THURSDAY December 21, 2023
Prophet of the Highest
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins.”
Luke 1:76-77
Zacharias prophesied about God’s redemption, salvation, and the rescue of Israel from her enemies. In his prophecy, he spoke of his son’s future ministry. John had a special call of God. He was to become the prophet of the Highest, preparing the way for the Messiah. John was chosen to be Christ’s messenger, heralding the way for the coming Messiah.
The Scriptures speak about John as he matured: So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel (Luke 1:80). When John’s ministry started, a great move of God happened.
We know John as John the Baptist. His name reflected his ministry, as he would baptize many people in the Jordan River (John 1:28). He would preach a bold message of repentance: In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:1-2).
As John the Baptist preached his message, the hearts of people would be fully prepared for their coming Messiah. They would repent and turn to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Yet there would come religious leaders from Jerusalem––priests and Levites––to inquire of John. They would ask: “Who are you?” wondering, if was he the Christ. John would tell them plainly: “I am not the Christ” (John 1:19-20).
John’s purpose in life was to give knowledge of Jesus Christ. He revealed to the world, Jesus––the Son of God who would become “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). The only way to find your purpose in life is to know Christ as your Savior.
God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born upon this day, To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy! For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Was born on Christmas Day.
~Samuel Wesley~
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