Daily Bread 3-14-17
Luke 1:76-80
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his shewing unto Israel.
ref. - Isa 40:3 - The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Nu 24:17 - I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy the children of Sheth.
Isa 11:1 - And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse', and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Isa 9:2 - The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Today there are many who speak and say that there are no more prophets in the world. They speak of tradition, they speak only the words that others have spoken. But, in truth, there are many prophets still on this earth and there will be many more until Christ comes again. Men who are unashamed and unafraid to speak the words and wisdom that God puts in them through the Holy Ghost. Not repetitious or vain, but powerful and informative. In this story we hear of John the Baptist. Paving a way for Christ to enter and lead first the Jews, and then all who would follow. Speaking of things that no one had heard of before. Teaching things that destroyed or took the place of former tradition. Standing strong to all who opposed his message. He was opening a highway into a land that had not yet been offered God's mercy. In truth, getting the people ready to meet the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Preparing them and bringing them to repentance, baptizing them in the water to prepare them for a journey where the Spirit of God takes control and dwells within them. This, today, is no different than the work of a Minister. Men have been called by God and brought out from different Churches, different backgrounds, different races, different educations, different cultures, etc. and brought together in the unity of one Gospel to prepare people for the ways of the Lord. They are, still today, bringing the knowledge of salvation to the people through forgiveness(remission) of their sins. Bringing hope to they who have none through the promise of Jesus Christ. Teaching people about the mercy of God in that he gave his only son to us down on earth, that none should perish, but that all should find eternal life. Correcting and sharpening them to prepare them for something that they have never felt or experienced. The Spirit of God dwelling within them. Now, we know that this was the first evidence of Christ as the Son of God when he came to John the Baptist and asked to be Baptized, but Christ has been showing up and showing off the power of forgiveness and all of the things that God has given him to display ever since! He is doing this through the Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost filled men of God, and those who will choose to follow. So don't think that there are not prophets out here preparing the ignorant and the crippled, the diseased and the weak, the less fortunate and lost, for the entrance of the Holy Spirit of God in Jesus Christ. These men are few and far between but they are here. And if you find one, pay attention. Not to the man or how he looks or how he speaks, but pay attention to his message. For that message did not come through great studies or years in attendance or by carnal heritage, it came from God through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. And, if you are fortunate enough and obedient, one of these men could someday be you! Have a great day!!!