The Prophecy Of Zacharias
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | December 8, 2024
Turn to Luke 1:67-79, our text for this second Christmas message, “The Prophecy Of Zacharias”—two more follow this season. Luke 1:67-79 reads: “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Zacharias’ prophecy, its promises, and praise. Bless this Christmas message, all here, in children’s churches, and online. Touch the unsaved to trust Christ today. Heal Sister Ellen after her fall, others sick, in Jesus’ name, amen.
The Greatness of Scripture
Zacharias, a priest, and barren Elizabeth lived righteously, blamelessly, yet childless into old age—hope faded. In the temple, an angel told Zacharias, “Fear not, thy prayer is heard; Elizabeth shall bear… John,” a prophet for Christ. Doubt muted him until John’s birth, when his tongue loosed, praising God with this prophecy. First, it reveals scripture’s greatness. Verse 70 says God fulfills what “he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets… since the world began.” Verse 72 adds, “To perform the mercy promised… His holy covenant.” Gabriel (v. 20), Elizabeth (v. 45) affirm God’s Word performs as promised. This Bible—divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), preserved (Psalm 12:6-7), persuasive—is unique. Eric, a new believer, swapped a false Bible for the true one, saying, “This book is different.” It pierces hearts, draws to Christ, and John 12:48 warns it’ll judge us. Christmas reinforces our faith in this great Book—show the world!
Reward for Faithful Service
Second, Zacharias’ prophecy shows reward for faithful service. Luke 1:6-8 notes he and Elizabeth were righteous, serving despite barrenness. Year after year, they prayed for a child—unanswered. Yet they trusted God’s reason, serving faithfully. Pastors preach through pain; Zacharias did too. Why do the righteous suffer? A mystery—but God rewards. The angel promised John, and Zacharias shouted praise when it came true. Hebrews 6:10 assures, “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.” After 46 ministry years—mountains, valleys, tears—God remembers every act. Don’t quit when prayers linger or life empties; reward day comes. I live for, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Christmas reminds us: keep serving—God won’t forget.
Giving the Salvation Message
Lastly, we’re to give the salvation message. Zacharias’ prophecy emphasizes salvation through Christ—Christmas’ core. Verse 68: “He hath visited and redeemed his people.” Verse 69: “An horn of salvation.” Verse 77: “To give knowledge of salvation… by the remission of sins.” Christ saves from enemies, sin, darkness—guiding to peace. Use Christmas fully—decorations aren’t just beauty; they point to God’s gift. I’ll invite everyone to church December 22nd with treats, hugs, hope—Jesus is the reason! Online or here, if you can’t recall trusting Christ—not a date, an event—let me show you how. A lady with Alzheimer’s forgot family but remembered, “I love Jesus.” That moment’s unforgettable. You must be born again—believe, confess, be saved (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9).
A Call to Respond
This Christmas, we’ve a great Book—divinely inspired, preserved, persuasive. A great God rewards faithful service—don’t give up. A great message: salvation in Christ. Can’t recall that sinner-to-savior moment? Let me help you trust Him today—online, call me. Stand—receive God’s gift; share it boldly.