Luke 1:72-75 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
Zechariah is singing this song over the newborn John, and it hits different this morning as my almost 19 year old and almost 17 year old sleep down the hall. Zechariah’s song acknowledges all that John will do to prepare the way for the Lord. It thanks the Lord for His tender mercy. It represents one more of the many, many “letting go”s that happen between a parent and child.
Luke 1:76-77 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for 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,
Don’t get me wrong–I want my children to live good, healthy, full, independent lives. But as one who has wiped noses, cleaned scraps, encouraged, cajoled, etc for almost two decades, preparing for this separation is hard. But Zechariah and John give me hope. God knows us. He knows every hair on our heads. He is with us, and He will continue to be with us–all of us–wherever we go. He promised, and He always keeps His promises.
Luke 1:78-79 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Precious Savior, Thank You for these children, for this family that You created here. Thank You that You have been with us since the beginning, that You are with us now, that You will continue to be with us no matter where we go, no matter what we do. Thank You for the hope that can only come from You. Amen.
Luke 1:80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Have a blessed day.