ZACHARIAS- DUMB BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF

LUKE 1:5-22

INTRODUCTION

Nothing ties the hand of God from working like unbelief. Nothing grieves the Holy Spirit like unbelief. But although he was smitten dumb, he did not flee from the presence of God, Like Job who said: “Though He slay me, yet will I love Him”.

Zachariah did not give up God’s work because afflictions came upon him.

Let us not be so engrossed with our trials as to neglect our work for Christ.

Let us learn:-

1. VISIONS MAY COME WHILE DOING OUR ORDINARY WORK (LUKE 1:8-11)

• It was when Zachariah was executing his priestly office, there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord.
• Moses kept the flock of Jethro when the call came through the burning bush (Ex.3:1)
• Gideon was threshing wheat (Judges 6:11)
• Elisha was ploughing when the prophetic mantle fell upon him (I Kings 19:19)
• David was keeping sheep in the fields (Psal.78:70)
• Mathew was in his toll-booth.
• Let us expect God to speak through His word, vision, dream, and Prophecy.
• God is all sufficient, let us wait on Him and look up.

2. OUR PRAYERS MAY BE ANSWERED UNEXPECTEDLY (LUKE 1:13)

• The Angel said “fear not, for they prayer is heard”
• It was to Zachariah staggering news.
• Zachariah had been praying for many years, but now both Zachariah and Elizabeth was “well stricken in age” (V.7)
• Zachariah continued to pray, even when the situation was hopeless.
• God is not limited by the physical limitation of human, (Age, background, education, position, gender etc.)
• Only believe and thou shall see the glory of God.
• “Ye shall reap if you faint not” (Gal.6:9)

3. THE LORD IS ABLE TO DO FAR ABOVE WHAT WE ASK. (Luke 1:14-15; EPH.3:20)

• Zachariah and Elizabeth were both righteous, upright and blameless before God. (1:6-7)
• Zachariah is told he will have not only a son but that son “would be great in the sight of the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb”(v.14-15)
• God is faithful to those who pray and wait (Psalm 126:6)
• Although the vision may tarry, still wait.

4. THE PROMISES OF GOD TEST OUR FAITH (V.18)

• Zachariah asked the Angel “How shall I know this, how can I be sure of this?” Both of us are old.
• Faith is believing the promise of God, Zacharias’ faith is found wanting.
• Compare Zachariah’s faith with that of Virgin Mary who just believed God.

5. UNBELIEF FETTERS THE TONGUE OF TESTIMONY (LUKE 1:20)

• “Behold thou shalt be dumb because thou believest not my words” (20)
• Unbelief dishonors God.
• How many children of God are now dumb because of unbelief. No testimony on their tongues!
• How many of us are dumb in regard to the second coming of Christ, filling of the Holy Spirit, answered prayers, deeper life, a consecration of life- all because of unbelief, we become (D.D) deaf and dumb.

6. REAL CONTACT WITH THE LORD MAKES MEN TO MARVEL. (Luke 1:21-22)

• The people marveled that Zachariah tarried so long in the temple.
• Zachariah forgot all about the clock that day.
• The people when they saw him they were convinced that Zachariah had seen a vision (V.22)
• Short services are good, but they are not always the best.
• When the preacher’s soul is filled with the vision of God, both time and men have to stand back.
• The presence of God is what is important in the church service.

CONCLUSION

• No matter how impossible God’s promises seem, what God has said in His word will come true and at the right time.
• God accomplishes His will, sometimes in unexpected ways.
• Physical limitations do not limit God.