Promises, Promises
Opening Prayer
Jesus, thank You that through Your sacrifice we have the promises of forgiveness and peace.
Read LUKE 1:67-80
[67] His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: [68] “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. [69] He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David [70] (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), [71] salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us- [72] to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, [73] the oath he swore to our father Abraham: [74] to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear [75] in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. [76] 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, [77] to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, [78] because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven [79] to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” [80] And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What promises has God kept in your life?If you are asked what God has done for you, what comes immediately to mind? Here is Zechariah’s instant response (68-75). God has kept his promises to his people! Can you identify with that?The Holy Spirit’s work runs through this chapter like a thread. The unborn John (15), Mary (35), Elizabeth (41) and now Zechariah (67) were all filled with the Holy Spirit. In Zechariah’s case the Spirit led him to prophesy. The line between praise and prophecy can be very fine, and this is especially true here (67,68). This prophecy bridges two worlds at a time of massive change. Until now God’s people have–understandably–been focused on salvation from their enemies (71,74). But now they will know salvation from their sins (77). Their spiritual enemies were much more significant than foreign invaders. Finally, Zechariah the proud father prophesies about his son. He says that John will be a prophet (76)–in fact, the first for centuries. But he will also be the one spoken of by earlier prophets (Isa. 40:3-5)–the forerunner of the Messiah!
Apply
Are there promises in the Bible that are particularly special to you? Recall some and reflect on God’s faithfulness.
Closing prayer
Lord, You have never broken a promise. Thank You that You are forever faithful.
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