“Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.”
Luke 1:66-70, 74-80
So everyone had great expectations for who John would turn out to be, so Zechariah, his Father who was filled with the Holy Spirit, breaks into song-here’s part of it! He praises God for visiting and redeeming His people (as a nation, the Israelites hadn’t had an official work from God in 400 years)! He recognizes God’s intent to send the Messiah, a “Mighty Savior” soon, being aware of Mary and John’s response to Baby Jesus, even before both were born! He would be born in the direct bloodline of King David. This would happen according to the ancient prophecies. As was all of Israel’s expectations, John expresses his expectation that the Messiah would rescue Israel as a Nation, so the could love holy lives without fear!
Zechariah then states John’s express purpose in his song of prayer: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Now that’s a large assignment for a little guy: prepare the way for the coming Messiah! Call people to repentance so the too will be prepared for His coming!
“John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel”. John’s ministry is seen in full light in John 1. He truely was a forerunner for Christ and represented Him well.
You too represent Christ.
Think about it.
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