What Jesus Did! 'The Voice of the Redeemed' — Luke 1:67-75

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Then Zechariah, John's father, was filled with the Holy Spirit. He told the people what would happen: "Praise to the Lord God of Israel (the Jews). God has come to help his people and has given them freedom. God has given us a powerful Savior from the family of God's servant, David. God said that he would do this. He said it through his holy prophets that lived long ago. God will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those that hate us. God said he would give mercy to our fathers. And he remembered his holy promise. God made a promise to Abraham, our father. God promised to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear. We will be holy and good before God as long as we live."
— Luke 1:67-75 NLT
Illustration of Luke 1:67-75 NLT — "Praise to the Lord God of Israel (the Jews)."

Key Thought

Mary praised God in her youth, from the bottom of her heart, in words steeped in Scripture. Now, Zechariah praises God in his old age, from the bottom of his heart, in words steeped in Scripture. Redemption knows no boundaries of gender or age. Praise can't be confined to an age group. Passion doesn't belong to just the young and Scriptural knowledge to just the old. God's grace is a river that exceeds its banks and brings its joy to young and old alike. So let's open our hearts to God's grace. Let's open our minds to his Word. Let's praise him for his work of redemption and his love that brought him to visit his people.

Today's Prayer

I praise you, O great God, the Almighty. I praise you for your power exhibited in your creation. I praise you for your patience and faithfulness to your promises. I praise you for your love and sacrifice. I praise you for your power over sin and death. I praise you for being who you are and doing what you do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 3:26-29
  • 1 John 2:12-14
  • Psalm 148:7-13

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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.

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