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Dec 09, 2018 | Tony Hunt

Jesus - The significance of silence

Zechariah’s heart is exposed.  Luke 1:5-20

  • He was a righteous man commended by God. (5)
  • He was going through the motions of religious duty. (9)
  • He had been praying for a child, but not with belief that God could or would. (13)
  • Even an angel startling him and revealing a private prayer did not cause him to celebrate or be relieved. (12)
  • He wanted to be CERTAIN—he needed faith. (18)

“…How shall I know for certain?” NASB

He and Elizabeth were old.
So was Abraham and Sarah.
He knew that history speaks of God’s capacity, but he did not accept it for himself. 

  • He was simply cynical in his disbelief.
  • So, he was made silent for 9 months. (20)

What silence can produce from within. 

  • God had been silent for 400 years.
  • God’s silence will expose a diligent faith or a cynical spirit in us.
    • This provided a season of expectancy as forced generations to study messianic prophecies and be constantly prepared for the messiah’s coming.
    • Through study of the past and of the prophetic future, you learn the heart of God and the depravity of humanity.
    • In the end of such journey of pursuing him, you either become cynical of his reality or you by faith go forward with expectancy of his promises being fulfilled.
  • With time, apathy becomes our greatest enemy.
    • We pray and live without expecting his response. Just going through the motions.
    • We pray and live with a storyline in mind that really isn’t supernatural or divine but rather more humanlike.
    • We basically become religious in identity only but not in heart and mind. 
  • God becomes a stranger.
    • When God speaks, we dismiss it because we have numbed out or it doesn’t fit our humanized profile for God. 

Silence becomes the teacher.  Luke 1:21-22, 57-66

  • Yearning to speak.
    • Writing only is not satisfying.
    • Wanting to be heard.
    • Frustration with others not patient with you.
  • Your voice is part of your presence.
  • Belief and obedience were key to his redemption.
  • Words become intentional and precious.

When silence breaks.  Luke 1:67-79

  • Praise God for who he is.
  • Praise God for his promises.
  • Praise God that he forgives, saves, and guides.

Series Information

Life gives us so many unexpected challenges. This series is taking a look at Jesus' life and taking notes for how to live and navigate life as he has best designed!