71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us--
72 to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
Luke 1:71-73 (NIV)
We talk about the reason for the season being Jesus. John the Baptist, Zechariah’s son, would prepare the way for Jesus and Jesus would offer salvation. Through Zachariah, God gave the reasons for salvation. Two of the reasons for this salvation were to free us from our enemies, especially Satan, and to fulfill the covenant God made with Abraham.
The Bible is full of stories where God protected His people from their enemies. John the Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus. God was sending Jesus to offer us protection from our greatest enemy, Satan. What is the worst the devil can do to us? Kill us? Well,
if we believe that Jesus died on the cross as payment for our sins and we confess with our mouths our need for a savior and that is Jesus is Lord, we are protected from death. When we die we enter into our Heavenly reward. Wow, that really takes the power away from Satan.
Salvation is not only to save us from the devil. Salvation also fulfills God’s covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 22: 16-18 God makes a big promise to Abraham.
The Bible is full of stories where God protected His people from their enemies. John the Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus. God was sending Jesus to offer us protection from our greatest enemy, Satan. What is the worst the devil can do to us? Kill us? Well,
if we believe that Jesus died on the cross as payment for our sins and we confess with our mouths our need for a savior and that is Jesus is Lord, we are protected from death. When we die we enter into our Heavenly reward. Wow, that really takes the power away from Satan.
Salvation is not only to save us from the devil. Salvation also fulfills God’s covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 22: 16-18 God makes a big promise to Abraham.
16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Genesis 22:16-18 (NIV)
Abraham’s descendants are to possess the cities of their enemies and bless all nations. As co-heirs with Jesus, we are part of this promise as well. Salvation does not only protect us from our enemies. We triumph over our enemies and take the land. God also blesses his people enough to bless “all nations.” Because Abraham did not withhold his son, God gave His Son to fulfill this covenant.
There are many aspects to salvation. Zachariah understood this, but he had a lot of quiet time. We have explored protection from our enemies and the covenant with Abraham being fulfilled. Jesus is the reason for the season. Let’s remember to celebrate the reasons God sent us.
Tomorrow’s reading is Luke 1:74-75.
There are many aspects to salvation. Zachariah understood this, but he had a lot of quiet time. We have explored protection from our enemies and the covenant with Abraham being fulfilled. Jesus is the reason for the season. Let’s remember to celebrate the reasons God sent us.
Tomorrow’s reading is Luke 1:74-75.
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