Lesson: Get Ready To Be Surprised
Author: Mark Stusek
Date: 5/18/08
Everybody has issues and problems. Is there anyone here this morning who doesn’t have an issue they are facing? If not, get ready, one is coming!!
The Scripture warns us that as believers, we will face fiery heartfelt issues/problems. To ensure we do not feel alone in this facet of life, God gives us many examples in Scripture of people facing difficult trials.
One such family is Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were a solid priestly family whose lineage went all the way back to Aaron, the brother of Moses. The Scripture tells us they were faithful followers of the Lord.
However, they had a heartbreaking problem. They had become quite elderly and had no children. This brought them much pain and disappointment. They had prayed for years, and no child had come.
Question: What bone-wrenching problem are you facing today?
I. Surprises Come
Luke 1:11-17
1. The 24 families that were of the lineage of Aaron were responsible
for service in the temple at Jerusalem.
2. Zechariah was taking his turn to serve as a priest in the temple which
was a “great privilege”. Why?
3. The temple was considered the holiest place where God and one man
communicated while the rest of the people remained outside in prayer.
4. A strange thing happens. The angel, Gabriel, visits Zechariah. Zechariah
is afraid and stunned.
5. Zechariah couldn’t believe the news, so he asked for a sign (Luke 1:19-22)
Gabriel obliged-Zechariah could not speak until the baby, John, was born.
6. In the meantime, Elizabeth realized the fulfillment of the promise. She
began to feel the baby and praised God.
Question: What has occurred to you in the past or today that made you
speechless?
A. A word to the young and elderly: God is not finished with
you yet!
1. Jesus’ mother, Mary, was believed to be 13-14 years of
age when she found herself pregnant with Christ-surprise!
2. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed all their married life for a
child. The Scripture says they remained faithful, albeit
advanced in years.
FACT: God, too, had remained faithful. His timing
was better than theirs. We must never forget
this!
Jer. 12:5
3. In warfare during Jeremiah’s day, the strategy was to send
thousands of men on foot to wear the enemy down, and then
to send in fighters on horses.
4. God tells Judah they are complaining about something they
don’t understand. “Do you hear me yet, Zechariah?”
5. These footmen problems/situations are to wear us down
spiritually and emotionally. Lies against you, mistreatment,
discord, financial problems, relationship problems, past
failures, employment problems, old age—these are all
“footmen”.
6. God challenged Judah to stop complaining about the
circumstances and praise Him for their survival.
7. We don’t know how Zechariah and Elizabeth felt, but
the clock of life was ticking, and they thought they had
lost their chance to have a child. That was their dream!
8. But they stayed faithful and were surprised!
FACT: God doesn’t care how young or old you are, how
insignificant you feel. God is not finished with
you yet!
B. Religious vs. Supernatural
1. We must be careful not to become so embedded in religious
rules and traditions that we don’t look forward to God’s
surprises for us.
2. I believe God wants to take our breath away at times.
Christmas can be such a time.
3. God is aware of our every thought, feelings, fears, health
problems, financial needs, loneliness. He wants to surprise
us with his joy!
Mark 11:24
Question: What have you been praying about recently? Have your prayers
been bold?
Jer. 12:5
4. God expects us to run with horses. Yet, how can we mere
humans compete with the strength, stamina, and endurance
of horses? In the natural, we can’t. But when God puts
His power in us, He expects us to do something supernaturally.
Perform in such a way—we can’t do it alone.
SUMMARY
- Zechariah was a clergy person.
- Paid religious professional-faithful to carry out the functions assigned
to him at the temple.
- However, when he received the Word of God, he failed to believe.
- Sometimes God has to use severe methods to get our attention, especially
those who lead.
- If we don’t shut up for a while and listen, God may have to shut us up.
- The example of Zechariah and Elizabeth makes it clear that God has no
has-beens.
- Whether you are young or old – God is not finished with you yet.
- Be willing to be surprised.
Meant to be Sent
John A. Huffman, Jr.
Preaching – Volume 23, No. 3
Nov-Dec., 2007
Hang in There; Run With the Horses
John Jenkins
Kingdom Living Magazine
Spring, 2008