A Prophet of the Most High

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, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven. — Luke 1:26-28

John the Baptist went ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him to come.

He was a prophet of the Most High.

He came baptizing people, calling on them to repent of their sins.

Sharing with them the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

Thanks to God's tender mercy and grace.

 

Simeon Blessed Them

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."  — Luke 2:33-35 

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to dedicate him.

Simeon was waiting there to see the promised Messiah.

When he saw Jesus, he blessed his family.

And he prophesied about Jesus that He will cause the falling and rising of many.

And Christ will be a sign that the world will speak against.

He will reveal the hearts of people everywhere.

We welcome Jesus into the world!

Simeon Blessed Them

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. — Luke 2:34-35

After Simeon saw the baby Jesus, he blessed His parents.

And he praised God for sending Jesus.

He went on to tell about how God would use Jesus to save the world.

We are grateful that Jesus has filled our hearts with His love.

And that He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide our lives.

And that He has blessed us with wonderful family members who pray for us.

Salvation Through Forgiveness

To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven. — Luke 1:77-78

Jesus gives us forgiveness of our sins.

It happens through God's tender mercy toward us.

He also gives us the knowledge of salvation

Through His death and resurrection.

Knowing that He is alive again means we, too, can have eternal life.

And some day we will live in heaven with our Lord God.

Amazing. 

I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. — Isaiah 45:5-6

Palm Desert Sunset

God is Lord, and there is no other.

Apart from Him there is no God.

He gives me strength to get through any trials that come my way.

My Bible study group is reading Pilgrim's Progress right now.

Reading about the Hill of Difficulty that Christian climbs and the people he meets who try to take the easy path of Destruction or avoid the narrow way is very humbling.

I often act that way, too.

Even so, God gives me strength, forgiving me when I don't acknowledge Him.

From the rising of sun to its setting, people may know there is none besides Him.