* Read and reread the scripture each day.
* Ask God to show you His truth through His Word.
* Ponder the scripture as you go about your day.
* Keep a record of your spiritual growth and understanding.
Ponder of the Week
See thoughts on how to ponder on the "'Ponder' of the Week" main page and on the HOME page
Week 5/11-17/2025 Suggested Scripture to Ponder this week:
Luke 1:67-69, 76-79
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David, ....
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of Peace."
Luke 1:67-69, 76-79 NKJV
Commentary:
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This is the song of Zacharias after the miraculous birth of his son, John the Baptist. In these verses he first prophesies the coming of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Then in verses 76-79, Zacharias states the purpose of his son John's life. This eight day old infant would grow up to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. He would do this by teaching the people about salvation through the forgiveness of sin. He would give light to those in darkness and point the people to their Savior.
Zacharias' prophesy came true. John grew up and was a voice in the wilderness proclaiming to the people to get ready because Jesus was coming. Jesus did come, walked on this earth, then died to take the punishment for our sins so we could be saved. He rose again and returned to heaven with a promise to come back as a triumphant King to gather His people to live with Him forever.
John was called to prepare the people of Israel for the coming of Jesus. Every believer has the same calling. Jesus is coming again and it is up to believers to share the knowledge of salvation to a world groping in darkness and the shadow of death.
I must show others God's light. I must be a voice in this wilderness. If I do not, how will they be ready when the Lord returns? And what will I be able to say for myself when I stand before my Lord?
Dear Lord, help me to take John's calling to my heart. Help me to take every opportunity to spread Your light, to spread the Good News of salvation. Help me always to remember that You are coming back. I know that preparing the way for Your return is the most important thing I will ever do. Thank You for saving me and giving me this sacred task to honor You.