1 00:00:00,120 --> 00:00:07,760 Speaker 1: For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke one thirty seven. Glory, Hallelujah. 2 00:00:08,160 --> 00:00:11,240 Speaker 1: I lift up holy hands to the glorious King of Kings. 3 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:15,960 Speaker 1: I was worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. Nothing 4 00:00:16,200 --> 00:00:20,799 Speaker 1: is impossible for you. All things belong to you, were 5 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:24,240 Speaker 1: created by you, and will be sustained by the power 6 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:28,680 Speaker 1: of your word. You, who created the universe and holds 7 00:00:28,720 --> 00:00:31,760 Speaker 1: it in the palm of your hands, is the great. 8 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:37,440 Speaker 1: I am, I am and ever shall be. I am 9 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:41,520 Speaker 1: the same today as I was yesterday, as I will 10 00:00:41,560 --> 00:00:45,840 Speaker 1: be tomorrow. You, dear Lord, are beyond space and time. 11 00:00:46,640 --> 00:00:50,879 Speaker 1: Nothing is impossible. If I only believe with God, I 12 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:54,840 Speaker 1: can do all things. Through Christ, who strengthens me. Through 13 00:00:54,840 --> 00:00:57,840 Speaker 1: the birth of Jesus, I have been set free. I 14 00:00:57,920 --> 00:01:00,760 Speaker 1: look forward to this season that reminds me of His 15 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:04,840 Speaker 1: love and the great sacrifice that he made, and that 16 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:09,480 Speaker 1: now all things are possible for me. Teach me to 17 00:01:09,520 --> 00:01:14,160 Speaker 1: have mountain moving faith. Invade my mind, but the truth 18 00:01:14,200 --> 00:01:18,280 Speaker 1: of your word. Take away my hardened heart and replace 19 00:01:18,319 --> 00:01:21,040 Speaker 1: it with a heart that beats an alignment with your 20 00:01:21,080 --> 00:01:26,479 Speaker 1: heart of compassion and love. As I decrease and melt 21 00:01:26,520 --> 00:01:30,920 Speaker 1: into your heart of love, I live and breathe in you. 22 00:01:32,440 --> 00:01:34,800 Speaker 1: When I seek to do your will for your honor 23 00:01:34,880 --> 00:01:38,520 Speaker 1: and glory, I can trust the purity of your power 24 00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:41,880 Speaker 1: working through me. I give you all the praise and 25 00:01:41,920 --> 00:01:46,120 Speaker 1: glory and only seek to serve your purposes here on 26 00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:48,520 Speaker 1: earth in Jesus name. 27 00:01:49,920 --> 00:01:50,240 Speaker 2: Amen. 28 00:01:51,840 --> 00:01:55,440 Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the Greatest Stories Ever 29 00:01:55,520 --> 00:01:59,600 Speaker 1: Told from pray dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 30 00:02:01,320 --> 00:02:04,400 Speaker 3: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans and I'm excited for you 31 00:02:04,480 --> 00:02:08,360 Speaker 3: to join me on Heroes in the Bible. Jesus. Please 32 00:02:08,400 --> 00:02:12,000 Speaker 3: follow this podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the 33 00:02:12,080 --> 00:02:16,920 Speaker 3: latest episodes so you can strengthen your relationship with Jesus. 34 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:20,120 Speaker 3: Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It is a 35 00:02:20,160 --> 00:02:23,160 Speaker 3: tale of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's 36 00:02:23,160 --> 00:02:26,400 Speaker 3: love for his children, and a hero's triumph over death 37 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:29,960 Speaker 3: and darkness. This is a story that continues to shape 38 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:33,040 Speaker 3: and mold the world around us, bringing the divine heart 39 00:02:33,080 --> 00:02:35,120 Speaker 3: of God right into the hearts of you and I. 40 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:38,480 Speaker 3: He is the Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, Son 41 00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:43,160 Speaker 3: of David, King of Kings, Chief Cornerstone, good Shepherd, Lion 42 00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 3: of Judah, and only begotten son of God. He is 43 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:51,160 Speaker 3: our ultimate hero, Jesus Christ. Every generation since Adam and 44 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:55,080 Speaker 3: Eve have pined after this long awaited savior, But he 45 00:02:55,280 --> 00:02:59,400 Speaker 3: was not the hero anyone expected. Many envisioned a giant 46 00:02:59,440 --> 00:03:04,000 Speaker 3: slayer like David. Others pictured a prophet summoning fire from 47 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:07,560 Speaker 3: the heavens, like Elijah. But Jesus came to us in 48 00:03:07,600 --> 00:03:11,600 Speaker 3: an unexpected way. The maker of the stars and captain 49 00:03:11,639 --> 00:03:15,359 Speaker 3: of the cosmos chose to descend upon our world wrapped 50 00:03:15,360 --> 00:03:18,760 Speaker 3: in humility. Iro did not come as a charioteer writing 51 00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:22,880 Speaker 3: the stars, but as a baby lying vulnerably in a manger. 