Reading: Luke 1:15-19
Key Takeaway: Identity, faith. Faith that what God says is true and that we are who God says we are; we will do what God lays out for us to do.
My notes/observations:
The angel speaks identity & proclaims anointing over this child to come, this answer to Zechariah and Elizabeth’s prayers. God overdelivers.
This child is anointed for special service to the Kingdom. Likely he is dedicate as a Nazarite from birth (Num 6:1-12). He has a mission, an assignment, to prepare people for the arrival and life, for the work of Christ.
Zechariah can’t overcome his earthly thought boundaries and instead of receiving in faith, demands proof: a sign.
God’s angel cites his name + identity (Gabriel: God’s hero, God’s mighty one) and that his authority comes because he is one who is directly in God’s presence; his authority comes because it’s God who sent him.
How great the work of Christ, who allows us all to have the identity of authority that comes with being directly in God’s presence all the time, the privilege coming from the indwelling of Emmanuel, God with us.
Sindy Hankins 