The Birth of the Forerunner

67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David—

70 Just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient times—

71 Salvation from our enemies,
And from the hand of all who hate us;

72 To show mercy to our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,

73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham,

74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Would serve Him without fear,

75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

76 And you, child, also will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;

77 To give His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,

78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

79 To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.

REFLECTION

In this passage, we see Zechariah praising God for the birth of John the Baptist. John is destined to prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. At the same time, Zechariah glorifies God for His love and concern for the people of Israel, proclaiming that Jesus is the Lord who saves His people from sin and grants salvation.

Often, we mistakenly believe that we can earn salvation through our own works. However, salvation is a gift we receive solely by the grace of God and the love of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can bring salvation to humanity, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament that pointed to Him.

This prophecy was fulfilled in the New Testament, reminding us that Jesus is the Savior for all people. My Lord Jesus offers salvation to everyone who believes and trusts in Him.

PRAYER

Thank you Lord for sending your only begotten son Jesus Christ to this world to save me and give me salvation by accepting Him as my Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Written by Pranab Kishor Kumar (India) is a NAMS Companion and a member of the Missional Base of Asia.