”…You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him. To give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us…” Luke 1:76-78
This Word was given regarding John The Baptist’s work - to prepare the way for the Messiah. He was to bring the knowledge of salvation and the hope of forgiveness. This was so why many people repented of their sins and were baptized by John. All of this was because of God’s mercy over His people. The reference of the rising sun meant this was going to be a new day (age). God’s people would leave the hopelessness of the law to live by His grace. Because of the coming Messiah, God’s people would now have:
LIGHT IN PLACE OF DARKNESS…
”To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death…” Luke 1:79a
Biblically, darkness has negative implications, such as: fear; confusion; lack of confidence; cockroaches and evil. Obviously, darkness also hinders our visibility. Paul said in II Corinthians 4:4, ‘The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.’ Paul knew about being blind (Acts 9:1-18). He was blinded by ambition and sin, needing prayer for scales to fall from his eyes. So three things are a must for our eyes to be opened and to confess Jesus as the Lord: Nebuchadnezzar looked to heaven and his sanity was restored; the prodigal came to his senses, and in Paul’s case, by prayer, scales fell from his eyes so he could see.
…AND PEACE INSTEAD OF WAR.
”…To guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:79b
I’ve never been at war, except with myself, so I can’t say firsthand, but I’d imagine there is a lot of: fear; pain; hate; suffering and death. This I know to be true, God’s Word says our sins cause a conflict with God - a battle we cannot win. God loves us so much (immeasurable) that our sin was killing Him. Enough so, that He would rather die than lose us. He knew He was the only one who could end the ‘war’ and provide us salvation - bringing us peace with Him and helping us live in peace with each other.
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