52 00:03:23,480 --> 00:03:26,360 Speaker 3: I'm excited to begin this journey with you. I hope 53 00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:28,960 Speaker 3: this fresh take on the life of Jesus will compel 54 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:31,360 Speaker 3: you to draw near to God and challenge you to 55 00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:34,480 Speaker 3: take his character upon you. The truth is we can't 56 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:37,920 Speaker 3: encounter the story of Jesus and leave unchanged. His life 57 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:42,440 Speaker 3: miracles and words demand a response from us. With each episode, 58 00:03:42,440 --> 00:03:45,760 Speaker 3: you will discover deeper layers to the person, work, and 59 00:03:45,880 --> 00:03:48,800 Speaker 3: might of Jesus. My prayer for you is that Jesus 60 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:51,600 Speaker 3: would grip your heart and remind you that he can 61 00:03:51,640 --> 00:03:54,880 Speaker 3: be your hero too. We will begin this episode with 62 00:03:54,920 --> 00:03:58,160 Speaker 3: a prelude, a story captured from another space and time. 63 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:02,240 Speaker 3: It is impossible for us to explore Jesus without first 64 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:05,600 Speaker 3: going to the beginning, when mankind was first exposed to 65 00:04:05,680 --> 00:04:10,040 Speaker 3: darkness and hope for the light began. Here is episode 66 00:04:10,080 --> 00:04:11,320 Speaker 3: one He Is. 67 00:04:11,360 --> 00:04:22,359 Speaker 2: Coming Prelude, Chapter one. In the beginning, there was silence. 68 00:04:23,279 --> 00:04:25,880 Speaker 2: There was no singing of angels in the heavens, no 69 00:04:26,120 --> 00:04:31,839 Speaker 2: creatures howling on the earth. Darkness loomed over the chaotic waters, 70 00:04:32,120 --> 00:04:37,440 Speaker 2: and creation was but an idea, not yet manifested. Then, 71 00:04:38,000 --> 00:04:42,000 Speaker 2: in the dark and quiet mystery of an untamed universe, 72 00:04:42,800 --> 00:04:51,000 Speaker 2: a voice spoke, Let there be light, and a burst 73 00:04:51,040 --> 00:04:55,440 Speaker 2: of life, and light broke through the noiseless void. The 74 00:04:55,480 --> 00:04:59,920 Speaker 2: word of God formed and fashioned every detail of the cosmo. 75 00:05:01,520 --> 00:05:05,920 Speaker 2: This word was powerful. This word was with God and 76 00:05:06,160 --> 00:05:10,440 Speaker 2: was God. Beams of light and strings of water obeyed 77 00:05:10,480 --> 00:05:16,479 Speaker 2: the word, and it was good. God created life itself 78 00:05:16,839 --> 00:05:20,520 Speaker 2: with his very voice. The earth and the fullness therein 79 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:25,479 Speaker 2: was created by Him and for him. Within his creation, 80 00:05:25,839 --> 00:05:29,400 Speaker 2: he chose to reflect his own character and his own 81 00:05:29,440 --> 00:05:34,920 Speaker 2: image through mankind. From the dust, he formed men and women, 82 00:05:35,360 --> 00:05:39,159 Speaker 2: and he stamped them with his likeness. He created a 83 00:05:39,200 --> 00:05:43,880 Speaker 2: garden teeming with life and freedom. God dwelled in this 84 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:47,719 Speaker 2: garden with them. God commissioned man to tend to his 85 00:05:47,960 --> 00:05:52,080 Speaker 2: creation and enjoy it. They were to be fruitful and 86 00:05:52,240 --> 00:05:56,479 Speaker 2: multiply all throughout the earth, bringing the character and image 87 00:05:56,520 --> 00:06:02,120 Speaker 2: of God wherever they stepped His creation, danced and harmony 88 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:07,800 Speaker 2: with one another. It was a beautiful relationship. Yet every 89 00:06:07,839 --> 00:06:14,120 Speaker 2: relationship requires choice. God gave the first men and women 90 00:06:14,400 --> 00:06:18,520 Speaker 2: a choice. They could choose to dwell with Him and 91 00:06:18,680 --> 00:06:21,400 Speaker 2: follow in His ways, or they could be their own 92 00:06:21,440 --> 00:06:27,359 Speaker 2: gods and know the burdens of good and evil. Mankind 93 00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:31,920 Speaker 2: chose wrongly. They chose to live a life that lied 94 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:35,800 Speaker 2: away from God and towards death. Because of this, they 95 00:06:35,800 --> 00:06:39,280 Speaker 2: were cast out from the garden. The ground beneath him 96 00:06:39,360 --> 00:06:43,479 Speaker 2: was cursed and no longer produced food without labor. The 97 00:06:43,600 --> 00:06:48,080 Speaker 2: unity between husband and wife was tainted with strife. The 98 00:06:48,120 --> 00:06:53,320 Speaker 2: bond of brotherhood was marred with jealousy. Mankind chose to 99 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:56,520 Speaker 2: act as though they were their own creators, and they 100 00:06:56,560 --> 00:07:04,400 Speaker 2: ignored the voice of God. Darkness loomed once again. Mankind 101 00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:08,320 Speaker 2: was drawn away from the light. They tasted death, and 102 00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:13,160 Speaker 2: an altogether worse darkness dwelled among them. Even though the 103 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:18,760 Speaker 2: light still shone brightly, it became dim to them. Cold, 104 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:23,720 Speaker 2: alone and broken, they fell deeper and deeper into their 105 