Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Assurance of fulfilment of prophecies through Zachariah Story

Bible Reading: Malachi 4:5-6

Key Verse: “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” Malachi 4:5


DEVOTION

The story of Zachariah in the Bible is deeply connected to the assurance of the fulfillment of prophecies, particularly those concerning the coming of the Messiah. The Book of Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament, emphasizes the need for faithfulness to God and highlights a prophecy about a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord. This prophecy, often interpreted as referring to John the Baptist. Therefore, it is pivotal in understanding the fulfilment of God’s promises.
In Judaism, Malachi’s prophecy (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6) foretells the return of Elijah before the "great and terrible day of the Lord." Jewish tradition sees Elijah as a forerunner to the Messiah, reconciling families and preparing hearts for the messianic age. This belief is symbolized in the Passover Seder, where a cup of wine is reserved for Elijah, reflecting the hope for his return and the Messiah's arrival.
For us, the fulfillment of this prophecy is seen in the New Testament through John the Baptist. The angel Gabriel told Zachariah that his son, John, would come "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). John’s role was to prepare the people for Jesus, calling them to repentance and proclaiming the coming of the Lord. Jesus affirmed this connection, declaring John as the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 11:13-14, 17:11-12). This fulfillment reinforces the reliability of God’s word and His divine plan.
Believers in Jesus Christ hold that the Messiah has already come, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus lived, died for humanity’s sins, and was resurrected, providing hope and salvation. As stated in Romans 10:9-10, faith and confession in Jesus as Lord lead to salvation. While Jewish tradition awaits the Messiah's first coming, Christians anticipate His return to restore all things.
The Zachariah story and John the Baptist’s mission emphasize the continuity and fulfillment of God’s promises, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and ready for Christ’s second coming.

 

  PRAYER

Gracious Father, we thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ in our lives. We affirm that He is our Savior, that He died for our sins, and that He will return. Lord, strengthen our faith, and help us to remain steadfast, even in the face of challenges and persecution. Amen.

 

Thought of the day

"Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God."— Charles Spurgeon

 

Saji Pappachen
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more