to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:79 NABRE
After the birth of his son John, Zechariah begins to prophesize his future and his role with the Messiah. Zechariah knows John will announce the coming of One who will bring peace, the One who is light. Luke captures a canticle called the Benedictus from the first word in Latin, blessed. Many words of blessing are found in the Hebrew Scriptures, no doubt these words are taken from scripture and perhaps even a prayer first century Jews would pray. These words bless, foretell of the One who will come, describe John’s relationship with the One who is to come and explains through the One who comes many will find peace and light. This is a prayer recited through-out Christian communities, known as the Canticle of Zechariah. John has a significant role in announcing the Messiah but we read it is the Messiah Himself who brings change and this peace. This peace is more than an absence of fighting it is a harmony with all the living. We read the Messiah will shine on those who are in the dark and near death. The Messiah brings light to all who are lonely, needy, and in the dark, they can have light and life.
Zechariah is a priest of the temple and with the words “shine” and “peace” he echo’s the words from Aaron’s priestly blessing, a blessing God told Moses to have Aaron give to all the people. “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26) This is the prophecy of the coming Messiah, we may be blessed, see the Lord’s face and have peace. The only place this can be found is through God, the one who is peace. May you come to know peace today!
Have you experienced peace? Do you seek the light?
Prophecy speaks of the coming Messiah, that we may be blessed, see the Lord's face and have peace. The only place this can be found is through God, the one who is peace. May you come to know peace today! Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #peace #light #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways