From Silence to Salvation
Did You Know?
Pastor Orlando Juarez
December 1, 2024

THE TIMES OF JESUS’ BIRTH

Galatians 4:4 NLT

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.

  1. 400 yrs. of silence – Israel has endured being ruled over by various empires, including the Persians, Greeks, and ultimately the Romans.

  2. During this time of silence, rabbinical commentary would be honored more than the Word of God.

    • Mark 7:6-8 NASB
      6 ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.
      7 But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’
      8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

  3. The last word from God before the time of silence is Malachi 4:5.

    • Malachi 4:5 NLT
      5 “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives.
      6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

  4. For there to be a Messiah, Jesus, there had to be an Elijah, John the Baptist.

Luke 1:5 NLT

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron.

The life story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is a great example of how to live by faith.
God’s Word speaks.

We hear it. We believe it. We act on it.

Luke 1:6-7 NLT

6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.
7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

1. Remain faithful.

Luke 1:13 NLT

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.

2. The true concern of your heart is the prayer that is heard. God knows what you need before you ask Him.

Luke 1:14-18 NLT

14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth,
15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.
16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.
17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

3. QUIT arguing with God about how deliverance should have come quicker, and God should explain Himself about your bad situation. Stop talking! REJOICE!

Luke 1:19-22 NLT

19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!
20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long.
22 When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.

4. Stay in God’s Word so you can discern the leading of His Spirit

Luke 1:23-24 NLT

23 When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home.
24 Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months.

5. Act on what God has said.

God’s Word speaks. We hear it. We believe it. We act on it.

Luke 1:25 NLT

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”

TIFAW

I will remain faithful to God.
I take the concerns of my heart to God.
I quit magnifying my problem and start magnifying HIM.
I stay in God’s Word for it empowers me to discern His leading.
I act on His Word, and His everlasting, never-ending love is revealed.