"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us[.]"

 Luke 1

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us[.]" Luke 1:68-71

This morning, I continue with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on how Jesus is the long anticipated visitation that represented the hope and prayer of Israel.  John the Baptist's father, Zechariah, upon hearing from the angel Gabriel that his barren wife Elizabeth was to give birth to a child - was in disbelief.  In response (see Luke 1:18-22), Zechariah is silenced and made mute, unable to speak.  Upon the child's birth, Zechariah is a transformed man, "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Luke 1:67) as he prophecies both the role of his new born son and that of Jesus. With this devotional, Piper seeks for us to see two "remarkable things:"

1. "For the mind of faith, a promised act of God is as good as done. Zechariah has learned to take God at his word and so has a remarkable assurance[.]" Believers should be assured that all of God's promises are true, that He is faithful, and we can rest knowing these promises are to come to pass.
2. The visitation of God so anticipated and prayed for by Israel is for all of humanity.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE faithful as all of Your promises DO come to pass - we can trust in You!  Thank You Jesus for Your great faithfulness!  You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of how You are so faithful and for how You provide.  My sin of worry and other sins continue.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.