UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 4, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Three Thoughts and Three Questions for Today”

Luke 1:76

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways . . .”

I am not sure why John is commonly known as John the Baptist in our days since the true baptizer is none other than Jesus Christ (Luke 3:16; Acts 2:33).  Instead, John is called “the prophet of the Most High”, meaning John’s calling was to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Matt. 3:3b) by way of speak boldly about the coming Messiah. Once the long-awaited Christ came, John stepped aside for him, saying, “He must become greater; I must become less” (Jn. 3:30).

In view of that, is it okay that you are not in the spotlight?  Are you truly content just with Jesus?

Luke 1:68-79

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 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.

Zechariah’s song can be divided into three parts: first, what God does for His people through Jesus Christ (vv. 68-75); second, how God uses his servant to prepare others to meet Jesus (vv. 76-77); third, what God provides for His people who place their faith in Jesus Christ (vv. 78-79).  

Which part of the song do you want God to do in your life?

Without sounding so impious, I would like to say, “Sometimes God is predictable.”  Sending Jesus Christ was never an afterthought.  God acts according to what He promised (Luke 1:70-75).  Read the entire passage again.  We are able to serve God (v. 74b) because God rescued us from our enemies (vv. 71, 74a).  

What is keeping you from serving the Lord these days?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be content with my life as long I have You in my heart.  Dear Jesus, help me to sing songs of joy because of You.  Christ, remind me to be thankful for Your faithful and predictable love for me. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 22-23