families when the going gets rough, and little reason to love when someone rubs us the wrong way.  The Christian message is a bit more than that.  The world needs to hear what the shepherds and angels were telling others. We are the ones to say it in our day- we can't expect angels to do our job.


Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for coming to earth for us. Help us to give to others in response to your greatest gift.

12/21- The Longest Night- Luke 1:67-75 Zechariah Waiting

12/21 - Luke 1:67-75 - Zechariahs praise

Luke 1:67-75 Benedictus



67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.



Calvin abridged: “Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit” This phrase means that the servants of God receive more abundantly the grace of the Spirit at some times more than others though they were not without it. When the Spirit was given to the prophets, the Spirit was more fully exerted in them when they were brought into the public view to discharge their office. This was a remarkable instance of the goodness of God, that not only did Zacharias recover the power of speech, which he had not enjoyed for nine months, but his tongue became the organ of the Holy Spirit. 68 “Blessed be the Lord God”- He starts with thanksgiving, and by the Spirit describes Christ on which the safety and prosperity of the church depended. The people of God had sunk to such a depth of calamity, and were overwhelmed and distressed, that no one entertained the thought that the eye of God was upon them. The visitation of God is said to be the cause and origin of redemption. The efficacy of Christ’s redemption was the same for those who believed before Christ came. 69- “Raised up the horn of salvation”- speaks of God’s saving power. When the throne of David was cast down, and the people were scattered, the hope of salvation had to all appearance perished (cf. Ps. 132:17). David was the chosen servant of God to rule and save the people- as Christ does in fulfillment of that office. 70- “As he said through the prophets”- The means of salvation through Christ is not new- but was predicted by the prophets. This was not just a celebration of God’s truth and promises, but also a witness so that the people might believe in Christ. 71- “Salvation from our enemies”- The Church has always had enemies outward, inward, and spiritual. As long as the Church continues her pilgrimage in the world, she lives amongst her foes but Christ is always at hand to grant assistance. No enemy, power, schemes or attacks will prevent our deliverance to an everlasting salvation (Is. 45:17). The fountain from which redemption flowed is God’s mercy and covenant (vs. 72). This mercy also extended to those ancestors in the Old Testament. It is not that the Old Testament fathers earned their faith by keeping the law. 74- “To enable us to serve him”- God has a purpose so that being redeemed they may dedicate and consecrate themselves to the Author of their salvation. The final cause is that we might glorify His name. We should remember this our calling carefully. We are admitted by adoption into the family of God that we may yield obedience as children to a father. We frustrate the grace of Christ if we do not follow that design (Gal. 2:21). “without fear”- This implies that we cannot worship God properly without composure of mind. Those who wonder if God is favorable or hostile to them who fluctuate between hope and fear will be anxious in their worship of God, but not obey Him. We must obtain peace of conscience before our worship of God. 75- “In holiness and righteousness” We serve God properly when we serve him with holiness and righteousness looking to do so all the days of our lives.


Thoughts: This passage is sometimes called the “Benedictus” after the Latin translation of the first words here. God sought to bless all peoples through his Messiah’s coming. Zechariah knew that John’s coming meant the Messiah was close at hand. He had his ear to the ground, listening for God to speak to him—especially after the angel came and made him mute. There is an 84 foot antennae dish (radio telescope) outside of Harvard whose main job is to listen for extra terrestrial life. This takes a great deal of time and money. I wonder if we would do the same for listening for God and His will for us.   John the Baptist is described as not the light- but as a witness to the light.  Calvin described him as the dawn before the sunrise.  Zechariah rejoices at his birth for it means salvation is near.  The long night of waiting for the messiah to come is almost over.  On this shortest day and longest night of the year, let us rejoice as Zechariah did that we have hope, we have the truth found in an exemplarary life, and salvation from our spiritual and physical enemies.  The darkness is fading, the light has come!

