A Word from God's Word

“… to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins”

Luke 1:77

THE WORDS ABOVE COME FROM a prophecy offered by Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, after the birth of his son. Zacharias speaks of the ministry that John the Baptist will have as he goes before, and prepares the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. And as he prepares the way, he will “give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins”.

Notice, John’s preaching will identify the greatest problem of humanity, and the greatest problem for every individual. John makes clear that Jesus did not come to heal all diseases and sicknesses, although He did compassionately heal many people. Nor did He come to bring prosperity to our lives, for He Himself was a poor itinerant rabbi, who said concerning Himself, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Nor did He come merely to fix the myriad of problems and difficulties we have in life, although it is wonderful that we can take all our concerns to Him in prayer, knowing He hears and cares.

Rather, Jesus came to provide the solution to the greatest problem each one of us faces: our sin. Each one of us, apart from Christ, is in rebellion against a holy God. But through His death on the cross, Jesus provides the solution, for through faith in Him, there is forgiveness of our sins and eternal salvation. The greatest work of salvation is the greatest solution to the greatest problem we face. Praise be to God.

Pastor Craig publishes  "A Word from God's Word" weekly in the "Kootenay News Advertiser".