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:28,240 Speaker 2: own sin. The darkness was too much to bear. Its 106 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:31,800 Speaker 2: weight was heavy, like the waves of the sea. The 107 00:07:31,840 --> 00:07:35,480 Speaker 2: swells of sin billowed and beat against the vessels of 108 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:39,600 Speaker 2: their souls. Yet there was one who had the single 109 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:44,640 Speaker 2: word that could calm at all. The weight mankind was 110 00:07:44,720 --> 00:07:48,760 Speaker 2: destined to drown under would be poured out on another, 111 00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:55,560 Speaker 2: God himself. The word would descend in a cosmic rescue 112 00:07:55,560 --> 00:07:59,840 Speaker 2: mission to redeem his image bearers. The death that bound 113 00:07:59,880 --> 00:08:03,040 Speaker 2: the children of God would be chased out by the 114 00:08:03,120 --> 00:08:07,040 Speaker 2: light of the world. By his wounds they would be healed, 115 00:08:07,440 --> 00:08:11,640 Speaker 2: and by his blood they would be washed clean. This 116 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:15,920 Speaker 2: is the story of that light returning once again, and 117 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:20,520 Speaker 2: the hero of all creation redeeming his people. This new 118 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:24,760 Speaker 2: word was preceded by a voice speaking into the silence. 119 00:08:25,840 --> 00:08:34,320 Speaker 2: This voice came from a man named John. Chapter one, 120 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:40,199 Speaker 2: He is Coming. Nearly five hundred years had passed since 121 00:08:40,240 --> 00:08:43,760 Speaker 2: God had spoken to his people through the prophets. The 122 00:08:43,800 --> 00:08:48,480 Speaker 2: people of Israel longed for their promised hero. The Law 123 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:51,240 Speaker 2: and the prophets had spoken of a Messiah who had 124 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:56,360 Speaker 2: come to rescue them from oppression and bondage. So they waited, 125 00:08:57,080 --> 00:09:01,640 Speaker 2: holding fast to their religious traditions and practices that kept 126 00:09:01,679 --> 00:09:06,520 Speaker 2: them tethered to their culture. The age of education, religion, 127 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:11,079 Speaker 2: and government had emerged in Israel, but not without cost. 128 00:09:11,760 --> 00:09:15,280 Speaker 2: The Roman Empire had conquered almost all the known world, 129 00:09:16,040 --> 00:09:19,079 Speaker 2: and Caesar's grip on the nation of Israel was hard 130 00:09:19,640 --> 00:09:23,720 Speaker 2: and cruel. The Jewish people remained faithful to the practices 131 00:09:23,720 --> 00:09:27,480 Speaker 2: of the Temple, and the priests and Pharisees grew more 132 00:09:27,600 --> 00:09:32,160 Speaker 2: rigid in their religious dogmaey the nation was pining for 133 00:09:32,280 --> 00:09:37,520 Speaker 2: a Messiah. Religious oppression from within and military oppression from 134 00:09:37,520 --> 00:09:42,920 Speaker 2: without left God's people moaning for a savior. In the 135 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:45,840 Speaker 2: days when Herod was king over Judea, there was a 136 00:09:45,880 --> 00:09:51,160 Speaker 2: priest named Zecharion. He and his wife Elizabeth were beloved 137 00:09:51,240 --> 00:09:56,720 Speaker 2: members of their community. Together they sought the righteousness of God. 138 00:09:57,920 --> 00:10:00,280 Speaker 2: Since they had not been blessed with the ability to 139 00:10:00,320 --> 00:10:04,240 Speaker 2: have children, the two of them dedicated their lives to 140 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:07,520 Speaker 2: the ministry of God. It pained them that they could 141 00:10:07,559 --> 00:10:10,960 Speaker 2: not have children. It was a desire of their hearts 142 00:10:11,240 --> 00:10:15,480 Speaker 2: for so long. Yet now that they were advanced in years, 143 00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:20,760 Speaker 2: they had come to accept where the Lord had them. 144 00:10:20,920 --> 00:10:23,920 Speaker 2: It was before dawn and the sun had not yet 145 00:10:23,960 --> 00:10:28,000 Speaker 2: made its way over the horizon. Zachariah woke up and 146 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:32,000 Speaker 2: breathed in the coolness of the morning. He dressed himself 147 00:10:32,200 --> 00:10:36,880 Speaker 2: in his ceremonial robes strapped on his sandals. Was the 148 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:41,080 Speaker 2: day of Atonement, a special day where the priests would 149 00:10:41,120 --> 00:10:45,160 Speaker 2: make sacrifices on behalf of the people of God. His 150 00:10:45,280 --> 00:10:49,599 Speaker 2: specific division was on duty that morning. Zachariah walked the 151 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:53,400 Speaker 2: robe leading up to the Temple of Jerusalem. He could 152 00:10:53,400 --> 00:10:57,640 Speaker 2: see its gold fixtures reflecting on the rising sun. Its 153 00:10:57,760 --> 00:11:01,320 Speaker 2: rays of light spread across the sea these streets, making 154 00:11:01,320 --> 00:11:05,679 Speaker 2: it impossible to ignore. Zachariah walked up to the temple 155 00:11:05,920 --> 00:11:09,679 Speaker 2: and greeted his fellow priests. As was the custom, they 156 00:11:09,679 --> 00:11:13,280 Speaker 2: were