Word@Work Luke19 - Luke 1:76-79
Published: Mon, 01/18/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
JOB DESCRIPTION
Luke 1:76-79 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." (NIV)
Fathers should feel a responsibility to guide their children. But Zechariah's prediction about his son's future ministry was different. It was not a parental idea, but God's. The Holy Spirit had filled the old priest, who then issued God's job description for John the Baptist. His was to be a unique role, preparing Israel to receive God the Son, Jesus Christ; and marking the beginning of His ministry at baptism (see Luke 3:2-22). Although John's role was special, the same principles apply to anybody who introduces people to Jesus, and might well apply to you as well.
Jesus Himself fulfilled many roles, but was not fully defined by any of them; as God, He was and is greater than all His actions and achievements. So John's prophetic role was to establish that the Christ (Messiah) was also the Lord, the one to whom all are accountable; but also the one through whom the humble and penitent will find forgiveness and peace. Until John, prophets said that God would bless all who kept the law. But John's task was to announce salvation, not through good works (see Ephesians 2:8-9), but through the sacrifice of Jesus. His salvation includes a merciful and thorough cleansing of all past sin, and the assurance of a new life, away from darkness and into the light of God's peace.
We all need Christ's salvation; without it we remain in darkness, with eternal death as our only destiny. But when we receive God's mercy everything changes, the past as well as the future. Proclaiming this salvation continues to be the task of Jesus' people, until He returns. Of course, the uniqueness of salvation through Christ is a challenge to those who think that their good ideas, good works, religious ritual or religious tolerance will secure God's favour. Followers of Jesus are not always welcome when they bring the message of mercy and peace. John the Baptist was not appreciated either; he was executed shortly after introducing Jesus (see Mark 6:14-29). However, uniquely, the gospel has God's power to save those who believe (see Romans 1:16). So, if you believe, you hold the key to life in your heart: but don't keep it to yourself, let it out! Tell others that Jesus has come to save them, whatever their background: because as John said, Jesus takes away the sin of the world (see John 1:29). Your colleagues need to hear that: and believing it will transform their life and eternity.
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, so that we might have full salvation. Thank You for those who told me the gospel and for the way in which Your Holy Spirit confirmed the message to my heart. Please help me to prepare others to meet Jesus when He returns one day. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can be unashamed to share the gospel message. Help me, also, to pray for my family, friends and colleagues believing that You will convince them that the truth I share from Your Word, is true. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Fathers should feel a responsibility to guide their children. But Zechariah's prediction about his son's future ministry was different. It was not a parental idea, but God's. The Holy Spirit had filled the old priest, who then issued God's job description for John the Baptist. His was to be a unique role, preparing Israel to receive God the Son, Jesus Christ; and marking the beginning of His ministry at baptism (see Luke 3:2-22). Although John's role was special, the same principles apply to anybody who introduces people to Jesus, and might well apply to you as well.
Jesus Himself fulfilled many roles, but was not fully defined by any of them; as God, He was and is greater than all His actions and achievements. So John's prophetic role was to establish that the Christ (Messiah) was also the Lord, the one to whom all are accountable; but also the one through whom the humble and penitent will find forgiveness and peace. Until John, prophets said that God would bless all who kept the law. But John's task was to announce salvation, not through good works (see Ephesians 2:8-9), but through the sacrifice of Jesus. His salvation includes a merciful and thorough cleansing of all past sin, and the assurance of a new life, away from darkness and into the light of God's peace.
We all need Christ's salvation; without it we remain in darkness, with eternal death as our only destiny. But when we receive God's mercy everything changes, the past as well as the future. Proclaiming this salvation continues to be the task of Jesus' people, until He returns. Of course, the uniqueness of salvation through Christ is a challenge to those who think that their good ideas, good works, religious ritual or religious tolerance will secure God's favour. Followers of Jesus are not always welcome when they bring the message of mercy and peace. John the Baptist was not appreciated either; he was executed shortly after introducing Jesus (see Mark 6:14-29). However, uniquely, the gospel has God's power to save those who believe (see Romans 1:16). So, if you believe, you hold the key to life in your heart: but don't keep it to yourself, let it out! Tell others that Jesus has come to save them, whatever their background: because as John said, Jesus takes away the sin of the world (see John 1:29). Your colleagues need to hear that: and believing it will transform their life and eternity.
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, so that we might have full salvation. Thank You for those who told me the gospel and for the way in which Your Holy Spirit confirmed the message to my heart. Please help me to prepare others to meet Jesus when He returns one day. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can be unashamed to share the gospel message. Help me, also, to pray for my family, friends and colleagues believing that You will convince them that the truth I share from Your Word, is true. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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