Thinking Thursday

[Luk 1:76-80 ESV] 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

This is a continuation of Zacharias' prophecy.  How humbling to know that God has such great plans for your child.  John would be the last of the OT prophets and just as being a prophet of God has consequences, so it will be so for John. 

77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,

He will proclaim and share knowledge of the coming Messiah and prepare hearts to receive the long promised Messiah.

78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high

the "Light of the world" is coming.

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

to bring people out of slavery to sin and to bring us into the light and to bring us peace.

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

It takes a spirit that is strong to be a prophet, one who is trained in suffering, simplicity and self-reliance.  One who looks to God alone for approval and not to man.  One who is not afraid to be different from the world that surrounds him.