It is still customary today for important people to... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.
Luke 1:68.69.

It is still customary today for important people to be announced before they appear before others. This was the case when the Son of God condescended to become a Man among His creatures on earth. Jesus Christ was announced by a herald, as was promised in the Old Testament. That herald was John the Baptist, whose name is of significance, for it characterises his mission: "the Lord is gracious".

John's birth had been announced to his father by an angel. The angel had indicated the name that the child should bear. When he was born and given the name of John, it caused a stir: that name did not follow the tradition of the family. But his father insisted on it. Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and praised God before all. Today's verse is part of his eulogy. God is indeed gracious, bestowing His grace on His people: the Son of God was about to come to earth to bring salvation and the forgiveness of their sins . We thus see how suitable the name of John was for the forerunner of the Redeemer.

In his praise Zacharias spoke of the "horn of salvation". What is meant by that? A horn is a symbol of strength. Zacharais also spoke of "the tender mercy of our God ... to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (vv. 78.79).

What a mighty Saviour is the Son of God! Even today He will free each one who believes in Him from the power of the devil and from sin.

Today‘s reading: Ezekiel 40: 28 - 49 · Psalms 141: 1 - 10