DON'T FORGET THE LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE TONIGHT- A service of prayer for our land, our world, those who are grieving, those who are sick.

Prayer: Lord, you are worthy of praise and help us to love you and hear your voice.

12/20 - .Luke 1:46-50 - The Magnificate


Mary's well in St. Gabriel's Church in Nazareth- the traditional site of the annunciation. Tradition says Mary was going for water when the angel appeared).



Luke 1:46- 50- The Magnificate



46 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.



Calvin abridged: This is a remarkable and interesting song of the holy virgin, which plainly shows how great the grace she had from the Spirit. There are three clauses to this song. First Mary offers thanks for the mercy of God which she had experienced. Next she celebrates God’s power and judgments. Third she applies this to what God was doing in bringing the promised redemption. 46- My soul glorifies the Lord- Here Mary gives her gratitude. Mary was not just talking on the outside, but was singing from her heart. “Spirit” speaks of the understanding, while “soul” focuses on the affections. She calls God “Savior” which brings her joy which turns into praise. Unless we recognize God as our Savior, we are not free to indulge in true and full joy but will remain in doubt and anxiety. 48- “For he has been mindful”- Her joy is based on God’s looking upon her. By calling herself of “humble state” she says she did not deserve this grace, and praises the undeserved goodness of God. She was of no account in the eyes of the world, and her estimation of herself was just as low. She announces that this kindness will be remembered through all generations. If this is to be proclaimed in every age everywhere, then Mary should not keep quiet either since the grace is bestowed on her. Mary did not see herself with the titles sometimes given her (like “Queen of Heaven, Star of Salvation, Gate of Life” etc.). The praises for Mary are spurious which do not exalt the power and grace of God. 49- “holy is his name”- God is holy because it is held in highest reverence. His mercy extends from generation to generation quotes from Psalm 103:17,18. This mercy is for those who fear him- or believe and reverence him. “Fear” incorporates the idea of godliness and religion which cannot occur without faith. God does not sit idly in heaven looking down to see who is worthy of his mercy. Part of God’s grace is eliciting fear godly fear and majesty among his children.



Thought: The Magnificate is one of the greatest songs ever written. It speaks of the power and willingness of God to lift up the humble. This gives hope to those who are downtrodden or struggling in life. It is reminiscent of Hannah’s prayer giving thanks for the birth of her son Samuel, and of Miriam’s song that gave thanks that the poor Israelites were rescued from the powerful Egyptian army. It is a reminder that God still acts and cares for the humble. No one is too small to be helped. No one is so great that they do not need God’s help. It also tells us the value of each individual. We should treat the poor, the unwed mothers, the uneducated, the humbled, those without power with respect as Mary is worthy of respect. We should imitate her humility. In our day, there is little humility, and few see the need for God’s help. In the midst of one of the worst recessions in the history of our nation, not many are asking us to call out for God’s mercy and help.



Prayer: Help us, O God, to give you the glory, and also to recognize your great love and ability to lift us up.

12/18,19 Mary- nothing is impossible with God

12/18 - Nothing is Impossible with God - Luke 1:34-38


(Annunciation- Henry Ossawa Tanner)

Lk. 1:34- 38

34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon 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. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God." 38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.



