“Then his father was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.” Luke 1:67-80
Praise God for grace, the entirety of the gamut of grace. God goes before us, individually and the entirety of humanity beckoning us to come, be with Him. He offers rescue, redemption and salvation, then delivers upon His promises. And he leads us into a deeper relationship and understanding of Him, as we respond. Oh how wonderful it is we may “serve him without fear”, for He makes us holy and righteous. He prepares the way for us, He gives us knowledge of the salvation he offers and when we respond he not only forgives sin but with the power of the Holy Spirit fills us with a stronger and stronger spirit. Even when we are in the wilderness, we are able to grow with God, take advantage of time in the wilderness, look for God, grow with God, your time to appear publicly is coming. Come out as strongest as is possible – anointed by, filled with, and guided by God’s Holy Spirit.