** He Shall Be Called - Day 7**

Birth Prophecy: A messenger would prepare the way for the Messiah

Scripture: Read the prophecy – Isaiah 40:3 - 5
Read the fulfillment – Mark 1:1 – 11; Luke 3:3 – 6

A prevalent custom in the Near East at that time was that representatives of a visiting monarch would be sent to visit the area and make preparations before the actual visit. Representatives of the visiting king or government official would travel to the area and discuss details of the actual visit. Who would the king be meeting, what welcoming gifts were appropriate, and what safety precautions were in place, were all details that needed to be clarified. The preliminary visit served to increase the excitement for the actual visit.

Elizabeth and Zechariah were relatives of Mary and they were to have a son a few months before the birth of Jesus. This baby would grow up to be John the Baptist and he would take on the role of preparing the way for God’s Messiah. John preached a message of redemption from sin and soon developed a following. To his credit, he never took adulation for himself but always focused the attention to the Christ. Jesus was the one who was coming and was to be the true object of praise and worship.

Q1. Scripture tells us John lived in the desert and lived a rather isolated life. He ate odd food and wore odd clothes. Why do you think God would pick such an odd character to deliver the message and prepare the way for His son? Why wouldn’t God pick a more accepted figure such as a rabbi or a Pharisee?

Q2. The Bible tells us that the Messiah will come again. Who do you think has the job of preparing the way for the coming King? Could that possibly be the role that God wants for you – i.e. to prepare the way for His son?

Q3. How might you go about preparing the way for Jesus to come again?

Joy to the world the Lord is come, let earth receive her king
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love

PRAYER FOCUS: Thank you, Lord, for coming a first time to be my redeemer. Thank you for the hope that You are coming a second time, as a conquering King. Help me to do my part in preparing the way for the Messiah to come again. Help me to fulfill my role as I serve to usher in the kingdom of God. Help me to carry the message of the gospel to my family and friends.