Verse
His [John the Baptizer] father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied…
Thought
Zechariah had originally doubted God's gift of a son in his old age, especially with Elizabeth's inability to conceive during her childbearing years. Yet in their old age, God used the Holy Spirit to bring about the miracle of conception. Yet Zechariah's voice had been silenced by his experience of God in the Temple because of his doubt. But with the birth of his son, Zechariah's voice returned so that he could both name his son John and prophesy through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the glorious work that John would do in preparing the way for the Messiah and fulfilling God's promises to bring salvation to his people. Jesus' coming is proclaimed by far more than shepherds and angels; his coming is repeatedly announced, facilitated, guided, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This same Holy Spirit lives in us to remind us of Jesus' life and words (John 14-16) and transform us to be like him (2 Corinthians 3:18). May the Holy Spirit fill us so that we will proclaim and demonstrate the character and compassion of our Lord!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit to prepare the way for your Son, to proclaim the truth of Jesus' identity, and to empower me to live for Jesus and be perfected into his likeness. In Jesus' name I thank you and praise you. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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