“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will 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 of Elizabeth — John the Baptist — had an important role to play 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 upon them to turn from their erring and sinful ways to the Lord God for mercy for the sake of the promised Messiah and His atoning sacrifice 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 is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]