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The Promise of the Forerunner: Difference between revisions
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{{bl| The | {{bl| The Promise of the Forerunner }} | ||
{{bgw| Luke 1:5-17 }} | |||
In the days of Herod (ignorant dominion), when the land was ruled by the blind strength of men, there lived a priest named Zacharias (God remembers), serving in the land of Judaea (God’s splendor). He was of the priestly order, and his life was dedicated to the service of the temple. His wife was Elizabeth (God has sworn), and together, their very names spoke of God’s faithfulness—"God remembers that He took an oath." | |||
Yet, they were childless. The land was barren, as was their home, reflecting the world’s emptiness without the Word of God. For many years, they had waited for hope, just as Israel had long waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises. | |||
One day, as Zacharias ministered in the temple, it was his appointed time to burn incense (the devotion of the Son in completing the will of the Father by obtaining a bride). The fragrant offering rose before God, symbolizing the prayers of the people, their longing for redemption. And as he stood at the altar, an angel appeared—standing on the right, the side of favor, indicating a spiritual revelation. | |||
“Fear not, Zacharias,” the angel said, “for your prayer has been heard.” | |||
Not only his own prayer for a child, but the corporate prayer of the people—for salvation, for God’s grace—was about to be answered. His wife Elizabeth (God has sworn) would bear a son, whose name would be John (Grace of God). | |||
This child would be unlike any other. He would drink no wine or strong drink—abstaining from both grace and law because he himself would point to the One who was their fulfillment. Like a Nazarite, he would be set apart, a living prophecy of the coming Christ, just as the law of the Nazarite itself foretold. | |||
He would come in the spirit and power of Elijah. Just as Elijah had stopped the rain—withholding water, the very symbol of the Word—so too had 400 years of silence fallen upon Israel. But now, the drought would end. | |||
John would be the voice, the forerunner, the one who would speak the Word once more. He would prepare the hearts of the people, turning them back to God, just as Elijah had turned Israel from false worship. | |||
And his mission? To make ready a people prepared for the Lord. | |||
:The barren land would rejoice. | |||
:The silence would be broken. | |||
:The Word was coming. | |||
And God had remembered His oath. | |||
=== '''Key Names & Meanings''' === | === '''Key Names & Meanings''' === | ||
