“To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).
I remember one winter morning, sitting alone in the early hours. The air is so cold and dense, causing every breath to hover in place as if it were too timid to venture into the darkness that surrounded us on every side. The blackened sky began to lighten just before the highest clouds caught the morning light’s first yellow and orange hues. Slowly, the dawn began to awaken the sleeping earth by shining light on the secrets that the night sky had obstructed, accompanied by the warmth of the sunlight as it peaked over the eastern horizon. Nothing is like experiencing the breaking of the day after a long, cold winter’s night.
In Luke 1:67-80, Luke captures the prophecy of a man who was previously unable to speak because of his disbelief. It was a prophecy from a man who couldn’t speak among a people who hadn’t heard from God for 400 years because God hadn’t spoken through His prophets. Yet, in verses 78 and 79, Zechariah so eloquently captures the beauty of this moment, “Because of God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
The light that Zechariah spoke of is the same light that God promised so many generations ago. Zechariah’s prophecy also recognizes God’s faithfulness, which results in the blessing of His people (vs. 68 – 75).
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
| He has: | We are: |
| Visited | Redeemed |
| Redeemed | Saved |
| Raised Up | Shown Mercy |
| Spoken | Encouraged |
| Promised | Delivered |
| Remembered | Bound in holiness and righteousness |
| Swore an Oath | Before Him |
Too often, the darkness of our present age obstructs God’s promises and blessings. Rather than being taken over by disbelief, be reminded that because of God’s merciful compassion, we can see and experience firsthand the light that puts an end to darkness and guides our feet in the way of peace.
Prayer Prompts:
- Ask God to reveal to you an area of disbelief in your life
- Ask God to guide you to belief in this area
- Praise God for His holiness and blessings as you walk into the newness of life