-November 30, 2021-
Good morning, happy Tuesday,
“Through the mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way peace.”
(Luke 1:78-79).
The Gospel of Luke gives more details about the birth of Christ than of the four gospels. Today’s context is the portion that contains Zacharias’ prophesy in Luke 1:62-79. He was the father of John the Baptist who doubted the angel who had spoken to him that and his wife Elizabeth would in their state of infertility, be of the parents of John the forerunner of Christ. Once he told his friends and relatives that his name was John, his muteness was taken away. Then gave glory to God and uttered these beautiful words.
He shows his understanding of who John would be and that he would prepare the way of the Messiah. Through God’s mercy the Dayspring, which better translated Sunrise would visit them from on high. This is a clear reference of Jesus the Christ. Twice in his prophesy, he speaks of how God would visit His people. Verse 68 says, “Blessed be the God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people His people.”
The Israelites waited hundreds of years for the Messiah to come, and the moment had come. Waiting is hard, and they waited so long. There was a period of 400 silent years between the end of Malachi, the last book in the OT, to the time Christ came.
Jesus the Christ came as the Light of the world to give light to those in darkness. Isaiah prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). We also read in John 1:6-9, “There was a man sent from God, whose name is John. This man came as a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”
Jesus as the Light of the world came to die on the cross so that by believing in Him we might have eternal life and the forgiveness of sin. By His death, we have life. He as the Prince of Peace guides us the path of peace. Jesus fulfilled every prophesy of the Messiah from the OT. His coming was so exciting and well the wait. When you wait so long for something , it makes it all the better and sweeter. God is never a moment too soon or a moment too late. His timing is perfect.
We too are waiting for Jesus to come again as He promised and He will come. Hebrews 10:37 tells us, “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.” Just as but a few were earnestly and expectedly waiting for His first advent, there are but a few today waiting and watching for His second coming. We may see it in our lifetimes.
Have a blessed day watching and waiting, trusting and praying. Thank God for this Christmas season. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 