Praise to the Sunrise from On High
“Because of the tender mercy of our God,
with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,…”
Have you ever been tongue-tied; you couldn’t say what you wanted to say? The godly priest Zacharias had such an experience. Except he was literal unable to speak. It hadn’t always been that way. He had led a remarkably righteous life. Then, one day, when he was performing his priestly service, he was chosen to burn incense in the temple. As the people prayed outside, he entered. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, and fear gripped him. The angel spoke wonderful news; that his wife, who had been barren, was going to bear the forerunner to the Messiah. Now also in shock, Zacharias asked, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”* Gabriel told Zacharias that since he didn’t believe him, he wouldn’t be able to speak until John was born. How’s that for a sign? Imagine what it would be like to have a marvelous encounter with Gabriel, to watch your beloved wife grow with child, and not to be able to speak. Finally, at last, baby John is born! Zacharias’s tongue was loosed. What anointed words poured from his heart, mind, and soul?
…Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Let’s sit for a moment and meditate on Zacharias’s words, on the reality of Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God and comes to earth to deliver messages, of tongues tied and loosed, of Jesus visiting us….to shine upon we who are in darkness; to guide us into the way of peace. “Holy, holy, holy” is all I can say right now. What are you thinking?
LORD JESUS, SUNRISE from ON HIGH, we smile in joy and praise of You, who came from heaven’s glory to visit us on earth. We praise You, for the light You shine and for guiding us into the way of peace. We can’t wait to worship You in heaven!