John-the-Baptist!

For Sunday, December 11, 2022:

Luke 1:17 NLT, the angel Gabriel speaking to Zechariah in the Temple: “He (John-the-Baptist) will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Having children was important in the Jewish culture. They thought it was a sign of the Lord showing favor to the couple. Even though Zechariah and Elizabeth were well past child-bearing years, God promised them a son. They were to name him John. We know him as John-the-Baptist. Elizabeth was a cousin of Mary who would be bringing Jesus into this world. Mary visited Elizabeth and both rejoiced over their miraculous pregnancies.

God had a purpose for each of these babies. We all know that Jesus was the Son of God, the Spirit of the Lord coming to earth in a human body. John’s purpose was to prepare the people prior to the Lord’s arrival. “Repent and return to the Lord; the kingdom of God is at hand!”

Jesus would ultimately take the sins of the world to the place of the dead. He alone would be responsible for our redemption and salvation. We are to share this wisdom with our children, and also with the rebellious ones among us.

Following the Lord is a testimony to our wisdom!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship