Sermon Central
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It's Birthing Time
Contributed by Selwyn Robins on Jan 31, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: This is a message of Grace & Salvation.
It’s Birthing Time
Luke 1:5-13, 17 & 41-44, 56
Tonight your word is “It’s Birthing Time”. Tell someone it’s time for delivery
We know that (John 1:1-5) says...
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
From the beginning God had a strategy and plan.
Strategy: a plan of action or policy to achieve an overall aim
Plan: the detailed proposal for doing or achieving something
Yahweh is not a God of empty ideas, but one of manifestations. Everything in his hand has been orchestrated through us for the perfection of his church. And if you didn't know, let me confirm that you are the church.
”Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
We are his temple that he loves to dwell in.
In creation alone he first brought light out of darkness. All things created afterwards was due to light being present. Light not only reveals but it helps to bring life to a state of maturity. One way of capturing my imagination about life is to watch the nature channel, National Geographic, and especially the Earth series. The cinematography is outstanding. How visually appealing it is to see the circle of life. The details are so intricate they capture life created, growing and moving in slow motion.
The intricacies of how a grain of wheat goes from obscurity to notoriety. Unknown to known. From the back to the front. No longer the borrower but the lender. Some of you are unknown tonight. But wait until tomorrow. Gods plan is still working.
In the foundation of time the process was established that it may blossom in due time. First revealing the stem, then it's leaf. A beautiful masterpiece that is about to explode into an abundance of LIFE.
This is Life by design.
A design no one else can compose nor orchestrate. In that blue print he blessed us with a connection of two relatives. They will be the catalyst for what's to come.
Our story opens with Zechariah, a priest performing the course of Abijah (father is Yahweh). The course of Abijah is the 8th of 24 courses in a Hebrew calendar year. Which we are in the 4th month of Tamuz. For the priest on whom the lot fell he has the great responsibility for eight days to minister unto God through prayer and offering incense. This is more than likely a once in a lifetime event. Due simply to the vast amount of priests around this time.
Let’s put a weight on the significant moment through a question.
If you had the opportunity to enter into the Holy of Holies, where his glory rests, what would you ask of him? As he enters into the temple what does he enter into? Meaning we know he is there for prayer, and intercession is the urgency.
As a priest he has the weight of Israel on his mind. “Lord, bring the deliverer as you did in Egypt. For too long have we suffered under the hands of our enemy. I need you to send the Savior.”
However, I feel additionally, something private and personal was on his mind. You know what I am talking about. That request which has been held close to the heart. No one else knows about. A prayer no one else can give an answer to.
1: Don’t Discount your prayer
“Father, hear the cry of your servant. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me. In this Lord, you know my true, personal desire. Bless our house with a child that may continue on my legacy and carry your word in his heart. We are old in age. But I remember the story of Abram and Sarai. Do it for me Lord.”
And appearing unto him, the angel Gabriel.
“Fear not Zechariah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son,
and thou shalt call his name John.”
I have to tell you that when an angel shows up we know there is a word from the Lord. And many need a word tonight. I don’t know what you have been asking for, seeking to find or knock to open. But the word comes through your silent cry.
Zechariah's long awaited word is that Elizabeth shall have a son. However with his disbelief he is permitted not to speak until it comes to pass. Many may ask "why did God make him mute"? Remember I said God has a strategy and plan? It may seem unorthodox but trust in what the Lord is doing.