Calvin abridged: “How will this be?” Even the holy virgin confines God’s power to narrow limits just as Zechariah had done. She concludes that what is beyond the way things usually happen is impossible. While she ought to have immediately by faith given thanks to the boundless power of God, she instead holds back restricting God to the ordinary power of generation. Still she doesn’t stop there permanently but is only astonished so that she asks the question. That she eventually put faith in God to do the improbable is evident when she didn’t ask more questions like, “where is the throne of David?” 35- “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you”- The angel does not explain the details so that all curiosity is answered, for there is no necessity to do so. He only leads the virgin to contemplate the power of the Holy Spirit and to surrender herself silently and calmly to his guidance. The word “come upon” (epeleusetai) denotes that this would be an extraordinary work, and not just an ordinary natural event. “The power of the Most High shall overshadow you”- The Spirit may be seen as the essential power of God whose energy is shown and exerted in the entire government of the world, as well as in miraculous events. “So the holy one to be born”- Some wrongly say that he was called the Son of God because he was conceived in a remarkable manner by the power of the Holy Spirit. But here “the Holy One to be born” indicates He is the Word of God begotten before the ages that now clothes himself in human flesh. “Son of God” is a title that belongs to the divine essence of Christ from the beginning, but now is applied to both natures. This gives us confidence to risk calling God our Father because his only Son, in order that we may have a Father in common with him, chose to be our brother. 36- “Even Elizabeth, your cousin”- The angel tries to encourage her to believe the miracle by what has already taken place among her own relative. The sixth month is usually after the month when the baby moves (quickening), so there is no doubt about the birth. 37- “For nothing is impossible with God”- The meaning is God will do what he has promised, for nothing can hinder or resist his power (Rom. 4:20,21). There is nothing that possibly stops the word of God. We ought to always contemplate his boundless power, that it may strengthen our hope and confidence. Yet it is useless to argue about what God can do, when God only does what he resolves to do. 2 Timothy 1:12 says, “I know whom I have believed and I am persuaded he is able to keep what he has promised.” 38- “I am the Lord’s servant”- The holy virgin does not dispute the angel any further. She restrains her mind so that her faith is not repressed. Boldness in disputing is the mother of unbelief. She gives and devotes herself unreservedly to the Lord. Unbelievers withdraw from his hand and obstruct his work. But faith yields to obedience. Faith gives us up to his power making us obedient, but unbelief makes us rebels and deserters. “May it be to me”- Here she is convinced of God’s power, follows where he calls, trusts in his promise, and not only expects, but eagerly desires its accomplishment.

Thoughts: It is too easy to restrict God to not doing anything unusual. It is too easy to pray and not expect an answer (as Zechariah did). Mary shows a faith that we can learn from- it is the faith of a child- that nothing is impossible with God. Mary believed God could do a miracle if he said he would. To not believe that God can do the unusual is to put God in a box, and make God into our own image- making him an idol. We all have a tendency to do this, and the fight against unbelief is an ongoing one. We do not need to water down the faith-saying we don’t need faith to have faith (we don’t need to believe the unusual or supernatural). To remove the supernatural from God is like removing God’s power from God- so that we are taking God’s teeth out- making him a toothless lion. The conception and virgin birth are not just saying that Jesus is unusual. It is not just the story that is important, it is also the reality behind the story- for is the person of Jesus is not real, and is not sent from God, then he was just another extraordinary teacher. It takes Mary’s faith to believe what happened to Mary. We should have her same attitude that nothing is impossible with God, and also her attitude of submission- may it be to us as you have said.

Prayer: Lord, give me faith that I might believe that nothing is impossible with you.

12/19 - Luke 1:39-45 - Elizabeth's Visitation

(Elizabeth's visitation- Overbeck 1789-1869)

Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.



Lk. 1:39- 45

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"



Calvin abridged: “Mary got ready”- Mary’s faith continues in response to the angel’s message even after the angel was gone. Why did she travel to see Elizabeth? Partly to increase and strengthen her faith, and partly to celebrate the grace of God which both had received. 41- “When Elizabeth heard” – It is natural that joy in a pregnant woman should cause motion in her child. But Luke indicates this was out of the ordinary. The baby John started in her womb, and she prophesied. 42- “Blessed are you among woman” Mary was blessed because of the blessedness of Jesus. Today the blessedness of Christ cannot be the subject of our praise, without reminding us of the blessedness of Mary too. 43- “Why am I so highly favored?” Some people like to delight beyond measure in themselves, and desire to shine alone, despising God’s gifts in their brothers and sisters. Others praise them so much that they are changed into idols. Elizabeth does not envy Mary, but rejoices with her, ascribing everything to God. “Mother of my lord” – Elizabeth ascribes praise to Christ inside Mary’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. 45 “Blessed is she who has believed the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” Mary was blessed because the Savior was also her own savior. Mary received by faith the blessing offered to her. The word (promises) and faith work together here. In the act of believing we give our assent to God who speaks his promises to us. So we infer that it doesn’t matter whether God uses angels or humans, He wishes equal honor be given to his Word as if he were visibly descending from heaven.



