God's Faithfulness: The Power of the Covenant

 

Summary

In our continued exploration of the Gospel of Luke, we delve into the Benedictus, the song of Zacharias, focusing on its middle section. This hymn, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is a profound declaration of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, praises God for visiting and redeeming His people, raising a horn of salvation in the house of David. This imagery of the horn signifies strength and power, akin to the mighty ox, symbolizing the Messiah's unassailable strength.

Zacharias highlights that this salvation is not a new concept but a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, tracing back to the promise made to Abraham. This promise is not merely about deliverance from earthly enemies but from the ultimate adversaries—sin, death, and darkness. The Messiah's coming is the realization of God's covenant, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the curse upon the serpent in Genesis to the prophetic declarations of the Old Testament.

The covenant theology, which underscores the entire biblical narrative, is central to understanding God's relationship with His people. God's promises are immutable, confirmed by His oath, making it impossible for Him to lie. This assurance is the anchor of our faith, providing hope and steadfastness. The covenant with Abraham, marked by circumcision, is fulfilled in the New Covenant through baptism, signifying God's enduring promise to His people.

As believers, we are called to live in the light of this covenant, serving God without fear, in holiness and righteousness. Our lives are to be lived "Coram Deo," before the face of God, always aware of His presence and authority. This understanding transforms our daily walk, reminding us of the glorious promise fulfilled in Christ, who delivers us from our enemies so that we might worship and serve Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The horn of salvation symbolizes the Messiah's strength and power, fulfilling God's promise of redemption. This imagery reminds us that our salvation is secured by a Savior who is mighty and unassailable. [05:06]

- God's covenant with Abraham is foundational to our faith, illustrating His unchanging promise and the assurance of salvation. This covenant theology is not just a theological concept but the very structure of our relationship with God. [11:14]

- The immutability of God's promise and oath provides an anchor for our souls, offering hope and steadfastness in the face of life's uncertainties. This assurance is rooted in God's character, who cannot lie. [15:43]

- Baptism, as the New Covenant sign, reflects the continuity of God's promise from circumcision, emphasizing the inclusion of believers' children in the covenant community. This principle of family solidarity underscores God's faithfulness across generations. [31:54]

- Living "Coram Deo," in the presence of God, calls us to a life of holiness and righteousness, aware of His authority and glory. This daily awareness transforms our lives, aligning us with God's purpose and promise. [34:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Reading of the Benedictus
- [01:19] - The Promise of Salvation
- [02:08] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [03:05] - The Visitation of Redemption
- [04:05] - The Horn of Salvation
- [05:06] - Symbolism of Strength
- [06:01] - The Messiah's Lineage
- [07:43] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [08:27] - Conquering Ultimate Enemies
- [10:27] - Covenant Theology
- [12:08] - A Personal Story of Faith
- [13:46] - The Immutability of God's Promise
- [18:24] - The Anchor of Our Soul
- [31:54] - Baptism and Covenant Fulfillment
- [34:38] - Living Coram Deo

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:67-79
- Genesis 15:17
- Hebrews 6:13-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Zacharias proclaim about God’s actions in Luke 1:67-79, and how does he describe the Messiah? [00:30]

2. In the sermon, what imagery is used to describe the strength of the Messiah, and what does this signify? [05:06]

3. How does the sermon explain the fulfillment of God’s promises through the Messiah, as mentioned in the Benedictus? [07:43]

4. What are the two immutable things mentioned in Hebrews 6:13-20 that make it impossible for God to lie? [15:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the imagery of the "horn of salvation" in the Benedictus enhance our understanding of the Messiah's role and strength? [05:06]

2. What is the significance of God’s covenant with Abraham in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to the New Covenant? [11:14]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of living "Coram Deo," and what impact does this have on a believer's daily life? [34:38]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the fulfillment of God's promises provides hope and steadfastness to believers? [15:43]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the strength and power of the Messiah as described in the sermon. How can this understanding of Jesus as the "horn of salvation" influence your approach to challenges in your life? [05:06]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with Abraham. How does recognizing this covenant as foundational to your faith change the way you view your relationship with God? [11:14]

3. Consider the concept of living "Coram Deo." What practical steps can you take to become more aware of God's presence and authority in your daily life? [34:38]

4. The sermon discusses the immutability of God's promises. How can this assurance help you navigate uncertainties or doubts you may face? [15:43]

5. Baptism is highlighted as a sign of the New Covenant. How does understanding baptism in this way affect your view of its significance in your spiritual journey? [31:54]

