Sermon on 14 November 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
Today we look at the timing of the birth of John the Baptist. The name ‘John’ means God is grace. God is sovereign and almighty. His plan is always perfect. God’s timing is always perfect. These verses tell us about the birth of John the Baptist. Today let us learn about faith and patience. We cannot have faith without patience. With faith and patience, we will inherit the promises.
that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through FAITH and PATIENCE inherit the promises – Hebrews 6:12
Message
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. – Luke 1:57-66
1. John the Baptist’s Birth Was Perfectly Timed
The angel Gabriel announced to Zacharias and Elizabeth that they would have a son named John. When Elizabeth was 6 months into her pregnancy, the same angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary in Nazareth that she would conceive under the power of the Holy Spirit and bear the son of God. John the Baptist was the forerunner of the Messiah. He was born 6 months before Jesus. God’s timing for the birth was perfect.
John the Baptist was 30 years old when he started his work in the ministry. That was the age when he could start work in the temple. God perfectly timed the beginning of John’s work.
From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, everyone who enters the service to do the work of the tabernacle of meeting. – Numbers 4:30
The opening of Zacharias’ mouth was also perfect in timing. He was unable to speak for 9 months, until this time.
And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” – Luke 1:20
These timings were perfect so that God could prepare the people’s hearts. Note that ALL of Judea was mentioned in Luke 1:65. They all had fear.
Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. – Luke 1:65-66
When you prepare yourself, God will prepare you. We need to be committed. We need to have faith, believe and obey.
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. – Mark 1:4
John’s ministry began in the wilderness. John led a humble life. As a servant of God, he never claimed to be the greatest prophet of all. John said that he was not even worthy to carry His sandals. Let us be humble like John.
Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. – Mark 1:5
30 years ago, all of Judea had fear. 30 years later, all of Judea were baptised by John the Baptist. So let us not be weary, but have patience and faith (Hebrews 6:12).
2. God Answers Every Prayer in His Perfect Time
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us there is a time for everything. There is a time for everything according to His perfect purpose.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry. – Habbakuk 2:3
This is the confidence that we have when we pray according to His will. You have the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if ANYONE is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. – John 9:31
God listens to anyone’s prayer. He will answer it, but according to His time. You must have faith and patience. You might need to grow, you might need to go slow. When the prayer is not right, God says ‘no’. When the prayer is right, but your attitude is not right, God says ‘grow’. Do you have an arrogant attitude? You have to change your attitude. When your prayer is right and your attitude is right, but the timing is not right, God says ‘slow’. God says ‘go’ when the prayer is right, the attitude is right, and the timing is right. Put all your trust and hope in the perfect timing of the Lord.
I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. – Psalms 40:1-2
God’s hand is always underneath us. He will bring us up. Put all your trust and hope in Him. Wait for God to build up your strength. Do not run ahead of the Lord – this is self-seeking. Move according to His plan.
Closing
Waiting upon the Lord will build our strength, our character and our hope in Him. Waiting is being diligent in doing the things that you need to do – praying, reading the word, submitting to Him. You will be refined according to His purpose.
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