SATURDAY December 11, 2021
Turning People to the Lord
“For he [John] will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.”
Luke 1:15-16
The angel Gabriel had told Zacharias, a priest serving in the Jerusalem temple that his wife was going to have a son, even though she was past the age of childbearing. Zacharias was to name the child John. Luke 1:15-16, show us a prophetical glimpse into the child’s call. Later, while John who became known as, John the Baptist was still within Elizabeth’s womb, he leapt with joy when Mary, the mother of Jesus greeted Elizabeth––just as the angel had foretold (Luke 1:41).
When John the Baptist began his ministry, he was the messenger who proclaimed Jesus Christ as the coming the Messiah. He fulfilled the prophecy spoken by the prophet Isaiah: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3).
John the Baptist, as God’s messenger, went before Christ to prepare God’s people for their coming King. John’s message was simple; he preached true repentance that would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)
After John’s death, Jesus said of him: “For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist…” (Luke 7:28). John’s message remains the same today. People from every nation and tongue need to repent of their sins and turn to God.
Does your heart need to be turned back to the Lord? John’s message of repentance brings us the hope of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life.
This Christmas, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Give Him the gift that He wants––your heart, your soul, your life.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
