“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he shall turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” Luke 1:15-16
The angel told Zacharias that the child to be born to Elizabeth — John the Baptist — would play an important role in God’s plan of salvation for lost mankind. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb and “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” by calling on them to turn from their sinful and erring ways to the Lord God for mercy and forgiveness in the promised Messiah and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. Followers of Christ continue this great work today (cf. Luke 24:46-47).
Grant that I be found ready for Christ’s return, O God — that I turn from my evil ways to You for pardon and forgiveness in the shed blood of Christ Jesus, my Savior, and continue in this great work of calling all to repent and trust in Him. Amen.
[Scripture quotations are taken from the Barbour Simplified KJV, copyright 2022, 2025. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc. Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683. All rights reserved.]