Knowing The Word in Luke 1:76-79

Zechariah's Prophecy Continued

1:76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Comments

There had been no prophets for centuries. John’s prophetic mission, however, would be like none other before him. He would be the “Most High” prophet, the culmination of all the prophets who have preceded him. The mention of “the forgiveness of their sins” is the first inkling of what salvation should look like and be. This is something that John could not do—that no man could do. Only God can forgive sins.

The “tender mercy” of God is a significant theme of this prophecy. God is not in the punishment business but in the salvation business. That “the sunrise shall visit us from on high” mostly likely refers to the incarnation of God himself in Jesus. Jesus will visit us and move us from the shadow of death into the light of peace. Peace is the peace of God that calms our hearts and minds to make us strong to live for God. It was John’s job to prepare the way for the Lord, his cousin Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace.

Application

Do you know the peace of God that calms hearts and minds? Take some time today to ask God to give you that peace so that you can live for him. In fact, you can say that prayer now.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, fill me with the peace of God right now. Calm my heart, calm my mind. Make me strong to live for God and to reflect the character of Jesus, my Savior, in my life today. (Spend 10-15 minutes in silence before the Lord.)