Scripture: Luke 1:17 (NLT) 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,[c] and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Observation:  Here the scriptures are describing through the angel of the Lord to Zechariah who his son John the Baptist will be.  He will be someone with the spirit and power of Elijah.  Just as Elijah pointed to the coming of the Lord....John will do the same.

Application:  For us the comission of pointing people to the Lord and his second coming remains the same as Elijah and John the Baptist, it's just that we are in the 21st century.  Our role as Christians is ever so important especially during these times of uncertainty with the Covid-19 Pandemic, the natural disasters and even wild fires that are increasing and displacing thousands of people. The gift of hope in Jesus Christ is what will bring life into those that I share the gospel with.  Sometimes its with words...other times its with the actions I put behind those words (in love).

Prayer:  Lord, there is so much shaking happening in the world and even now your "sifting" is also taking place, keep me on the path of righteousness and help me to guard my heart.  Keep me sustained in proclaiming the gospel until the very end of my life here on earth. I ask for your wisdom in navigating through these treacherous waters that the world is full of.  I pray for my family too--a prayer of protection, safety and health ...in Jesus Name...Amen