THURSDAY December 22, 2022
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 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. Zacharias’ son was chosen to be His messenger––heralding the coming Messiah.
The Scriptures tell us 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.
John became known as John the Baptist, because 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 repentance, people would be deeply convicted and turn to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Their hearts would be fully prepared for their coming Messiah. Yet among the crowds, religious leaders from Jerusalem––priests and Levites––inquired about him: “Who are you?” They wondered if he was the Christ. John told them plainly: “I am not the Christ” (John 1:19-20). He always humbly pointed people to the coming King––Jesus Christ.
John’s main message was to give knowledge of the One who can give us salvation––the remission of our sins. He revealed to us the Person who would be “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). It was Jesus!
Jesus paid it all. I mean all. He not only purchased your forgiveness of sins and your ticket to heaven, He purchased every blessing and every answer to prayer you will ever receive.
~Jerry Bridges~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
