Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 10, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 1:39-80. These chapters cover Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah’s response to God working in their life. The prominent theme of advent is the transformative nature of this season. God is working peculiar things in His people and changing the lives of those who follow Him. On the eve of God’s second advent, God is still looking to transform the lives of men and women.
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Read Luke 1:39-45
As the women greet each other, Elizabeth’s unborn child (John) leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth is fill with the Holy Spirit. Evidently, the Holy Spirit revealed to her that Mary was carrying the Messiah. We see Mary, Elizabeth and her unborn son full of joy. This scripture shows us how precious human life is. No mistake in this message regarding the sanctity of life as the unborn child leaps for joy in the presence of the unborn Savior. Just as all of them were full of faith and joy at this first advent, we are reminded that we too should be full of faith and joy as we wait expectantly for the second advent – Christ’s return. In what ways are you preparing for Christ’s return?
Read Luke 1:46-56
Mary responds to Elizabeth’s cry of joy and proclamation with a song. This song is very similar to Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Mary knew the song of Hannah, which shows us an important fact. We need to KNOW the word of God! We need to be able to recognize when God is speaking and have the ability to stand firm when we face difficulty. It is easy to live on what you THINK the Bible says, rather than what you KNOW it says. Marshall reminded us today that “snacking” on God’s word is not the same as FEASTING on it! How much time are you spending in God’s word each day? Are you snacking or eating a full meal?
Read Luke 1:57-66
In this passage, we see the transformation taking place in Zechariah. A man who was once filled with doubt and unbelief becomes a man who is filled with faith and a willingness to follow God rather than cultural traditions. Elizabeth and Zechariah named their son John, which went against the customs of their time. They obeyed God, not the opinions of man. Are we willing to do that? When the world tells us how we should act, think, speak or respond in any given situation, are we quick to go along or do we listen to the voice of God and do as He instructs us? Another great observation in this passage is that while Zechariah couldn’t speak for 9 months, he had no other choice but to do a lot more listening! Marshall reminded us that we can learn a lot if we stop talking so much and listen more! This reminds me of two passages – James 1 and Proverbs 10. Are you quick to speak before you think? Do your words often cause pain, destruction or lack of faith rather than comfort, healing and encouragement? If you struggle with your tongue, ask the Lord to take control of it and use it for good rather than evil.
Read Luke 1:67-80
Zechariah went from a man full of religious ritual and doubt, to a man filled with faith and boldness in declaring God’s faithfulness. God is looking for those who are filled with faith and willing to surrender ALL of themselves. Do you desire to be that kind of person? If your answer is “yes,” but you struggle with the “how,” the answer is pretty clear and basic – PRAY! Prayer changes everything! If prayer has not been a regular daily part of your life, please be encouraged to start today! Let this advent season be a season of transformation for you this year! Watch and see how God transforms your life as you seek Him through prayer and the study of His word.