There is much to write about!
Verse 17 - and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.
What struck me was that God sent John the Baptist to prepare for Jesus' coming. He could have just prepared the way by sending his Spirit, but God chooses to use people to be his servants and instruments to accomplish his purposes. It is quite notable that when Jesus begins his ministry there are already a group of people who have been baptized and are ready to follow him. Some of the initial disciples of Jesus were followers of John first. There is some wisdom here as well when going into a new place to start a work.
Another thing that stood out to me was the active working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these people. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit before birth (v15) and could thus respond in the womb with a leap of joy when Mary came with Jesus still in her womb (v41). Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (v35). Elizabeth (v41,42) and Zechariah (v 67) both prophesied and spoke of things to come.
Yet, these were normal people like you and I who had fears and uncertainties, but they chose to believe and follow God and that is what I pray for you and me!
Father God, please fill us with your Holy Spirit! Speak to us and lead us and fill us! Help us to trust even when we are afraid and help us to find your joy, your love and your purpose for our lives as you call us to follow you!
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