What Jesus Did! 'The Spirit and Power of Elijah' — Luke 1:17

Saturday, January 7, 2023

Multiplication of Ministry: Year-End Information

Key dates and details about our year-end ministry transition and financial support.

 See Details
[The angel said to Zechariah, "John] will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly."
— Luke 1:17 NLT

Key Thought

Israel looked forward to the return of Elijah, the prophet who was to precede the Messiah. [1] Since Elijah didn't die but went straight to God, the Israelites believed he would return. On his return, he would continue his powerful ministry of preaching God's truth. His message would unite generations and call the people to life-changing repentance. Why was his coming so important? It was necessary to prepare God's people for Jesus. The angel told Zechariah that John would be the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah's return. [2] Shouldn't we see our lives as having a similar calling, even if it means suffering? Didn't God put us where we are so that our words and actions prepare others to know Jesus?

[1] Malachi 4:5-6.
[2] Mark 1:1-4.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous God, my Abba Father, please use my life to prepare the way for Jesus in the lives of those I love and with whom I have influence. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:17 NLT — "John] will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, January 7, 2023

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'NOTHING Happens Without God’s Permission'
"Nobody can speak and have it happen unless the Lord commands it. Both bad and good things come by the command of the Most High God. No one should..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Matthew 24:39
"Universal was the doom, neither rich nor poor escaped: the learned and the illiterate, the admired and the abhorred, the religious and the profane,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'You Must Preach in Rome!' (Acts 23:11)
"That night [after Paul's difficult defense, hardships, and arrest,] the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 40:4
"Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!