going to cast lots to determine special roles for 157 00:11:13,360 --> 00:11:16,840 Speaker 2: the priests. The first lot was to choose who would 158 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:21,440 Speaker 2: cleanse the altar and prepare the fire for sacrifice. The 159 00:11:21,520 --> 00:11:25,720 Speaker 2: second lot determined who would kill the morning sacrifice. The 160 00:11:25,760 --> 00:11:29,480 Speaker 2: third lot was the most special of tasks. The third 161 00:11:29,520 --> 00:11:33,000 Speaker 2: lot determined who would come and offer incense in the 162 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:36,960 Speaker 2: Holy of holies, the presence of God covered by a 163 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:40,880 Speaker 2: thick veil in the depths of the temple. This third 164 00:11:40,960 --> 00:11:46,080 Speaker 2: lot was at once in a lifetime opportunity. Hundreds of 165 00:11:46,120 --> 00:11:49,520 Speaker 2: people were gathering outside the temple to take part in 166 00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:53,079 Speaker 2: the morning worship. The sun was peeking over the temple 167 00:11:53,160 --> 00:11:57,920 Speaker 2: roof and shone brightly over their faces. The priests gathered 168 00:11:58,160 --> 00:12:02,160 Speaker 2: and the lots were passed. Zachariah watched as the lots 169 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:05,720 Speaker 2: fell into the floor. The first was cast and fell 170 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:10,280 Speaker 2: on Amram, he would cleanse and prepare the altar. The 171 00:12:10,320 --> 00:12:13,040 Speaker 2: second lot was flung into the air and landed on 172 00:12:13,080 --> 00:12:17,200 Speaker 2: the name of Fival. He would kill the morning sacrifice 173 00:12:17,240 --> 00:12:20,920 Speaker 2: on behalf of the meeple. Then came the third lot. 174 00:12:21,440 --> 00:12:24,000 Speaker 2: The high priest passed the lot high into the air, 175 00:12:24,240 --> 00:12:29,079 Speaker 2: and everyone watched as it fumbled around the floor. Zachariah's 176 00:12:29,120 --> 00:12:32,720 Speaker 2: eyes widened as he saw the lot fall on his name. 177 00:12:34,280 --> 00:12:38,160 Speaker 2: His heart began to pound, and his eyes immediately darted 178 00:12:38,200 --> 00:12:42,320 Speaker 2: towards the high part of the temple. He was just 179 00:12:42,440 --> 00:12:47,640 Speaker 2: chosen to enter the holiest ground on earth, the chosen 180 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:53,200 Speaker 2: dwelling place of God. The gong sounded and reverberated all 181 00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:57,680 Speaker 2: throughout the temple courtyard. As Zachariah took steps forward towards 182 00:12:57,679 --> 00:13:02,120 Speaker 2: the vale, the thick curtain rooms motionless, his bottom laying 183 00:13:02,240 --> 00:13:06,600 Speaker 2: heavy over a stone floor, Zachariah with gult, holding the 184 00:13:06,640 --> 00:13:10,000 Speaker 2: incense in his hand. He did his best to keep 185 00:13:10,040 --> 00:13:13,199 Speaker 2: his hand from shaking as it passed through the veil 186 00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:18,480 Speaker 2: opening into the room, the Holy of Holies, the most 187 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:22,360 Speaker 2: holy place where no man could enter except for this 188 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:28,160 Speaker 2: one day year. Zechariah faced the golden altarate with the incense. 189 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:32,280 Speaker 2: He took a step forward, being mindful of the rope 190 00:13:32,559 --> 00:13:36,920 Speaker 2: tied around his waist. Many men had died there behind 191 00:13:36,920 --> 00:13:42,640 Speaker 2: the veil, so priests took precautions. The room was dimly 192 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:48,200 Speaker 2: lit by a single golden lampstand. It was silent, almost 193 00:13:48,440 --> 00:13:52,679 Speaker 2: too silent. The only sound Zachariah could hear was the 194 00:13:52,800 --> 00:13:57,840 Speaker 2: pounding of his own heart. He approached the altar cautiously. 195 00:13:58,920 --> 00:14:03,760 Speaker 2: Zachariah never experienced something like this. Despite the room being empty, 196 00:14:04,080 --> 00:14:09,240 Speaker 2: he could clearly feel the presence one another. The incense 197 00:14:09,320 --> 00:14:13,240 Speaker 2: burned and filled the room with a rich smoke. Its 198 00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:17,320 Speaker 2: haze made the dim light from the lampstand disperse in 199 00:14:17,400 --> 00:14:21,840 Speaker 2: several directions. Zechariah closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 200 00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:26,120 Speaker 2: Before he could utter any word of prayer, a burst 201 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:29,960 Speaker 2: of light knocked him down on his back. Zechariah stumbled 202 00:14:29,960 --> 00:14:33,000 Speaker 2: to his feet before gazing up to see an Angel 203 00:14:33,080 --> 00:14:35,320 Speaker 2: of the Lord on the right side of the altar. 