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,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
    through the forgiveness of their sins,
 because of the tender mercy of our God,
    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Luke 1:76-79

This morning I spoke briefly with a woman who is just a bit older than me. She and her husband are making plans for what lies ahead at this point in their lives as their careers and ministry opportunities are shifting a bit.

I imagine Zechariah and Elizabeth were probably asking those same kinds of questions before they were blessed with a specific, unexpected turn of events. They had lived their entire lives without raising a single child, but God used their pain to bring forth a life that would make a significant impact on the world.

The verses above are quoted from Zechariah addressing his newborn son, John. If you remember we considered these very similar words recorded by the prophet Malachi just a few weeks ago.

John the Baptist did fulfill that prophecy of an Elijah as he prepared the way for the Messiah and preached the message of salvation to his own people.

Let’s be thankful for God’s unexpected provision in our lives.