Finding Your Voice in the Wilderness

Do you struggle with talking to other people? Are you unsure you could share the Gospel if you needed to? In this message we will take a closer look at what it takes to find your voice. We will take a deep dive into the Book of Luke in Chapter 1. We will be looking at the story of John the Baptists father, Zechariah, or Zacharias, depending on which translation you prefer. First, we will break down the scriptures. Then, we will discuss what it means for you.

In Luke 1:8 we see Zechariah performing his duty as in order of his division. In the Old Testament there was 24 divisions and Zechariah's division was the 8th. The 8th division's duty falls in December/January. This is important to the timing of the birth of Jesus. While Zechariah is performing his duty, an angel of the Lord appears to him. His name is Gabriel. He tells Zechariah that his barren wife, Elizabeth, will bear a child. This child will have the spirit of Elijah on him and will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will, " make ready a people prepared for the Lord." This is the first prophet Israel will have after 500 years. As you can imagine, Zechariah was skeptical. Gabriel tells Zechariah, in other words, "I am an angel of the Lord, and you dare doubt me? Now, you will be silenced for your unbelief until what said comes true." The time Zechariah is silenced is unknown by scholars, but we do know it was at least 9 months and 8 days. After 9 months John is born. On the eighth day after his birth, he is to be named and circumcised. There is a argument about his name between Elizabeth and others. Zechariah settle the debate by writing the words, "His name is John." Zechariah begins to prophecy after this. I recommend reading Luke 1:76-79. Those verses are favorite of his prophecy.

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice." Luke 11:28

I believe God is calling is to have a voice of one calling in the wilderness. Zechariah was told the best possible news a Jewish man could hear. He chose not to believe it and was silenced. The world is a wilderness! Now, more than ever, God is looking for righteous men and women. Righteous men to walk with the Holy Spirit and testify about the second coming of our King. Righteous men to walk in the authority God has given them. Righteous women to walk in power and love and self-control. God is looking for men and women to put his word into practice. You see, the key to overcoming shyness and finding confidence is to pray without ceasing. When you come to the end of you self and have nothing but tears, liquid prayer, God will release your tongue. Your alone time with God is where he teaches you how to speak His word. You do not have to say, or come up with anything, He will do it for you!