Luke 1:1-7

Luke 1:1-7 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

The above passage introduces us to Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were from good families, blameless in following God's commandments and regulations, yet barren after many years of trying to have a child. Now, in their old age, they were basically beyond the physical possibilities of having a child, but God had plans for them and for the world of which not even the angels could conceive, for God would make it possible for men and women to become part of his heavenly family through Jesus Christ. In the middle of history, God gave Zechariah and Elizabeth a son, born out of season. He became the forerunner of Jesus Christ, THE LORD, who would redeem mankind from their sins. Their son, John the Baptist, set himself apart from the world. He lived a holy life in the desert, crying out to the Israelites to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. John fulfills his message by baptizing Jesus in water. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17) The kingdom of Heaven came down through Jesus Christ the Lord. Now everyone would have the opportunity to enter the Kingdom of Heaven through the gate, which is Christ Jesus.

John the Baptist was a great man. However, without the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus, he was less than the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28) Jesus came to Earth to redeem men from their sins and to place them in the family of God. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and his work on the cross, we enter into another domain, one not made by hands. No one can truly know God outside of his Son, Jesus. He alone has been with God, and He alone can place us literally in the presence of God. Through and IN JESUS CHRIST, we are children of God with a special name that is known only by God. This redemption is "good news" to a fallen, sinful world. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10) ANYONE, "WHOSOEVER WILL," can enter into this "good news," for Jesus Christ is the "good news." Without him, there is no "good news," no eternal life, the world is still hopelessly lost. Wars and rumors of war will still go on. Men, women, and children will still be burned to a crisp by war, but when Jesus walks in the door of life, He brings eternal life with him. He brings real life, abundant life. "Good News" comes to reside with men and women of faith.

Does this mean your life will be smooth, easy, successful? Not necessarily in man's terms, but in the eternal domain, YES! For when God takes over a life, "good news" has arrived. Yes, Zechariah and Elizabeth were delighted with their precious baby. He would prepare the way for the Son of God--he would answer God's call on his life; Messiah would come after him. But, he also was beheaded by Herod. He didn't win the world, but he was SUCCESSFUL; he fulfilled his mission for God. Christians, wherever you are today, whatever is happening in your life, if you are IN CHRIST, YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL. God does not make junk; he makes sons and daughters. You are his sheep; He knows your name. REJOICE IN YOUR SUCCESS, FOR YOU ARE HIS CHILD, JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST HIMSELF, THE HOLY ONE.