204 00:14:36,280 --> 00:14:39,360 Speaker 2: The smoke covered his face and Zechariah thought he was 205 00:14:39,360 --> 00:14:46,080 Speaker 2: being attacked. The angel was a glorious sight, almost indescribable 206 00:14:46,280 --> 00:14:52,320 Speaker 2: to nature and stature. He was gloriously terrified. Fear overcame 207 00:14:52,440 --> 00:14:56,080 Speaker 2: Zechariah as he fell to his face, trembling. This is 208 00:14:56,200 --> 00:15:00,440 Speaker 2: where I die. He thought, the angel must have come 209 00:15:00,480 --> 00:15:03,920 Speaker 2: to kill me. The angel was perched on the altar, 210 00:15:04,240 --> 00:15:08,520 Speaker 2: looking down at the trembling priest. Despite their closeness to heaven, 211 00:15:08,960 --> 00:15:13,160 Speaker 2: angels did not fully understand the relationship God had with 212 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:18,560 Speaker 2: these creatures, so imperfect yet so beloved by the Most High. 213 00:15:19,840 --> 00:15:24,400 Speaker 2: The angel peered at Zechariah, as many humans did when 214 00:15:24,440 --> 00:15:29,360 Speaker 2: seeing angels. He was incredibly afraid and shaking. The angel 215 00:15:29,480 --> 00:15:32,160 Speaker 2: comforted him, saying, do not be. 216 00:15:32,160 --> 00:15:37,160 Speaker 4: Afraid, Zachariah. To day your prayers have been answered. 217 00:15:37,760 --> 00:15:40,480 Speaker 2: The quivering priest looked up to see what seemed to 218 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:45,320 Speaker 2: be a smile on the angel. Slightly curious but still afraid, 219 00:15:45,720 --> 00:15:50,040 Speaker 2: Zechariah rose to his feet. The angel continued, saying. 220 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:54,160 Speaker 4: The Lord has found you and your wife people of favor. 221 00:15:55,360 --> 00:15:58,640 Speaker 4: You too will soon bear a son, and his name 222 00:15:58,720 --> 00:16:00,880 Speaker 4: will be John Zachariah. 223 00:16:00,960 --> 00:16:04,440 Speaker 2: John nearly hit the floor with disbelief as he watched 224 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:08,440 Speaker 2: the creature speak. Sensing the doubt in the priest, the 225 00:16:08,480 --> 00:16:10,640 Speaker 2: angel continued, Ah, what a. 226 00:16:10,720 --> 00:16:15,160 Speaker 4: Joy it will be for your household. Many will rejoice 227 00:16:15,200 --> 00:16:19,720 Speaker 4: at this little one's burn, for he will be special. Yes, 228 00:16:19,840 --> 00:16:22,240 Speaker 4: he will be a great voice proclaiming the coming of 229 00:16:22,240 --> 00:16:25,920 Speaker 4: our Lord. His words will go forth like iron to 230 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:30,000 Speaker 4: wood and reach the hearts of many. Be sure that 231 00:16:30,080 --> 00:16:32,640 Speaker 4: this child is not given to wine or strong drink, 232 00:16:33,360 --> 00:16:36,000 Speaker 4: for he will need his wits about him for the 233 00:16:36,040 --> 00:16:36,720 Speaker 4: coming mission. 234 00:16:36,960 --> 00:16:40,720 Speaker 2: The angel's presence grew more palpable as he raised his 235 00:16:40,840 --> 00:16:43,280 Speaker 2: hands to heaven and shouted. 236 00:16:43,360 --> 00:16:46,880 Speaker 4: Yes, Zachariah, your son will be filled with the spirit 237 00:16:46,960 --> 00:16:50,280 Speaker 4: of the Living God, even from his mother's wound. The 238 00:16:50,400 --> 00:16:54,080 Speaker 4: Holy Spirit will mold and shape his heart to know 239 00:16:54,280 --> 00:16:54,920 Speaker 4: his will. 240 00:16:55,400 --> 00:16:59,080 Speaker 2: Zachariah stepped back, tempted to slap himself to wake up. 241 00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:04,120 Speaker 2: Was not a dream? Before him stood a heavenly being 242 00:17:04,720 --> 00:17:07,920 Speaker 2: telling him that he and his aged wife were going 243 00:17:07,920 --> 00:17:10,520 Speaker 2: to have a son, and somehow he was going to 244 00:17:10,560 --> 00:17:15,679 Speaker 2: be special. The angel cocked his head towards the fraile priest. 245 00:17:16,400 --> 00:17:19,840 Speaker 2: An intensity boiled up in his eyes, and his voice 246 00:17:19,880 --> 00:17:20,920 Speaker 2: grew more serious. 247 00:17:21,480 --> 00:17:25,880 Speaker 4: The spirit and power of Elijah was prophesied to return 248 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:29,560 Speaker 4: and prepare the nation of Israel for their king. It 249 00:17:29,640 --> 00:17:34,280 Speaker 4: will be your son, Zachariah, who carries that burden. He 250 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:37,240 Speaker 4: will turn many hearts to the wisdom and justice of God. 251 00:17:38,400 --> 00:17:44,399 Speaker 4: He will prepare the way for the coming Messiah, the Messiah. 252 00:17:44,200 --> 00:17:49,119 Speaker 2: But this cannot be true, Zachariah exclaimed, Look at me, 253 00:17:49,840 --> 00:17:54,320 Speaker 2: I'm an old man. My wife is well advanced past 254 00:17:54,520 --> 00:17:57,840 Speaker 2: child bearing years. Perhaps you have the wrong. 255 00:17:57,880 --> 00:17:58,840 Speaker 4: I am Gabriel. 256 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:03,200 Speaker 2: The angel interrupted with a gust of wind behind his voice. 257 00:18:03,480 --> 00:18:06,800 Speaker 2: The booming sound launched Zechariah off his feet. 258 00:18:07,080 --> 00:18:10,280 Speaker 4: I stand in the presence of the most high Creator himself. 259 00:18:11,119 --> 00:18:13,159 Speaker 4: It is I who was sent to speak to you 260 00:18:13,280 --> 00:18:17,160 Speaker 4: this good news, and here you stand in doubted that the. 261 00:18:17,160 --> 00:18:21,200 Speaker 2: Angel's power was felt in this moment. It wasn't human, 262 00:18:21,800 --> 00:18:27,399 Speaker 2: it was something else. Entie. Zachariah covered his face before 263 00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:31,440 Speaker 2: he could respond. Gabriel spoke, saying, you. 264 00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:34,200 Speaker 4: Will see the goodness of God before your very eyes. 265 00:18:35,119 --> 00:18:38,760 Speaker 4: But behold, you will not be able to speak until 266 00:18:38,800 --> 00:18:42,399 Speaker 4: your son is born. Your speech will be taken from you, 267 00:18:43,359 --> 00:18:46,800 Speaker 4: therefore forcing you to truly consider the blessing of God 268 00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:51,640 Speaker 4: within yourself. Hear me, this word will be fulfilled. 