Devotion 12/28, God of Mercy

[Zechariah prophesied concerning John,] “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God.”
Luke 1:76-78

Zacharias is speaking of his son John the Baptist here in our passage today. John the Baptist was the forerunner to Christ, he came as a “voice in the wilderness” to the people of Israel (John 1:19-28). Some at this time wanted to believe that John was the Messiah, but he quickly puts that false thinking to rest in John 1:20 where he says, “I am not the Christ.” Then they thought he was Elijah the prophet, to that he also said “no”. When they asked “then just who are you”, he replied in John 1:23, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ”

Some false teachers elevate John the Baptist to a place he was never intended by God to hold. John would indeed be ashamed of these false teachers, for he never wanted the praise of men, he directed them to Jesus Christ who was to be praised and was the only One who could forgive sin.
Christ’s coming is likened to the rising of the sun. For centuries the world laid in darkness. Now through the tender mercy of God, the sun was about to come up! And this “sun” would be none other than the very “Son” of God, shinning on Gentiles who were in darkness, and guiding Israel’s feet into the way of peace (Mal. 4:2).
So, will you let the Son of God illuminate your path to eternal life with Him, or will you reject His Light and remain on your path of darkness stumbling your way to a lost eternity in hell? The choice is yours.

Where does salvation come from? Does it come from our sense that something is desperately wrong and we need to change and make it better? Does it come from casting things in a more positive light so we don’t become discouraged and quit? Does it come from a lucky break? Does it come because we are scrupulously righteous and deserve it come our way? Does it come from rigorously obeying everything in the law? No! Salvation and forgiveness come from one source, “the tender mercy of our God.”

Thank You Father God for sending Jesus to bleed and die for the forgiveness of my sin. Thank You for loving me and for never leaving me or forsaking me. I love You so and give You all praise and glory this day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

God of Mercy, you are always with me. Your love and grace sustain me. Stir my soul through the Holy Spirit that I may proclaim you Lord of all in everything I say and do today. Thank you for John, the voice, ahead of Christ who is the absolute Word.
Thank you for you love, grace and mercy. I pray my life will be pleasing to you today, dear Lord. Amen.