Overview of: LukeToday's Reading:
Luke 1:57-80
"The Birth of John the Baptist"
Focus Verses: Luke 1:76-79
76 "And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
Insight:
Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up the hope of ever having a child, but God blessed them with a son. This son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way and announce the coming of the Lord Jesus to a people who had given up hope of ever seeing the Messiah.
At John's birth, Zechariah burst into a song of celebration and quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah. His song of praise was a message of hope for everyone on the verge of giving up. The long awaited Messiah was coming, and Zechariah's son would be the prophet who would go before him.
Response and Action:
My hope is in the Lord. God is faithful to keep his promises. I will cling to the hope I have in Christ Jesus--the hope of eternal life, the hope of salvation, the hope of purpose and meaning, the hope of restoration, the hope of transformation, and the hope of resurrection.
O God, my hope is in you all day long. Show me your ways; guide me in your paths, and teach me. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me, by your Spirit, through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Make your light shine into the darkness of my life. Help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 9:2,6
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In Context: Isaiah 9:1-7
Proverb for Today: Prov. 28:5
"Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully."
Recommended Reading:
Hope Has Its Reasons: The Search to Satisfy Our Deepest Longings
by Rebecca Manley Pippert
