What Jesus Did! 'Great Expectations!' — Luke 1:76-79

Thursday, January 22, 2015

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"Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High (God). You will go first before the Lord to make the people ready for the Lord's coming. You will make his people know that they will be saved. They will be saved by having their sins forgiven. With the loving mercy of our God, a new Day from heaven will shine on us. God will help the people that live in darkness, in the fear of death. He will lead us in the way that goes toward peace."
— Luke 1:76-79 NLT
Illustration of Luke 1:76-79 NLT — "Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High (God)."

Key Thought

At first glance, this is a passage about great expectations that parents have for their child. However, on closer inspection, it is really about the great expectations that people have for God. The birth of John is the dawn of God's great time of fulfillment. Many of the promises of the people of God, spoken over many centuries in the Old Testament, are now coming true. John will be a tool in God's hand. John will be a sign that the time of fulfillment has come. John will be a servant to the Almighty. However, the work is God's work. The deliverance is God's salvation. The triumph is God's victory. The fulfillment is God's faithfulness. The dawn has come and darkness is being driven away by a holy light.

Today's Prayer

Father, I praise you for being completely faithful to your promises. I thank you for using everyday human beings to be your vessels through whom your work is done. I appreciate you for choosing Zechariah and Elizabeth to receive your miraculous blessing of John. I honor you for loving your people and bringing them hope in their night of despair. I am in awe that the gospel begins with John the Baptist. Thank you for your plan to bring us salvation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 4:5-7
  • Deuteronomy 7:6-9
  • Psalm 136:2

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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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