16/3/18 – Numbers 4, Numbers 5:1-10 – Luke 1:57-80 – Psalm 34:11-22

Luke 1:76-77

And 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,

As his son was new born, Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and he prophesied.

And what a word it was that he was given – the destiny of His son laid out before him. Imagine how it must have felt, holding that little child knowing that he would be a mighty prophet and that he’d be preparing the way for the Lord Himself!

John’s task was clear right from birth. To bring people to that knowledge of sin and the need for salvation. It’s a literal preparing the way for the message Jesus would bring.

When we read that God knows the plans that He has for us, they may not be as epic as the plans He had for John… but He knows them in just as much detail.

Whether we live out those plans, well that’s up to us – but He has purposed something for each of us, something good that can grow His kingdom.

John preached as a man who had certainty. No wonder – his purpose was known from an early age. Purpose gives you meaning. Purpose drives you. Purpose gets you out of bed in the morning.

How could John live in the wilderness, eating locusts?

He could do it, because he lived for a purpose.

Do you live each day, eyes fixed on a higher purpose?

Ps 34:19

The righteous person may have many troubles,

but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Sometimes you just need to hear that.

Do troubles come? Absolutely. Have you had troubles? Me too. That doesn’t mean God is mad at you – it doesn’t’ mean the enemy is bringing you down… it’s life.

The righteous person may have many troubles. I like that this psalm doesn’t’ say some… but many.

Righteous people have many troubles. Are you righteous? Then you can’t expect troubles to pass you by. Problems are not a sign that your walk is not right… they’re a sign that you are alive.

BUT…

And it’s good to have a but… The Lord delivers him from them all. No matter what you go through, you are not alone. Submit it to God in prayer. Bring it to Him and He won’t let you down.

We may have troubles, but we also have a very real help in times of trouble. Cast all your troubles on Him – and He will deliver you.