Psalm of the Day: Psalm 8
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 5:1-23
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:13-17
We have, in these verses, the words of the angel who appeared to Zachariah. They are words full of deep spiritual instruction.
We learn, in the last place, from these verses — the character of a really great and successful minister of God. The picture is set before us in a striking manner, by the angel's description of John the Baptist. He is one who will "turn hearts" — turn them from ignorance, to knowledge; from carelessness, to thoughtfulness; from sin, to God. He is one who will "go before the Lord" — he will delight in nothing so much as being the messenger and herald of Jesus Christ. He is one who "will make ready a people for the Lord." He will strive to gather out of the world, a company of believers who will be ready to meet the Lord in the day of His appearing.
For such ministers, let us pray night and day. They are the true pillars of a Church — the true salt of the earth — the true light of the world. Happy is that Church, and happy is that nation — which has many such men. Without such men, learning, titles, financial endowments, and splendid buildings — will keep no Church alive. Souls will not be saved — good will not be done — Christ will not be glorified, excepting by men full of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me be a minister that turns others to you.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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