Thoughts: John was prophesying even from the womb. For the Savior of the world, but also of Elizabeth, John, and Mary was there. Some have thought that Mary went to celebrate God’s favor (as Calvin mentions), but also to escape derision or persecution in her hometown during Mary’s pregnancy. Even in the womb Jesus is bearing a powerful testimony to his salvation. It should not go unnoticed in our society that Mary was an unwed mother, and that it would have been easy in our society for Mary, if she had not believed the angel’s message, to have an abortion. God protected Jesus and used him even in the womb to change those around him. There is power in a baby to change people- bringing hope to a marriage, joy to a grandparent, and how much more this special baby.



Prayer: We are blessed, O Lord, by you. Thank you for coming to us, through Mary, that we might know you and be forgiven and filled by you.

12/17/09- Luke 1:26-33; The Annunciation to Mary

12/17 - Luke 1:26-33 - The Annunciation

(Annunciation Raphael)


Luke 1:26-33

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." 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 the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."



Calvin abridged: It is a wondrous part of the divine purpose that God decides to make the beginning of the herald more illustrious than that of his own Son, The prophecy about John was published in the temple and universally known; but Christ is promised to a virgin in an obscure town in Judea and is hidden in the breast of the young woman. God chose a virgin betrothed to a man so that his son might be supposed to be the son of Joseph until it was discovered by many that he was the son of God. 28- “Greetings you who are highly favored” [Catholic version- “Hail Mary full of grace”]- A conviction of the Divine grace or goodness is the entrance of faith, and the angel observes this order, then he enlarges her faith to receive and incomprehensible mystery. The Greek work here (kecharitomene) denotes the undeserved favor of God (cf. Eph. 1:6). “The Lord is with you”- To those on whom he has once bestowed his love God shows himself gracious and kind (Ps. 103:4). “Found favor with God” [blessed among women]- Blessing is a proof of Divine kindness. The word doesn’t mean “worthy of praise” but “happy.” This is similar to Paul’s greetings of grace and peace (Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:2) . This implies that we will be truly happy and rich when we are beloved by God. If Mary’s favor and grace come from the undeserved love of God, and flow from Divine kindness, then should we seek from her what she derives from another? 29- “Mary was greatly troubled”- She was not agitated by the presence of the angel as much as by his address. Mary did not lose her composure for she was considering the meaning of the salutation. This example reminds us, that we ought not to be careless observers of the work of God, and that our consideration of them should be regulated by fear and reverence. 30- “You have found favor” could be translated you have received mercy. 31- “you shall conceive” – the angel adapts his words to Isaiah’s prophecy (7:14). The word conceive sets aside the idea (promoted by Marcion and Manachaeus) that Jesus was merely a phantom. “name Jesus” Matthew adds that Jesus means “to save his people from their sins” (1:21). It is the same as the Hebrew Joshua. The name itself is not magic, as if in its very syllables majesty resided, but that the highest authority- to which the whole world should submit. 32-“He shall be great”- The angel said the same thing about John the Baptist, yet that did not make him equal to Christ. Angels and kings are sometimes given the title “great” in scripture, but they are great in comparison with other humans, whereas the Son of God is great in comparison to all (Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:5). “Son of the Most High”- Christ is the Only Begotten Son. Our adopted sonship (in which we may call God ‘Abba Father’ Rom. 8:15; Ga. 4:6) is derived from his real sonship. “Throne of his father David”- Whenever the prophets talked about the restoration of the people they talked about the throne of David being restored (Jer. 30:9; Ezek. 34:24; 37:24; Hosea 3:5; Amos 9:11). The angels was thus speaking of the revival of the people of God. 33- “And he shall reign” God speaks of Christ’s reign over all the earth beginning with the house of Jacob. His throne was erected among the people of Israel, that he might from there subdue the whole world. “Forever- without end”- It was frequently predicted that David would always have a son on the throne. The angel points out that the glory of David and Solomon will be restored or even exceeded (Ps. 72:5,17). Its true perpetuity relates to the glory to come. So we too will reign forever with him when we gather together in heaven.



