God continually inspires within my soul a larger perspective of the things around me. There’s a lot going on in the spiritual realm that influences the natural realm; sometimes we forget that reality. I am to expect God’s provisional hand guiding and orchestrating the things I need and pray to receive. To expect with hope is obedience and a proper response to God’s word brings peace. Remember, fear of the Lord [respect/awe] is the beginning of wisdom (Pro 9:10). It is not wise to doubt God’s ability to fulfill his word or promises. Our faith must rise and our biblical character this evening knows the consequences of doubt.
Just prior to our passage today, Zechariah has an encounter with the angel, Gabriel, and is told he and Elizabeth will have a son who will precede the Messiah [Christ] and prepare the way for salvation through repentance. Zechariah, struggles to receive this promise and is struck mute—by the angel—as a result of his lack of faith. When his son, John the Baptist is born, Zechariah miraculously receives his voice back and the first thing he does is lift praises to God.
Luke reminds his readers about the praises of Zechariah and the fact the Messiah is coming to bring spiritual peace and prosperity through deliverance from sin. Messiah will be the One to deliver Israel from her enemies—but he is not talking about the Romans. Instead, Jesus will deliver people from sin, Satan, and death, and to usher in peace as he rules and reigns from the throne of David [through David’s royal line]. All of this will happen according to God’s plan of making us right with himself. Salvation is about forming a relationship with the Christ, because God’s plan was always about sending the God-Man [Jesus] into the world as Redeemer—A Light shining in the darkness.
Luke 1:68-79 NLT
68
“Praise [Lt. benedictus] the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
69
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
70
just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
71
Now we will be saved from our enemies
and from all who hate us.
72
He has been merciful to our ancestors
by remembering his sacred covenant—
73
the covenant he swore with an oath
to our ancestor Abraham.
74
We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear,
75
in holiness and righteousness
for as long as we live.
76
“And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
78
Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending John the Baptist into the world to help us understand the need for repentance and the forgiveness of sin. We have all sinned and deserve death and separation from your glorious presence, but a repentant heart is precious to you and your response is to extend us mercy. For this reason, Zechariah praises you with his first words after months of silence. Thank you for Jesus our Messiah who helps us win the victory over sin and the works of Satan, so we may live in your enteral life, peace, and care. Thank you for the Spirit who is our Helper who leads us into an ever-increasing perspective of the eternal Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.