Daily Devotional for Friday, December 12

Zacharias’ Prophecy of Jesus

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,” Luke 1:67-75.

Every good story has a prophecy, a psychic vision or even a crystal ball. I think sometimes since we have been exposed to so many fictional stories with ancient prophecies, we have been desensitized to the truth and power of the Holy Spirit working through people. When Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist, spoke these words, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. After months of silence (and 400 years of silence since the prophet Malachi), his voice returned, and the first thing he did was praise God for His faithfulness. This prophecy was more than just a song of gratitude; it was a declaration that God’s long-awaited promise was being fulfilled.

Zachariah recognized that God had not forgotten His people, even though many Israelites felt this way. There had been no direct communication from God, and no divine word. Zachariah was found faithful and righteous and knew God would always remember His promises. Through Jesus, the Messiah, God had “visited and redeemed” them. The word “visited” meant more than just stopping by. It signified divine intervention. God had come near, stepping into human history to rescue and restore. The phrase “horn of salvation” spoke of strength and victory. In ancient times, a horn symbolized power, much like the strong horns of a ram used for defense and attack. Jesus, as the horn of salvation, is mighty to save. His coming was not just a hopeful event, but a victorious one. He would conquer sin, death and the grave!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

God’s timing is perfect, and His salvation is sure. Trust in His faithfulness, for He always fulfills His promises.

Ashley Ridings