“He will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke 1:16-17 (LSB)
God prepares His people to serve Him in unique ways. Many times, God prepares us for ministry in unexpected ways.
God prepared Zacharias and Elizabeth to raise John. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus.
Zacharias entered the sanctuary of the Lord to offer incense. An angel of the Lord appeared by the altar of incense.
“Your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will call him John.”
Luke 1:13 (ESV)
He questioned the angel and because of his unbelief, he was mute until John was born.
When Zacharias returned to his home, Elizabeth became pregnant.
Disgrace for years. Now favor.
God prepares His people to serve Him in unique ways.
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For five months Elizabeth hid and marveled at how God had favored her. Her baby wasn’t just a son—he was the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah! He was the one who would baptize the people with a baptism of repentance for their sins. He was the man who would baptize the Messiah!
During her sixth month of pregnancy, Mary appeared at her door.
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
Luke 1:43-45 (LSB)
Two women in whom God had worked miraculously. One older woman had probably endured the gossip of others because of her barrenness. One young woman was going to face the head-wagging of judging villagers because of her unmarried pregnancy.
God uniquely prepared these two women for ministering to each other.
God prepared Elizabeth and Mary to raise sons who would change the world.
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Lord, You bless us in ways that are unimaginable. You equip us to minister to others. While You are stretching us and preparing us to help others, cause us to recognize what You are doing. Help us to be an Elizabeth to the young women You place in our paths. Amen.
Reflections
- Read Luke 1:5-25. What does the Scripture reveal about Zacharias and Elizabeth?
- How has God prepared you to minister to others?
- How will you apply this devotion to your preparation for Christmas?
Free Devotional
Behold Our Savior … 31 Reflections
How has God prepared you to serve Him?
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