WEDNESDAY December 20, 2023
Praise and Prophecy
Now his [John’s] father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us….”
Luke 1:67-71
How incredible that Zacharias, who was struck dumb because of his unbelief, was now able to open his mouth to give us this amazing prophecy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he praised the Lord God of Israel. He prophesied of how God had visited His people. Their long-awaited Messiah, the One who will give them Salvation, had come as foretold––through the house of His servant David:
“There I will make the horn of David grow; I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon Himself His crown shall flourish” (Psalm 132:17-18).
The horn is a symbol of power. Zacharias gave a prophecy of redemption which is only attainable through His Anointed––the Messiah. Many Scriptures concerning the Messiah were well known among Israel. Ever since the beginning of time, the prophets spoke of Him. As far back as the book of Genesis, we find reference to the Messiah’s power in overcoming Satan and death (Genesis 3:15).
It was also known of the Jews that the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham––the father of their nation. Israel’s hope was that the Messiah would deliver them from the hands of their enemies. They looked for the fulfillment of the promise given to their father, Abraham. One day, they would serve Him without fear of their enemies (Luke 1:72-75).
What do you hope for? God has promised eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Christ for salvation. Do you have a hope of eternal life?
Earth’s troubles fade in the light of heaven’s hope.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