6. The sermon mentions serving God without fear. What fears might be holding you back from fully serving God, and how can you begin to overcome them? [33:19]

7. Reflect on the story of Deacon and the comfort he found in God's promises. How can you find similar comfort and strength in God's Word during difficult times? [13:46]

Devotional

Day 1: The Messiah's Strength and Power in Salvation
The imagery of the horn of salvation in Zacharias' song symbolizes the Messiah's strength and power, akin to the mighty ox. This strength is not just physical but spiritual, representing the unassailable nature of the Savior who secures our salvation. The Messiah's coming is the fulfillment of God's promise of redemption, a promise that is both ancient and ever-relevant. This salvation is not merely a deliverance from earthly troubles but a profound victory over sin, death, and darkness. As believers, we are reminded that our salvation is secured by a Savior who is mighty and unassailable, offering us hope and assurance in the face of life's challenges. [05:06]

Psalm 18:2-3 (ESV): "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely on the strength and power of the Messiah today? How can you actively trust in His unassailable nature to secure your salvation?


Day 2: The Foundation of God's Covenant with Abraham
God's covenant with Abraham is foundational to our faith, illustrating His unchanging promise and the assurance of salvation. This covenant theology is not just a theological concept but the very structure of our relationship with God. The promise made to Abraham is fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah, who delivers us from our ultimate adversaries. This covenant is a testament to God's faithfulness, a promise that spans generations and is realized in the New Covenant through Christ. As believers, we are called to understand and embrace this covenant, recognizing it as the bedrock of our faith and the assurance of our salvation. [11:14]

Genesis 17:7 (ESV): "And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."

Reflection: How does understanding God's covenant with Abraham deepen your faith and assurance in His promises? What steps can you take to live more fully in the light of this covenant today?


Day 3: The Immutability of God's Promise
The immutability of God's promise and oath provides an anchor for our souls, offering hope and steadfastness in the face of life's uncertainties. This assurance is rooted in God's character, who cannot lie. The certainty of His promises gives us a firm foundation, enabling us to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and peace. As believers, we are called to anchor our souls in this unchanging promise, finding hope and steadfastness in the knowledge that God's word is true and His promises are sure. [15:43]

Hebrews 6:17-19 (ESV): "So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."

Reflection: What uncertainties are you facing today that require you to anchor your soul in God's unchanging promise? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in these areas?


Day 4: Baptism and the Continuity of God's Promise
Baptism, as the New Covenant sign, reflects the continuity of God's promise from circumcision, emphasizing the inclusion of believers' children in the covenant community. This principle of family solidarity underscores God's faithfulness across generations. Baptism is not just a ritual but a profound declaration of God's enduring promise to His people, a sign of His covenant that spans from Abraham to the present. As believers, we are called to recognize the significance of baptism, understanding it as a continuation of God's covenantal promise and a testament to His faithfulness to us and our families. [31:54]

Colossians 2:11-12 (ESV): "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."

Reflection: How does the understanding of baptism as a continuation of God's covenantal promise impact your view of this sacrament? In what ways can you affirm God's faithfulness to your family through this understanding?


Day 5: Living Coram Deo
Living "Coram Deo," in the presence of God, calls us to a life of holiness and righteousness, aware of His authority and glory. This daily awareness transforms our lives, aligning us with God's purpose and promise. To live Coram Deo is to live with the constant awareness that we are before the face of God, accountable to Him in all we do. This understanding challenges us to live lives that reflect His holiness and righteousness, serving Him without fear. As believers, we are called to embrace this way of living, allowing the presence of God to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. [34:38]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What does living Coram Deo look like in your daily life? How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence and authority in your actions and decisions today?

Quotes

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.” [00:56:64]

“Now this image of the horn refers to those beasts of the earth that use their horns in battle, and it is a symbol of great strength. In Jewish imagery, one such animal that comes to the presence again and again is the ox, and we have the expression in our own language of being ‘as strong as an ox.’ Now I don’t know, Mr. Bookman, if this refers to the nigh ox or the other ox, but if you want to know anything about that, our elder Bookman has his PhD in cows, and there aren’t too many people that you will ever know with that distinction.” [05:06]

“Now he mentions that this realization of this visitation of the horn of salvation is not something that has come ‘de novo’ out of the head of Zeus, without any word of preparation, but is merely the fulfillment of the promises that the prophets have given from the very beginning of time. The prophecy of the coming Messiah begins with Adam and Eve and the curse upon the serpent, whose seed would be crushed by the seed of the woman. And throughout the pages of the Old Testament, the prophets again and again reiterate that gospel promise of the coming Messiah who will bring redemption with Him.” [07:36]

