Luke 1:78-79

Have you ever been tongue-tied and couldn’t say what you wanted to say? The godly priest, Zacharias, had such an experience, except he was made 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. That’s when things changed. The angel, Gabriel, appeared to Zacharias and told him wonderful news. His wife, who had not been able to get pregnant, was going to bear a son in their old age. They were to name him John. Most importantly, their child would be the forerunner to the long-awaited Messiah. Shocked at both the news that they were going to have a baby and that he would hold such an esteemed position, Zacharias asked, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years” (Luke 1:18). 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 an encounter with an angel, for your wife to become pregnant when she was past child-bearing age, and on top of all that to not be able to speak. Finally, when John was born, Zacharias was able to speak. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he praised God, “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” (Luke 1:78-79).  

Zacharias praised God for Jesus visiting us, we who are in darkness, to guide us into the way of peace. “Holy, holy, holy” is all I can say right now. How about you?

Lord Jesus, SUNRISE FROM ON HIGH, I smile in joy and praise of You, who came from heaven’s glory to shine on me and guide me to the way of peace.  

Happy Veteran’s Day to all our veterans. Thank you for your courage, service, and sacrifice. May God bless, strengthen, and protect you. 

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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 literally 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, he alone entered the temple. That’s when things changed. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and fear gripped him. The angel spoke wonderful news. His wife, who had not been able to get pregnant, was going to get pregnant. Most importantly, their child would be the forerunner to the long awaited Messiah.  Shocked at both the news that they were going to have a baby and that their child would hold such an esteemed position, 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 an angel, to watch your beloved wife grow with child, and not to be able to speak. Finally, when baby John was born, Zacharias’ tongue was loosed. What  words poured from his heart 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.” Luke 1:78

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 on us and for guiding us to the way of peace. We can’t wait to worship You in heaven!