It was a dark time, the leaders were corrupt and dangerous, and religious leaders were really not much better. They were the movers and shakers of the day, bent on climbing all the way to the top of the ladder of ambition. Tiberius was the most reluctant of emperors, known as dark and reclusive. Pliny the Elder called him, “the gloomiest of men!” Pontius Pilate, a violent man responsible for the slaughter of many Samaritans, a man with no conscience. Then, of course, there was King Herod, a King in name only, having never been given the title, his harsh, oppressive policies causing him to be disliked by the Jews.
As for religious leaders, Annas and Caiaphas, a father and son duo known forever in infamy for their cruel persecution of Christians. Recognized for exploiting the Jewish people through bazaars placed even in God’s temple. A popular rhyme was penned for them –
“Woe to the house of Annas!
Woe to their serpent’s hiss!
They are high priests;
Their sons are keepers of the treasury,
Their sons-in-law are guardians of the temple,
And their servants beat people with staves.”
A wicked time, dark days. But a day when, “the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” (Luke 3:2) John the Baptist, the one of whom Jesus said “there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…” (Matthew 11:11). John the Baptist bursts onto the scene with boldness, bringing hope, declaring the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ!
This interesting passage of scripture has come to me at a time when I needed to be reminded that no matter how dark it may seem, God is preparing my deliverance! It was in this unethical and violent time in history that the LORD of Lords, the Savior of the world, the Bright and Morning Star, Jesus, our Messiah, began his ministry to the lost. Hope shining into a hopeless world.
Sometimes it really is darkest before the dawn, when the struggle seems so intense – God is setting up a plan for you to triumph. He is providing hope to burst forth upon your horizon. Answers to your hardest questions. Rivers in the wasteland. If you are in a season in your life where the enemy seems to be triumphant, where it seems so very dark – God. Is. Moving. God is working, He is preparing your victory, He will bring you hope and cause you to be triumphant! Just hang on, your deliverance is right around the corner.
PREPARE FOR VICTORY
Declare hope even before you see the breakthrough.
John the Baptist emerged onto the scene in a dark and troubled world with a clear voice, a voice of declaration, that God was about to move. This was long before Jesus came onto the scene, long before anyone had seen the promise. Today, declare breakthrough aloud over your life. Choose a situation that feels heavy, uncertain, or delayed, and pray a prayer of declaration over it.
Perhaps a little like this: “God is moving even when I cannot see. This darkness that hovers over my life will not have the final word. The LORD is going before me and preparing a way for victory and a breakthrough.”
Sometimes it’s your voice of declaration that becomes the first sound of victory before the answer arrives!
Claire's Prayer 