Thoughts: The angel came with astonishing news, to a humble maid. Mary’s response shows how humbled she was by this. It is her pure trust and humility and wonderful response that we should imitate. In our world of celebrities flaunting their looks, their cars, their houses, their fame, we should remember Mary- whose fame will outlast any rock star or TV star. The greatest among us would do well to imitate Mary’s humility and trust in God’s unmerited favor (grace). She is full of unmerited favor (grace), and we should seek the same. What does it take to restore the Church to its rightful place? It takes the centrality of Jesus. He is the King, and the farther we move from Him, the farther we move from the restoration of David’s throne. Our being children of God is derived from His being the Son of God.



Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you choose the humble. Help us to humble ourselves in your sight that you may lift us up.

12/16/09- Luke 1:21-25 The Blessing of Having Chidlren

12/16 - Luke 1:21-25 - Blessing of Children


(Birth of John the Baptist Artemisia Gentileschi c. 1635)

Luke 1:21-25

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.”



Calvin abridged: Luke relates that the people were witnesses of this vision. Zechariah had stayed later in the temple than usual. This led some to suppose that he had something uncommon happen to him. When he comes out, he makes known by looks and gestures that he has been struck dumb. True, there were few or no visions in that time, but the people remembered the stories of the former appearances of God. 23- “He returned home”- priests lived in the temple during their terms of service in order to keep themselves pure. Some say this is a reason for celibacy, but if so, they should also keep the commands for priests to abstain from wine or strong drink (Ezek. 44:21), or to exclude themselves from the people.



Calvin abridged: Zechariah was married, and marriage is honorable in all (Heb. 13:4). 24- “Remained in seclusion” – Some think she was ashamed of God’s blessing, or was uncertain of the upcoming birth. But I think, in light of Zechariah’s punishment, she was fully convinced of the certainty of the birth. She said, “The Lord has done this for me”- out of belief. She may have delayed going out in public because the world talks irreverently about the things of God; or that if people saw herself fully pregnant they might be more apt to praise God than if they saw her gradually grow with child. She praises God in private for His goodness, until the time is ripe for making this known publicly. “Taken away my disgrace”- She assigns her barrenness to the withdrawal of God’s favor. If animals having offspring is a blessing, how much more having our own children (Psalm 127:3). There is a universal sense of the blessing of having children, but there is a particular blessing designated to Abraham to have children (Gen. 13:15,16; 15:5). Let parents, then, be thankful to God for their children which he has given them, and let those who have no offspring acknowledge that God has humbled them in this matter. Elizabeth speaks of barrenness as a reproach among human beings. It is a temporary chastisement, which doesn’t take away any blessings in heaven.



Thought: Calvin and his wife had at least three miscarriages, and their young son died a few weeks after birth. No doubt Calvin felt the pain of being without children. One of his famous sayings was that he had a son… but he has today many children in the faith. I have often thought about how those who cannot have children look at this passage as well as that of Abraham and Sarah’s conception. Calvin indicated that it is humbling to not have children, yet he recognized that in heaven such reproaches would be taken away. He probably looked forward to that. Children are a blessing. In our busy world, some see kids as a secondary part of life after work. But children are more our legacy than our work. The Bible speaks a lot more about the importance of passing our faith down to our children, than passing our craft or abilities down to the next generation.



