When God unmistakably moves, people notice and respond. The great herald of the Lord has come into the world, and the events surrounding his conception and birth leave those who know Zechariah and Elizabeth in complete bewilderment. As this elderly couple becomes first-time parents, the neighbors and relatives are quick to recognize this is a clear display of God’s mercy and is cause for rejoicing.
The naming of the child also presents an opportunity to display God’s supernatural intervention. One spouse breaks with cultural tradition and suggests a most peculiar name, John. The other spouse, unable to speak, confirms that John will indeed be this child’s name. The response from the people is one of amazement. With the final stroke of his pen, Zechariah regains his speech, and words of praise to God flow from his mouth. All of these events worked in coordination to bring appropriate fear throughout the region in which they lived. Truly God was behind these events, and they were convinced this child would indeed be special.
John the Baptist was recognized as a great man. Jesus himself referred to John as the greatest among those born of women. Yet there wasn’t anything inherently special about this particular messenger. Rather it was the rich content of his message that bore the weight of his greatness. Before he was born, God chose him to be a herald, to deliver the greatest message in the history of the world.
His very words would commence the public ministry of Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”
Starter Prayer:
Father,
You entrusted John with the most important message in the world. You’ve entrusted me with the same message. Help me to be bold in pointing people to your son, Jesus Christ. He is truly the great Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, and eternal life is found in him alone.
Amen.
The naming of the child also presents an opportunity to display God’s supernatural intervention. One spouse breaks with cultural tradition and suggests a most peculiar name, John. The other spouse, unable to speak, confirms that John will indeed be this child’s name. The response from the people is one of amazement. With the final stroke of his pen, Zechariah regains his speech, and words of praise to God flow from his mouth. All of these events worked in coordination to bring appropriate fear throughout the region in which they lived. Truly God was behind these events, and they were convinced this child would indeed be special.
John the Baptist was recognized as a great man. Jesus himself referred to John as the greatest among those born of women. Yet there wasn’t anything inherently special about this particular messenger. Rather it was the rich content of his message that bore the weight of his greatness. Before he was born, God chose him to be a herald, to deliver the greatest message in the history of the world.
His very words would commence the public ministry of Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”
Starter Prayer:
Father,
You entrusted John with the most important message in the world. You’ve entrusted me with the same message. Help me to be bold in pointing people to your son, Jesus Christ. He is truly the great Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, and eternal life is found in him alone.
Amen.
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