DCLM Search The Scripture Youth For December 10, 2023 : Topic – BIRTH OF JOHN AND ANNUNCIATION OF CHRIST
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YOUTH STS
LESSON 90
BIRTH OF JOHN AND ANNUNCIATION OF CHRIST
Memory Verse: “And, behold, thou shalt Conceive in thy womb, And bring forth a son, and Shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:31).
TEXT: Luke 1:1-80
The book of Luke is one of the synoptic gospels of our Lord Jesus Christ. The writer, Luke a doctor, addressed the book to Theophilus. “It seemed good to me also, having had Perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to Write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus” (verse 3). He begins his gospel by describing a devout and Childless couple, Zacharias the priest and his wife Elizabeth as Zacharias was serving in the temple, he saw Angel Gabriel Who told him that, he and his wife will have a son who will be a great prophet and will go before the Lord like Elijah (Luke 1:17).
Question 1: In view of the birth of John the Baptist, what Should be our reaction to God’s promises ?
God has ever been faithful to His words and promises. “For All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen…” (2 Corinthians 1:20). He does not change nor lie. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son o Man that he should repent: hath he said and shall he not Do it? Or hath he spoken and not make it good… (Numbers 23:19). Age is not a barrier to what God has promised to do. He did it for Abraham and Sarah despite their advanced age. Hannah was blessed with Samuel; therefore, we are all expected to be focused and have faith in God. Everything He has spoken or written about us will surely be fulfilled and nothing can hinder His plan for us (Hebrews 10:23).
1. PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE DURING TRIALS
Luke 1:1-25;21:19; Romans 8:25; Psalm 37:9; Isaiah 40:31
The virtue of patience seen in the lives of this godly couple, should be emulated by the current negative situation of Elizabeth’s barrenness to youth today. They did not allow deter them from continuing in their responsibility to God. “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years” (Luke 1:6,7). Do not allow a temporal failure in examination or difficulty in a particular subject or course of studies discourage you from serving God. The Scripture, therefore, emphasizes, “who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35). In times of trial, a Christian youth is expected to be faithful as Zacharias demonstrated. It is not a relaxation tine or a time to start seeking repose. Our faithfulness and conviction are tested during trials and adversities. Remember, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small (Proverbs 24:10). Keep the lag of faith flying even when things are bad and God will fulfil what He has promised.
Question 2: What should be the attitude of believers during trials and how should they react to delay in life?
Our faith in God and focus on the Author and Finisher of Our faith during the period of delay in actualization of our goals, will ensure our victory at the end. God loves men of faith and people who believe without a double mind. He hates doubt and unbelief and demands absolute obedience, The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Zacharias doubted God’s ability to perform what He has said on the basis of his age and that of his wife, Elizabeth (Luke 1:18). And he became dumb until the day the child was to be named. Christian youths must avoid doubting the Lord’s promises to avoid missing His blessing for their lives.
2. PROPHETIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MESSIAH’S BIRTH
Luke 1:26-56; Isaiah 7:14;9:6; Matthew 1:20-23
God Himself first announced the coming of the Messiah in the book of Genesis (Genesis 3:15). The Old Testament is replete with prophecies concerning Christ and the work of redemption. The announcement of the virgin birth of our Lord Jesus Christ by Prophet Isaiah and angel Gabriel finally came to fulfilment. This shows that whatever God promises us will certainly come to pass no matter the constraints.
Question 3: Mention some Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth of Christ.
When the message came to Mary, she did not doubt or argue with the angel but humbly accepted it. “…Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word…” (Luke 1:38). It is expected that every Christian youth believe the promises of God in the Scripture without any iota of doubt. Pleasing God and receiving His blessings require absolute faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
PERFORMANCE OF THE PROMISE AND THE BIRTH OF JOHN Luke 1:57-80; Romans 4:18-21; Numbers 23:19, 20; Jeremiah 32:27
“Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be Delivered; and she brought forth a son, Neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had and her Shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her” (Luke 1:57,58). From Our text, we can see the fulfilment of God’s promise to Elizabeth in giving her a son at her old age. The birth of John occasioned nixed feelings among her relations, friends, neighbours and cousins gave their Congratulatory messages without reservations. Christian Youths should also learn to rejoice as a result of academic excellence, success in examinations, admission into tertiary institutions, winning of scholarship and a host of other blessings. During circumcision, some proposed that he should be Called by his father’s name. The mother opposed it, and would have called him John. The relations objected to that by Saying “…There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name” (Luke 1:61). They made signs to the father so as to know the name of the child since he could not speak, he therefore wrote the same name Elizabeth his wife had chosen. And that was a great surprise to the people. They all Marveled, for they knew that, by the reason of his dumbness, He could not converse, yet they were both guided by the same spirit. He later recovered the use of his speech: his mouth opened. Just like Zacharias and Elizabeth insisted on giving the child the name they were given by God, so must we as Christians insist on doing the will of God at all costs and in every area of our lives. Questions concerning the performance of God’s promises Or how it will be performed should not arise in our hearts. He Said, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Christian Youths must not doubt the ability of God to perform all His Promises concerning their lives. They are to depend absolutely on God for solution to their various challenges. It Is also worthy of note that Zechariah expressed his gratitude for God’s faithfulness after receiving his miracle (Luke 1:67-72).
Question 4: What should be our attitude towards God whenever we experience His acts of kindness, goodness and blessing?
It is expected that we should be grateful for God’s blessings upon us. Even when it is yet to manifest physically, we must thank Him in anticipation of what He would do.