We are taught that we must become upright people who, in God’s sight, are blameless and fully keep His commandments. “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly” [(Modern Translation: “When Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the division of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth also came from the family of Aaron. They were righteous before God and faithfully kept all the Lord’s commandments and regulations without fault”)] (Luke 1:5–6). While meditating on this passage, I would like to draw out the lessons given to us: (1) The author of Luke’s Gospel, Luke, first wrote to Theophilus about John the Baptist’s parents. The father’s name was “Zechariah” (meaning, “The LORD remembers...
Day 27: Romans 1:1-17 “I am obligated” We are debtors to the gospel (Rom. 1:14). We owe the gospel to all people. Therefore, we must proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes (v. 16). What is the gospel? The gospel is Jesus Christ. It is His birth, His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the tomb. It is the virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Mt. 1:18). It is Jesus, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, crucified on the cross to redeem our sins (Rom. 1:4). And it is Jesus, who rose from the dead after three days (v. 4). The nature and holiness of Jesus Christ are the gospel (vv. 3-4). We, as chosen ones, are appointed for this gospel (v. 1). We must proclaim this gospel to both believers and non-believers alike, because we are debtor...