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Stirring
Have you ever misplaced or lost something, and it stirs little worry? You just know that Read More
Candace M. Lewis | Read Luke 1:68-79
After nine months of silence, Zechariah has much to say. His prophetic song, known as the Benedictus, is a song of praise and thanksgiving. Zechariah proclaims that God has looked favorably upon God’s people and has redeemed them by sending a savior. During Zechariah’s time, the people are subject to the Romans. They long for a political savior who would deliver them from the Roman Empire’s control.
Jesus’ mission, heralded by Zechariah and later by his son John, offers us salvation, deliverance, and freedom from captivity to sin. It frees us to love and serve God and others wholeheartedly. This is a part of the good news Zechariah shares in his Benedictus.
Zechariah also speaks of the divine purpose of his own son in the fulfillment of God’s plan. Imagine Zechariah holding baby John in his arms as a proud parent would at a special ceremonial occasion. He looks at his son and declares, “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” (niv). John’s ministry will usher in light to those who sit in darkness and guide their feet in the way of peace.
John the Baptist will fulfill the call upon his life prophetically spoken by his parent. John will cry out in the wilderness, preaching, proclaiming, and preparing the way for the coming of Christ the King. John will call people to repent of their sins and return to God.
O God, may we hear in John’s prophecy a call on our lives to repent and to remember the true meaning of your salvation. Amen.
Our readings for the week highlight the Reign of Christ. Jeremiah prophesies about a future King from the line of David who will bring justice, righteousness, and security for the people of God. Luke 1 records the song of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Zechariah praises God for raising up salvation from the house of David as God had promised through the prophets. This child will bring mercy, forgiveness, and light. Luke 23 recounts part of the story of the death of Jesus. Here Jesus, the Light of the world, dies as an act of mercy for our forgiveness. In Colossians, Christ holds first place above everything else. Through his death we are forgiven and brought from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.
Read Jeremiah 23:1-6. How do you trust in God’s promises to bring safety and justice as you watch unjust rulers oppress and abandon their followers?
Read Luke 1:68-79. What will you say when you break your silence?
Read Colossians 1:11-20. Recall a time when you waited for something in great anticipation. How did your faith help you find patience?
Read Luke 23:33-43. How do you recognize Christ as King when you experience or witness suffering?
Respond by posting a prayer.
I join many of those who will pray for you as you seek to discern what you are called to be at this moment. May God grant you the courage to fulfill that calling. May we all open our eyes and see the misery, open our ears and hear the cries of God’s people, and, like God through the Lord Jesus Christ, be incarnate amongst them.”
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