What Jesus Did! 'Great Expectations!' — Luke 1:76-79

Sunday, January 22, 2023

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We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[John's father, Zechariah, concludes his prophecy:]
"And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace."
— Luke 1:76-79 NLT

Key Thought

At first glance, this is a passage about great expectations that parents have for their child. However, on closer inspection, it is really about the great expectations that people have for God. The birth of John is the dawn of God's great time of fulfillment. Many of the promises to the people of God, spoken over centuries in the Old Testament, are now coming true. John will be a tool in God's hand. John will be a sign that the time of fulfillment has come. John will be a servant to the Almighty. However, the work is God's work. The deliverance is God's salvation. The triumph is God's victory. The fulfillment is God's faithfulness. The dawn is here, and darkness is being driven away by a holy light.

Today's Prayer

Father, I praise you for being completely faithful to your promises. I thank you for using everyday human beings to be your vessels through whom your work is done. I appreciate you for choosing Zechariah and Elizabeth to receive your miraculous blessing of John. I honor you for loving your people and bringing them hope in their night of despair. I am in awe that the fulfillment of the promise of the gospel began with John the Baptizer. Thank you for your plan to bring us salvation. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 4:5-7
  • Deuteronomy 7:6-9
  • Psalm 136:2

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:76-79 NLT — "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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