269 00:18:52,560 --> 00:18:57,280 Speaker 2: Gabriel was silent and leaned down to the crying priest. 270 00:18:57,440 --> 00:19:02,639 Speaker 2: With a resolute voice filled with how and hope, he whispered, 271 00:19:03,359 --> 00:19:09,600 Speaker 2: he is coming to hear those final words. The angel 272 00:19:09,640 --> 00:19:15,120 Speaker 2: disappeared into the smoke of the burning incense. Much time 273 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:19,240 Speaker 2: had passed since Zechariah entered behind the veil. The other 274 00:19:19,280 --> 00:19:23,280 Speaker 2: priests were growing worried. However, when he emerged that they 275 00:19:23,320 --> 00:19:26,240 Speaker 2: were unable to know what had happened. For just as 276 00:19:26,280 --> 00:19:31,320 Speaker 2: Gabriel declared he was unable to speak, Zechariah's face was 277 00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:35,679 Speaker 2: white as shock, Yet deep within his soul he knew 278 00:19:35,720 --> 00:19:39,639 Speaker 2: what the angel said was true. He stumbled home, and 279 00:19:39,720 --> 00:19:43,200 Speaker 2: that night he made love to Elizabeth and fell asleep 280 00:19:43,240 --> 00:19:47,600 Speaker 2: in her warm embrace. Just a few months later, as 281 00:19:47,640 --> 00:19:50,879 Speaker 2: Elizabeth was walking to retrieve water, she could feel the 282 00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:55,000 Speaker 2: slight cakes of the baby and her womb. Her eyes 283 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:58,840 Speaker 2: welled up with tears as she fell to her knees. Ah, 284 00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:03,240 Speaker 2: the Lord has she smiled upon me, she whispered to herself. 285 00:20:04,280 --> 00:20:08,639 Speaker 2: So Elizabeth continued to praise God as Zechariah struggled in 286 00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:12,399 Speaker 2: his silence. God was clearly at work in them. They 287 00:20:12,440 --> 00:20:16,040 Speaker 2: could see the will of God dimly but not yet 288 00:20:16,119 --> 00:20:20,119 Speaker 2: fully formed. That was until they were paid a visit 289 00:20:20,400 --> 00:20:22,680 Speaker 2: from Elizabeth's cousin Mary. 290 00:20:26,359 --> 00:20:29,000 Speaker 3: Everything is being set up for Jesus to come, and 291 00:20:29,080 --> 00:20:32,480 Speaker 3: I can't wait to see how the story unfolds. This 292 00:20:32,560 --> 00:20:37,440 Speaker 3: episode set up a foundation for us, specifically with the prelude. 293 00:20:37,560 --> 00:20:40,480 Speaker 3: The prelude took us all the way back to the beginning, 294 00:20:40,760 --> 00:20:43,560 Speaker 3: when the Word of God spoke the expanse of heaven 295 00:20:44,040 --> 00:20:47,400 Speaker 3: and the foundation of earth into existence. We were given 296 00:20:47,440 --> 00:20:50,840 Speaker 3: a poetic overview of the creation's story, followed by the 297 00:20:50,920 --> 00:20:54,080 Speaker 3: telling of man's fall from paradise. At the end of 298 00:20:54,080 --> 00:20:57,159 Speaker 3: the prelude. We are supposed to feel this longing for 299 00:20:57,280 --> 00:21:00,800 Speaker 3: the light of mankind to return, not just longing, but 300 00:21:00,880 --> 00:21:04,000 Speaker 3: a deep need to be saved. No doubt, many of 301 00:21:04,080 --> 00:21:06,440 Speaker 3: us have felt like boats being tossed to and fro 302 00:21:06,520 --> 00:21:09,720 Speaker 3: by the storms of life ever since the Garden of Eden. 303 00:21:10,040 --> 00:21:13,479 Speaker 3: We have been longing for peace, light, and life. The 304 00:21:13,480 --> 00:21:17,240 Speaker 3: prelude connects us to that deep need while also offering 305 00:21:17,320 --> 00:21:21,520 Speaker 3: us hope that redemption is coming. He is coming. The 306 00:21:21,560 --> 00:21:24,120 Speaker 3: prelude puts a great deal of emphasis on the Word 307 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:27,159 Speaker 3: of God. John One tells us that the Word of 308 00:21:27,240 --> 00:21:30,840 Speaker 3: God became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is referred 309 00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:34,120 Speaker 3: to as the Word of God. Why to put it simply, 310 00:21:34,520 --> 00:21:38,159 Speaker 3: words are our greatest tool to express our identities, hopes, 311 00:21:38,200 --> 00:21:43,080 Speaker 3: and intentions. Jesus is God's way of expressing his identity, hope, 312 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:46,719 Speaker 3: and intentions. For us. Jesus is the embodiment of who 313 00:21:46,800 --> 00:21:50,479 Speaker 3: God is and the highest expression of truth. And just 314 00:21:50,640 --> 00:21:53,919 Speaker 3: as the Word of God formed the Cosmos, he wants 315 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:56,359 Speaker 3: to form us as well. He wants to take the 316 00:21:56,440 --> 00:22:00,080 Speaker 3: chaotic nothingness within us and create order. He wants to 317 00:21:59,880 --> 00:22:03,040 Speaker 3: speak peace to the sees that rage within us, and 318 00:22:03,119 --> 00:22:06,719 Speaker 3: speak light and life into the barren wastelands of our hearts. 