Harmony Of The Gospels Series 1, Scripture: Luke 1:5-38
As you study the stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary and the Arch Angel Gabriel, have you ever wondered if God could or would use you? I've wondered why he wants to use me. God has given me grand dreams of what He wants to do in and through me. Unfortunately I've collected a lot of baggage that slows or stops me in fulfilling the dreams God gave me. Whether it's past drug abuse, alcoholism or other sins of the past…or current temptations…there always seems to be some reason for me to say, "I can't". I hear voices saying, 'You're not fit to do that. Who do you think you are?' In I Timothy, Paul tells Timothy to be an example of speech, life, love, faith and purity. That's what Paul suggests is a responsibility of ministry. When I measure myself against that standard, I'm brought up short. All I'm an example of is the Grace and Mercy of God applied to me as I fall down, get up, dust myself off and try again with faith in Him.
For more information about Jesus see these books on the History of Jesus Christ.
What are the dreams God has given you? You know He has! Maybe you aren't called by Him to be a minister. Maybe He wants you to be a scientist, or President, or salesperson, or businessperson, or a better neighbor, mother, child, or husband. What's holding you back? Chances are it's the same as with me. Feelings of being unable, unqualified…"oh, I could never do that." We say, "I can't" but God says, "I can! And I want to do it through you."
Even though we're weak, flawed and unable, God chooses to use us to carry out His plan.
This passage of scripture shows us, through Gabriel announcing the birth and ministry of John and Jesus to Zechariah and Mary, that our situation doesn't matter-if it's God's will. We're going to review these two stories together as if they were describing the qualifications to serve God…a kind of 'job description'. We'll look at Experience, Ability to handle pressure, Can-do-attitude, and Willingness.
1. Experience:
Lk 1:5-7 '…A priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah: his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.'
Lk 1:26-27 '…God sent Gabriel to Nazareth…to a virgin…Mary.'
In Israel back then, most women were married between the age of 12 and 16. Rarely, a woman would remain a virgin until 18. In other words, Mary had no experience of any kind. Yet, Zechariah and Elizabeth had lot's of experience. It seems, then, with these two stories side-by-side, to be a servant of God, experience doesn't matter. Imagine yourself on a job interview, telling your prospective employer you have no experience for the position and having them say, "You're just what I'm looking for." If that happens, get out of there. But, you see, often that is just what God is looking for, someone who will lean on Him to get the job done.
Continued at Zechariah-Elizabeth-Gabriel-2
Bible Studies
Zechariah,
Elizabeth...
The Childhood Of Jesus
Life Of John The Baptist
The Temptation Of Jesus
Jesus Begins His
Ministry
Jesus And Nicodemus
Jesus...Woman At Well
Jesus
Rejected At Home
Pool Of Bethesda
New Wine...Wineskins
Sermon On The Mount A
Sermon On The Mount B
Sermon On The Mount C
Sermon On The Mount D
Jesus Anointed With Oil
Parable Of The Sower
Jesus Calms The Sea
Jesus Sends The
Twelve
Jesus
Walks On Water
Clean And
Unclean-Blind
Jesus Is The bread Of
Life
Jesus And The
Canaanite
Jesus Heals On Sabbath
Who Do You Say I Am
Mustard Seed Faith
Who Is The Greatest
Giving God Honor
The
Truth...Set You Free
Jesus The
Good Shepherd
Treasure-Heart In Heaven
Lost Sheep, Coin, Son
The
Shrewd Manager
Destiny Of
Judas...Mary
Meaning Of Palm Sunday
The
Greatest Command
Prophecy...The Last
Days
The Last Days
Parables
Analysis Of Last Supper
The Real Easter Story
Bible Questions Forum
New Testament Studies
Study Bibles
Bible Study Software
Bible Study Books