“Now this reference in biblical terminology is not simply a promise that God is going to rescue the Jews from the Romans or from the Philistines or the Amorites or the Jebusites or the stalactites or the stalagmites or any of those other ‘ites’ that were constantly besieging Israel in Old Testament time. But the ultimate enemy that will be crushed by the horn of salvation who visits us is the enemy of the prince of darkness and all of his minions and his allies, his ploys that are part of the curse; death, darkness, disease, everything that puts a shadow over the joy of the experience of human life.” [08:27]

“And when people ask me, do I embrace covenant theology, I always answer by saying, ‘Yes, I do.’ But that’s not what I want to say. What I’m thinking, but biting my tongue and not saying to them, but I’ll say to you this morning when people say, ‘Do you embrace covenant theology?’ What I want to say is, ‘Of course, what other kind of theology is there for heaven’s sake? How can you read the Bible and not see that the basic foundational structure of all of the history of redemption, of all of the unveiling revelation of God Almighty, is the structure of covenant?’” [10:27]

“Are you listening to this? God was determined to make absolutely clear, so that there wouldn’t be a shadow of a doubt about not only a promise, but the immutability, the impossibility of its being changed or weakened. Because he was so determined to do this, ‘He confirmed it by an oath. That by two immutable things, two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie,’ what are those two immutable things that make it impossible for God to lie? The first thing that is immutable is a promise that comes from God. When God makes a promise, it is there forever, and it cannot be broken.” [15:43]

“Now many years ago in this church, I related the story of a personal experience I had in the middle 1960s in Boston, when I was a professor at a college there, when one of our administrative members became sick unto death and was hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital, and I would visit him several times a week during his dying days. His name was Deacon, because he was a deacon at his church and so everybody called him Deac. And he was such a wonderful, marvelous man and a dear friend to us. And I could remember in those days visiting Deacon, in fact on the day before he died that the only thing, I could do for him was to take some ice from beside his bed and put that ice on his parched lips.” [12:08]

“That’s what drives the Christian life, that we are children of Abraham, that He is the father of the faithful, and that to Abraham He made a promise and confirmed it by an oath, which promise was not only to him as an individual, but was to Abraham and to his seed. And Paul labors in his letter to the Romans that as many who put their faith in Christ are indeed the children of Abraham. And let’s just take a few moments this morning to rehearse that promise and that oath, going back to Genesis, first of all in chapter 12, where we read these words, ‘Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out.’’” [18:24]

“Do you see that when God made this covenant with Abraham and with his seed, he swore an oath based on Himself, on His own divine being? God has put His deity on the line to confirm the promise that God made to Abraham and to his seed. Is it any wonder when these promises are fulfilled that the servant of God, Zacharias, sings under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost? For God has kept His promise to Abraham and to his seed, he realized. That’s why we baptize our babies in this church. Because in that original covenant to Abraham, Abraham was to be circumcised as a sign of that covenant and he was commanded by God to circumcise his son, who had not yet come to faith as a sign of the promise of God.” [31:54]

“So, we are the people of the covenant. This covenant that is extolled by Zacharias, that God has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that He swore to our father Abraham to grant that we might be delivered from the hand of our enemies that we might serve him without fear. Do you remember the Exodus? What was God’s message to Pharaoh? ‘Let My people go just so that they can be free, just so that they can do their own thing?’ No! ‘Let My people go that they can come out and worship Me in my holy mountain.’” [34:38]

“And what God is acting out dramatically and demonstratively to Abraham is this, ‘I’m cutting a covenant with you Abraham, and what I’m saying here is if I don’t keep my word, if I fail to keep my promise, may I be torn asunder just as you’ve cut in half this heifer and this ram and this goat. May the immutable God suffer a permanent mutation. May the infinite surrender to finitude, the immortal to mortality. How do you want me to swear, Abraham, on my mother’s grave? I don’t have a mother. On the altar? That’s something made by the hands of men. Abraham, there’s nothing higher upon which I can swear an oath than on my own, self-existent, infinite, eternal being.’” [29:44]

“Father, how we thank You for this glorious promise that You swore to Abraham and repeated through the prophets and to David, coming down to the new promise of Jesus that You have fulfilled perfectly. We thank You, God, that there are two immutable things that make it impossible for You to lie, Your promise and Your oath that confirmed it. Thank you for Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” [35:18]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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