But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” Luke 1:13 NIV
John, the man God used to spark this great revival, was set apart unto God while even in his mother’s womb. God wanted John to be distinct from the culture around him, even from the common religious culture. Rather than being controlled by wine, he was to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. He was to go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17), to “turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:16). While John did not do any physical miracles, as Elijah did, he was powerfully used of God, as Elijah was, to turn many back to God. Conversions are a far greater display of God’s mighty power than physical miracles are. While God has gifted us all differently, and the results of His working through us will differ, we should all seek to be used by Him in the process of turning sinners back to God. To be used in this way, the first requirement is a life that is distinct from our culture. People will judge our lives to see if we are truly different or whether we’re just putting on a show. As we live under the control of the Holy Spirit, He will use us to bear witness to others of the hope that is within us. As Peter wrote, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). If we live righteous lives, set apart unto God, filled with His Spirit, then God can use us to bring revival.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, may our lives be set apart for you to use us to bring revival.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, as we live righteous lives, set us apart unto You, filled with Your Spirit, so that You can use us to bring revival. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Matthew 25:1-13
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