319 00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:10,119 Speaker 3: The Creation story is not just a poetic account of 320 00:22:10,119 --> 00:22:13,040 Speaker 3: what happened. It is an invitation to have the same 321 00:22:13,119 --> 00:22:16,760 Speaker 3: thing happen to us. As this series unfolds and the 322 00:22:16,760 --> 00:22:20,600 Speaker 3: Word of God Jesus speaks. Remember that it is the 323 00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:23,760 Speaker 3: same voice that said, let there be light, Allow the 324 00:22:23,880 --> 00:22:26,840 Speaker 3: unformed parts of your heart to be spoken to, and 325 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:31,240 Speaker 3: wait as paradise grows within your soul. After the prelude 326 00:22:31,320 --> 00:22:35,080 Speaker 3: were introduced to Zachariah, a priest in the Temple of Jerusalem. 327 00:22:35,280 --> 00:22:37,359 Speaker 3: He was a part of a religious structure that was 328 00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:41,679 Speaker 3: designed to preserve the Jewish people under intense persecution. The 329 00:22:41,760 --> 00:22:45,760 Speaker 3: history of Jewish suffering cannot be understated. Since they're enslavement 330 00:22:45,800 --> 00:22:49,840 Speaker 3: in Egypt. They have been attacked, enslaved, and subjected by 331 00:22:49,920 --> 00:22:54,440 Speaker 3: every major empire that ruled each age. However, faith, the 332 00:22:54,520 --> 00:22:58,560 Speaker 3: Law of Moses, tradition, and a rich heritage kept him alive. 333 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:02,240 Speaker 3: It is important to mention this because the religious Jews 334 00:23:02,280 --> 00:23:05,960 Speaker 3: will occasionally come across as villains in this series. They 335 00:23:05,960 --> 00:23:09,399 Speaker 3: aren't the villains. They built a dogmatic religious structure that 336 00:23:09,480 --> 00:23:13,240 Speaker 3: protected them from assimulating into Roman culture, and it was 337 00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:16,679 Speaker 3: that system that kept a culture alive long enough to 338 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:20,679 Speaker 3: see the long awaited Messiah come. Zacharia is not just 339 00:23:20,720 --> 00:23:23,840 Speaker 3: a character in this episode. He is a symbol. He 340 00:23:23,960 --> 00:23:27,240 Speaker 3: is a symbol of the transition between two religious systems, 341 00:23:27,760 --> 00:23:31,119 Speaker 3: The Old Covenant promises and laws established by God in 342 00:23:31,160 --> 00:23:35,399 Speaker 3: the Old Testament is about to be fulfilled, making a 343 00:23:35,440 --> 00:23:39,320 Speaker 3: path for a new covenant through Jesus. Zacharia's son is 344 00:23:39,359 --> 00:23:42,840 Speaker 3: going to be the forerunner for Jesus, preparing hearts for 345 00:23:42,920 --> 00:23:46,080 Speaker 3: the new work God is about to do. There is 346 00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:50,320 Speaker 3: symbolic significance to Zachariah entering the Holy of Holies behind 347 00:23:50,320 --> 00:23:53,800 Speaker 3: the veil. This was the place where the manifest presence 348 00:23:53,840 --> 00:23:56,919 Speaker 3: of God dwelt, separated from the rest of the world 349 00:23:57,240 --> 00:24:00,639 Speaker 3: by a thick curtain. This whole story is about the 350 00:24:00,720 --> 00:24:04,520 Speaker 3: veil being torn, giving every man and woman access to God. 351 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:07,520 Speaker 3: At the end of this series you will hear about 352 00:24:07,600 --> 00:24:11,120 Speaker 3: the veil again. Our hero's body will be torn asunda, 353 00:24:11,480 --> 00:24:14,400 Speaker 3: and the veil separating God and man will be torn 354 00:24:14,440 --> 00:24:18,000 Speaker 3: as well. When Zachari enters the Holy of Holies, we 355 00:24:18,040 --> 00:24:21,120 Speaker 3: are given the ominous feeling that someone else is there 356 00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:24,359 Speaker 3: with him. Clearly, the presence of God is palpable in 357 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:27,680 Speaker 3: that room, but there is another as well, a creature 358 00:24:27,760 --> 00:24:31,560 Speaker 3: unlike anything Zacharia has ever seen. The story uses the 359 00:24:31,560 --> 00:24:36,000 Speaker 3: word creature purposefully. Oftentimes, when angels are portrayed in movies, 360 00:24:36,240 --> 00:24:39,320 Speaker 3: they're given a cute and harmless quality, but that is 361 00:24:39,359 --> 00:24:43,000 Speaker 3: not how the Bible describes them. Some angels are described 362 00:24:43,040 --> 00:24:47,719 Speaker 3: in detail and are frankly terrifying. Angels like Gabriel are 363 00:24:47,760 --> 00:24:51,679 Speaker 3: described with more humanlike characteristics, but they were not simply 364 00:24:51,760 --> 00:24:55,040 Speaker 3: humans with pretty wings. There was a different quality to 365 00:24:55,119 --> 00:24:58,800 Speaker 3: them and a glory that instilled fear in anyone they 366 00:24:58,840 --> 00:25:02,280 Speaker 3: came into contact with. The Bible also tells us that 367 00:25:02,320 --> 00:25:05,080 Speaker 3: we get access to God in a way that angels 368 00:25:05,080 --> 00:25:09,359 Speaker 3: marvel at. Although they are heavenly beings, their relationship with 369 00:25:09,480 --> 00:25:12,679 Speaker 3: God is not like ours. They do not bear his 370 00:25:12,840 --> 00:25:15,640 Speaker 3: image or get access to his heart in the same way. 371 00:25:16,240 --> 00:25:19,440 Speaker 3: This is why Gabriel's interaction with humans in this story 372 00:25:19,720 --> 00:25:22,560 Speaker 3: is supposed to be a little awkward and different from 373 00:25:22,600 --> 00:25:26,600 Speaker 3: a simple human to human interaction. Gabriel will visit again 374 00:25:26,680 --> 00:25:30,280 Speaker 3: in this series. The angel has a message for Zachariah. 