Scripture to Read: Luke 1:76–80
As God used Zacharias to continue to proclaim His truth, we read in Luke 1:76–80, “‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; 77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, 78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, 79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ 80 And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.” God had Zacharias speak of his son, John, in Luke 1:76–77. John was coming to “go on before the Lord to prepare His ways.” God planned to use John the Baptist to prepare the people of Israel for the coming of the Messiah. The people needed to know that Christ was coming to offer them “salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.” Christ offers that still today to everyone willing to surrender to Him as Lord. Many still live in darkness and the shadow of death (Ephesians 2:1–3, Ephesians 4:17–19) and they need to know of Christ’s love and forgiveness and that Christ is the only One who can deliver them from the darkness and death in which they abide. Share the good news of Christ with someone this week so that this Christmas will be their best ever.
Challenge & Application
God used John to prepare Israel for Christ; so, how is God using you to help people prepare for Christ’s second coming?
For those who still live in darkness, how is God using you as salt and light in their lives?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!