There is only one sure hope we can hold on to in this world and it is found exclusively in the person of Jesus Christ.
I believe we all recognize that the world we live in is marked by uncertainty, disappointment, and loss. Many people long for something they can truly depend on! The Bible, God’s Word, tells us all we need to know about receiving this sure hope! Jesus, the author of hope, came into the world at the promised time and place, just as it was foretold.
What is hope? Is it just wishful thinking?
Truly, many times that is all hope is! When we use the word ‘hope,’ we tend to think of a longing for something. However, there are two very different meanings of the word hope.
In everyday English, hope often rests on uncertain circumstances, people, or outcomes. It could be described as wishful thinking, a deeply held feeling that what is desired will occur. However, there is no guarantee or certainty.
On the other hand though, the biblical definition of hope is “a promise in scripture yet to be fulfilled. It’s a sure hope – not a wishful hope! Hebrews 11:1
What promise did God make?
So what was one very important promise in scripture that had yet to be fulfilled?
The scriptures promise an eternal king from the house of David, a covenantal hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 2 Samuel 7:12-16
The Bible provides more details so that He would be recognized when His time of birth arrived.
For example:
- He would be born in a small town of Bethlehem and have ancient origins. Micah 5:2
- In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior’ Jeremiah 23:5-6
- A virgin will give birth to a son and name Him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
- That He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt. Zechariah 9:9
Where is the sure hope of the Messiah?
However, there is a delay- but only from our point of view!
Julie J. Ranson, MBA, PhD, author of the article 400 Years of Silence describes a time period of 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament during which, it is believed God did not speak – no scripture was written.
These years of silence were difficult for people as they lived under the heavy thumb of shifting empires and not hearing any fresh word from God.
As prophesied in Amos 8:11, the nation experienced a profound hunger not for physical food, but for hearing the fresh words of the Lord.
Is Jesus the Promised one, the Messiah?
As the New Testament opens, Herod the Great, ruled Judea under the authority of the Roman Empire.
In Luke 1, the account is told of a faithful, old priest named Zechariah who was married to Elizabeth. The Bible describes them as godly, devout people. Luke 1:5-6. They had tried for many years to have children, but Elizabeth remained barren and now they were well past their child-bearing years. Their hope was crushed.
But God – When all hope seems lost never forget those two words!
So, when the time was right, God brought about the plan he had for Jesus the Messiah to be born. Zechariah (and his wife) were part of the plan. He would be the father of John the Baptist whose role it would be to prepare the way for Jesus ministry.
How did God reveal His plan to Zechariah?
By lot, Zechariah was chosen to enter the temple to offer and burn incense. Because many priests served at that time, this may have been Zechariah’s only opportunity to perform this duty.
While in the Holy Place, we don’t know what Zechariah prayed for specifically. However, he most likely prayed for the needs of the nation of Israel because it was occupied and oppressed by the hated Romans. He probably prayed for God to send the Messiah. It is not likely that he prayed for a child for himself and Elizabeth as they were both now elderly.
As Zechariah stood before the altar in the Holy Place, suddenly the angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah to the right side of the altar. Luke 1:11-17 NLT
Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. (yes, sounds frightening!)
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. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 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. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.
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.”
These words of the angel Gabriel, “he will turn the hearts…”echo the last words from Malachi. A prophecy has been fulfilled.
The promise to Zechariah - Will Elizabeth really have a son?
when Did Zechariah recognize the significance of Gabriel’s message? After nearly 400 years of silence, prophecy was being fulfilled!
Zechariah must have wondered if this sort of thing happened to everyone who had the privilege of being in the Holy Place. What he heard was overwhelming to him!
Elizabeth is to have a son and you are to call him John.
He will be great in the sight of the Lord and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
John will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God and will minister in the spirit and power of Elijah.
Wow, that was a lot to process! Wanting assurance of what he just heard, Zachariah questioned the angel Gabriel. “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”
I think it’s significant that the angel did not give him the answer. Instead, he said:
“ I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
Zechariah’s story leads me to this question..
have you, have I, given up our dreams of having our prayers answered because we are looking at circumstances and forgetting those two powerful words – But God?
Indeed, very soon, Elizabeth conceived and a son was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. They named him John just as the angel directed. Years later, John began his ministry and prepared the people for the coming of Jesus the Messiah.
Ultimately, Jesus gift of sure hope for salvation is the good news we are called to share!
What are you hoping for? Do you have a sure hope for eternity?
Trust in Jesus today and receive sure hope for your eternal life. Not only that but you will have a new relationship with God through His son, Jesus, in this life.
Take a look at the resources below for further understanding of God’s plan of salvation.
