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. Lk 1:76-80
Zechariah moves from addressing God in praise to addressing his newborn son in his arms, “You will be called a prophet of the Most High.”. What an honor to know in advance you are especially chosen by God to declare truth and revival to your people. You will prepare the way for the Messiah. What a privilege for John and for his parents who probably didn't live to see that day due to their age.
This message of hope was to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. God shows His mercy by telling people they can have forgiveness. We see this played out in the person of Jesus Christ. This was to be a spiritual rebirth rather than a national rebirth.
One commentator said, "It’s not what the child is that made him important, but what the child says - a prophet through whom someone else is meant to speak. That is the task that God indeed prepares for each of us." God is no longer working through priest and sacrifices for us to come before His holy throne. We are prophets telling forth the good news of Jesus Christ that He came to save people from their sins. We are the new priests representing God to men and men to God.
The Old Testament prophets could say with hope. “Someday He will come. God will visit us and we will be redeemed. Someday, God will keep His promise.”, but now John would say, "Listen people the one we were looking for is here. He is at hand. Hear him and follow him".
We know the Lord’s plan is for us to be used for His glory and our ultimate heavenly blessing. We are now to be prophets in the New Testament sense speaking forth the Word of God to others of His grace and love. God’s wonderful plan is first and foremost for you to know Jesus, trust Him to save you, and forgive your sin.
Application: John was beheaded for his message, but he felt it was worth it all to be used by God. Prophets pay a price for proclaiming truth. Are you willing to pay the cost?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be bold in my use of this gift of prophecy that You have given us as believers in Jesus Christ.