Prayer: Lord, thank you for children, especially among the godly. Help us to welcome them as you did.

12/15- Luke 1:18-20 Faith Mixed with Unbelief

12/15 - Unbelief in the Midst of Faith - Lk. 1:18-20


[Zechariah and Gabriel]

Luke 1:18-20

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."



Calvin abridged: This is about the doubt of Zechariah, and the punishment the Lord inflicted on him for his unbelief. He had prayed that he might have children, and now that it is promised, he distrusts as if he had forgotten his own prayers and faith. It might, at first brush appear harsh that God is so offended by his reply. He brings forth his old age as an objection- which Abraham did too (and yet he was commended Rom. 4:19). Mary made a similar objection at her annunciation (“How can this be since I am a virgin?”). But the angel passed over her objection. If words are the only factor, then it might be unfair. But God looks at the action and the heart. Unquestionably, the Lord saw something in Zechariah worse than his words may bear, since God looks at the heart (Heb. 4:13). God distinguished between Sarah’s laugh and Abraham’s question (Gen. 18:12; 17:17) though one apparently doesn’t differ from the other. We don’t have a right to lay down a law to God which keeps him from the freedom to punish a fault or pardon another. We ought not to hold that God will do no more than what is probable, as if his hand were limited to our senses and confined to an earthly perspective. Zechariah clearly believed he heard the voice of God, but then refused to believe what God said would really happen. Yet Zechariah did not give up on his faith. We need to understand that when God brings us into his favor, he give us many special promises,-- that he will feed us, will deliver us form dangers, will vindicate our reputation, will protect our life; --and so there is a special faith which answers to each promise- and some may waver to these promises. Let us be aware that those who are weak in one area or on an occasion do not entirely depart or fall from the faith, and though the branches may fall in a storm, the root stands firm. We all should keep watch- if someone so eminently holy, who had maintained a strict watchfulness over himself was overtaken by such evil snares. 19- “I am Gabriel”- The angel was indicating that the truth of what he was saying was not based on him , but on God- who sent him with this message. Gabriel was an ambassador from God who gave the promise. Jesus said, “He who despises you despises me; and he that despises me despises the one who sent me” (Lk. 10:16). There is a sense in which those who preach the gospel are not to be despised lest God is despised. Hebrews indicates that the gospel message delivered by people is more significant than the law delivered by angels (Heb. 2:2; 10:29). The obedience of faith is of higher value than all sacrifices, and we should render such obedience to God. 20- “and now you will be silent”- This is appropriate in that faith needs silence to lend an ear to the Word of God. Afterwards we may respond with an amen. God softens his punishment by limiting it to ten months, and still fulfilling his promise. So God deals with us- when our faith is weak, his benefits still flow to us. Sometimes God even grants unbelievers promises, even though they lack faith (eg. Ahaz Isa. 7:12). So Zechariah was chastened and at the same time pardoned.



Thoughts: No one has perfect faith on this side of heaven. Zechariah believed in God and was a holy man. He prayed, but did not believe God would really answer his prayer. Zechariah was confronted with a powerful angel and still did not believe in God’s power to grant him a son in old age. Many say, “If I could only have some sign, I would believe more.” Zechariah had a sign in the form of a powerful angel and still did not believe. God shows that He is not pleased with Zechariah’s unbelief in His power and ability, by making him mute, but he still kept his promise. How many today pray but do not believe in the power of God to answer our prayers. God is still the Creator and sustainer of all things. God sees things the doctors do not. God understands the heavens better than the smartest astronomer. God is able to do more than we think is probable. By restricting God’s power, we are limiting our own faith. In our day, the church has such weak belief. God has muted our influence on society, and the Church’s voice today. Yet God’s purposes will be achieved.



Prayer: Lord, we believe, help our unbelief. Give us not only eyes to see you, but hearts to believe you.