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

Saturday, January 7, 2023

[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

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'An Everlasting Kingdom' (2 Ti. 4:9-22)
"Dear Father, Help me not to be in love with this present world. Enable me to live for the sake of your everlasting kingdom. Help me come to the..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Elisabeth Elliot:
"God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Searching the Scriptures' (Acts 17:10-12)
"That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea [because of the turmoil created by the opposition in Thessalonica]. When they arrived..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The Destructive Path'
"Dear Beloved, What you find in the verses below from the early part of Romans will appear to be a collection of harsh words and strong language. It....."

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!