375 00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:33,080 Speaker 3: His wife will give birth to a baby boy, and 376 00:25:33,119 --> 00:25:36,440 Speaker 3: his name will be John. According to Gabriel, he will 377 00:25:36,480 --> 00:25:39,320 Speaker 3: be a great voice proclaiming the coming of the Lord. 378 00:25:39,800 --> 00:25:42,439 Speaker 3: His words will go forth like iron to wood and 379 00:25:42,560 --> 00:25:46,320 Speaker 3: reach the hearts of many. Elizabeth bearing a child is 380 00:25:46,400 --> 00:25:50,840 Speaker 3: highly improbable, and Zachariah reminds Gabriel that they are both beyond. 381 00:25:51,480 --> 00:25:55,080 Speaker 3: Zachariah's protest is an interesting one because it reveals an 382 00:25:55,160 --> 00:25:58,720 Speaker 3: ignorance of the scriptures. All throughout the Old Testament, God 383 00:25:58,800 --> 00:26:03,000 Speaker 3: showed favor to his people by opening up the baron womb. 384 00:26:03,600 --> 00:26:08,160 Speaker 3: There are six stories of barren women in the Old Testament, Sarah, Rebecca, 385 00:26:08,440 --> 00:26:11,920 Speaker 3: and Rachel, who are all matriarchs. There was also Hannah, 386 00:26:12,040 --> 00:26:15,639 Speaker 3: the mother of the prophet Samuel, the unnamed mother of Samson, 387 00:26:16,080 --> 00:26:19,800 Speaker 3: and a Shunamite woman who was an assistant to Elisha. 388 00:26:20,359 --> 00:26:23,880 Speaker 3: In all these instances, God opens up their wombs so 389 00:26:23,960 --> 00:26:28,000 Speaker 3: they can give birth to God's chosen patriots, heroes, and prophets. 390 00:26:28,520 --> 00:26:30,960 Speaker 3: This is perhaps one of the most important patterns in 391 00:26:31,040 --> 00:26:35,360 Speaker 3: the entire Bible. This ongoing motif was trumpeting the promise 392 00:26:35,440 --> 00:26:38,640 Speaker 3: of a son. In each of these stories, the son 393 00:26:38,720 --> 00:26:41,399 Speaker 3: that came from the baron woman went to suffer and 394 00:26:41,480 --> 00:26:45,840 Speaker 3: redeem God's people in some way. Isaac was almost sacrificed 395 00:26:45,880 --> 00:26:48,439 Speaker 3: at the altar, but went on to continue the promise 396 00:26:48,480 --> 00:26:52,280 Speaker 3: of Abraham. Jacob fled for his life but became Israel. 397 00:26:52,760 --> 00:26:56,040 Speaker 3: Joseph was sold in the slavery, nearly killed, but rose 398 00:26:56,080 --> 00:26:59,600 Speaker 3: to power to redeem his family. Samson waged war against 399 00:26:59,640 --> 00:27:03,480 Speaker 3: the Phillipines and died to save his nation. Samuel was 400 00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:05,399 Speaker 3: given up as a young boy to be a priest, 401 00:27:05,760 --> 00:27:08,440 Speaker 3: then served the nation of Israel as their last judge. 402 00:27:08,800 --> 00:27:11,680 Speaker 3: The Shunamite Son died but was brought back to life 403 00:27:11,720 --> 00:27:15,000 Speaker 3: by Elisha. All of these men came from baron wounds 404 00:27:15,160 --> 00:27:19,200 Speaker 3: and modeled in some way the life of Jesus. Zachariah 405 00:27:19,359 --> 00:27:22,960 Speaker 3: should have known better when protesting God's promise. Let me 406 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:25,959 Speaker 3: ask you a question. What is more impossible than a 407 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:30,760 Speaker 3: barren woman becoming pregnant a virgin becoming pregnant. God is 408 00:27:30,800 --> 00:27:34,520 Speaker 3: going to transition from doing the improbable to the impossible. 409 00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:37,920 Speaker 3: Our story ends with a dim picture of things to come, 410 00:27:38,640 --> 00:27:42,960 Speaker 3: but the image is getting clearer. The unknown future presented 411 00:27:42,960 --> 00:27:47,280 Speaker 3: to Zacharia and Elizabeth represents the obscurity of Jesus's arrival. 412 00:27:47,840 --> 00:27:51,760 Speaker 3: There are whispers, veiled prophecies, and echoes of things to come, 413 00:27:52,240 --> 00:27:55,399 Speaker 3: but nobody can fully be prepared for what's about to happen. 414 00:27:55,840 --> 00:27:59,280 Speaker 3: An unlikely hero is coming, and the long awaited light 415 00:27:59,359 --> 00:28:03,000 Speaker 3: is about to s into the darkness. Our journey has begun, 416 00:28:03,400 --> 00:28:06,120 Speaker 3: and I can't wait to see what happens next. Join 417 00:28:06,200 --> 00:28:09,959 Speaker 3: us next time for episode two You are Chosen, We 418 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:12,680 Speaker 3: will meet the two people chosen by God to raise 419 00:28:12,720 --> 00:28:16,840 Speaker 3: his Son. Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, 420 00:28:17,160 --> 00:28:20,520 Speaker 3: daily prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to 421 00:28:20,600 --> 00:28:24,119 Speaker 3: pray dot com. And to expand your heroes in the 422 00:28:24,160 --> 00:28:28,600 Speaker 3: Bible Journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at 423 00:28:28,640 --> 00:28:33,479 Speaker 3: Tonyevans dot org Forward slash Heroes. Follow the podcast on 424 00:28:33,640 --> 00:28:37,840 Speaker 3: Apple or Spotify to get the newest episodes right as 425 00:28:37,880 --> 00:28:41,600 Speaker 3: they come out, and always be inspired by the Bible. 426 00:28:41,960 --> 00:28:42,640 Speaker 3: God bless