FRIDAY, JANUARY 5
Luke 1:5-13
Malachi 3:1

“Behold, I will send my messenger,
and he shall prepare the way before me…”

JOHN THE BAPTIST’S BIRTH FORETOLD

The birth of John the Baptist was announced to his father, Zacharias. He was identified as a priest from the line of Abia, a priest during Nehemiah’s time, tracing a long line of priesthood ancestry. His wife Elisabeth was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Aside from being considered righteous and blameless, Zacharias was ceremonially cleansed at the time of announcement because priests must first offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could go into the temple to offer for the people.

The announcement was a fulfilment of a prophecy in Malachi 3:1, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” This prophecy affirms that Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament.

The announcement was in the temple, during the burning of the incense. It was a holy proclamation and was rightly done in a holy place where only priests could enter during the offering of sacrifices. John’s life was prepared, for being yet unborn, the angel’s announcement foretold his ministry. The angel showed that he had a commission from heaven. The miracle of divine power which took place at his conception invites readers to respect him as a divinely-sent prophet. The objective of the announcement was to place John in more profound regard, and that his coming forth would unveil the glory of Christ. Thus, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day affirmed how all the people were persuaded that John was a prophet (Luke 20:5-6).

Every Christian is a herald. Many today are still in darkness, devoid of the presence of God in their lives. Let us be heralds to the unbelievers that they may let Christ come into their hearts.

THOUGHT: Am I a herald of the Lord Jesus Christ?
PRAYER: Father, make me a bold herald of my Saviour and Lord. Give me the courage to preach repentance of sins to the lost.