Daily Devotional for Saturday, December 13

Zacharias’ Prophecy of John

“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,” Luke 1:76-78.

Life is filled with such exciting possibilities! When news comes that a child is on the way, the minds of the expectant parents begin to fill with so many visions of what the future may hold for their little one. What career might they pursue? Will they be successful? Will they one day have a family of their own? The prospects seem endless.

            With the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist, not only did his parents have great expectations, but when you read verse 66 you find “And all they that heard them [the sayings concerning him] laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be!”

            In the case of John the Baptist, the wait for his life’s impact statement would not be a long one, for we find in verse 67 that the Holy Ghost filled Zachariah and he began to speak a prophecy concerning Jesus and John. In today’s reading, verses 76-80, God’s plan for John is revealed.

            John was to be a trailblazer for the Messiah. He would be called the prophet of the Highest. He would give knowledge of salvation through remission of sins to the people. There was much for John’s parents to be excited and amazed about. Their son was to be used of God.

            Is there a greater aspiration for our children than to be used of God? Perhaps your child will not be used as was John, but to serve in the Kingdom of Jesus in any capacity is the greatest honor attainable for anyone. The honor of man cannot compare to the approval of God.

Food for Thought

Which title carries the greater degree of honor, president or pastor?

John Nations