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Luke 1:67-75

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.”

Zechariah had not been able to speak for nine months! With the birth of his son, John, Zechariah’s tongue is set free and he sings a song of praise. The first part of his song celebrates the coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah. The second part of Zechariah’s song celebrates the role his son would play in preparing the way for Jesus. Let’s consider the first part of his song today.

God has visited! In Jesus, God came to earth to visit us.

God came to redeem. The word, “redeem” means “to buy back; to rescue.” An example of “redemption” in the Old Testament was when God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and set them free. Zechariah knew that God was visiting humanity in order to rescue mankind from sin and set us free. In Jesus, God provided his great mercy to man.

God came to rescue. God promised to send a deliverer “as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.” In Jesus, this promise was fulfilled. Jesus came to rescue us from the world, from our sin, from the devil, and from death.

God came to enable service. Jesus provided the way for man to serve God without fear and in holiness and righteousness.

Talking to God

Lord Jesus, thank you for taking on flesh and coming to live among us. Thank you for redeeming us, rescuing us, and allowing us to serve you. In your name. Amen.

 

For parents: Sound theology starts at home. Teach your children the theological truths of redemption, salvation, holiness, and righteousness found in these passages. Share with us the way you explain these truths in an age-appropriate way. Are there any helpful resources that you use? Email us at prayer@ronmoore.org.

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This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas