The Prophet of the Most High

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

         For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; 

    To give to His people the knowledge of salvation

         By the forgiveness of their sins, 

    Because of the tender mercy of our God,"

Luke 1:76-78a

Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, has given birth to a son. The angel Gabriel has told her and Zacharias, her husband, that the baby is to be named John. Now, before many witnesses, Zacharias prophesies of the role John will play in preparing the way for Christ. The Lord has not spoken through prophets for 400 years, until now. Imagine the excitement of Zacharias, Elizabeth and all the people around them as Zacharias begins to prophesy. The Messiah will be born soon, and John will grow up to be the prophet who will go before Him. John will live in the wilderness until his appointed time of ministry has come. John, son of Zacharias, "the prophet of the Most High".