And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:76-79
After his mouth is opened, Zechariah prophesies over his son John. He rightfully proclaims that John will prepare the way of the Lord Jesus.* In a time of political pressures and oppression by the Romans, the temptation was to think that the salvation of the Lord would be one of force and governmental upheaval (something temporary).* However, the words of Zechariah point toward the message of John and the mission of Jesus: the forgiveness of sins (something eternal).*
We must not allow the difficulties of our circumstances to diminish our appreciation of the great works of God’s hand in our lives. It would be easy for those hearing Zechariah to say, “well, that’s all well and good that Jesus wants to take away our sin, but what about the Romans?!” It can be easy in our difficulties to say, “well, thanks for all you’ve done in my life, God, but what about ___________?!”
The acts of God to bring the forgiveness of sin was an act of great mercy.* Sending John to tell them of this work was also a great act of mercy.* God did not send Jesus to do His salvific work in silent secrecy. No, He, in His mercy, told us to look out for it. It’s as if God was saying, “don’t miss it!”
Today, we must know that God is working on our behalf in acts of mercy. Perhaps today this devotional is also His mercy, letting you know that He is working. There are things He’s doing in your life (including the forgiveness of sin) that today He’s saying, “don’t miss it!”
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to recognize the salvation that He’s given you. Perhaps today He wants you to know that He is working on your behalf. Maybe today God would have you shift your perspective from temporary things to eternal things.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.
Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!
*Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 1:76–80). InterVarsity Press.
Garland, D. E. (2012). Luke (pp. 106–109). Zondervan.
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; pp. 61–64). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Liefeld, W. L., & Pao, D. W. (2007). Luke. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition) (Vol. 10, pp. 70–72). Zondervan.
Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (p. 77). Zondervan Publishing House.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: 1:1–9:50 (Vol. 1, pp. 179–194). Baker Academic.
Nolland, J. (1989). Luke 1:1–9:20 (Vol. 35A, pp. 82–90). Word, Incorporated.