Blessed Be God (Luke 1:67-79)
God has done wonderful things! Zechariah celebrated the birth of his son by praising God.
In celebrating the birth of his son, Zechariah provided us with reasons why we should praise God.
God Saves His People, vv 68-69
We live in a sinful world which needs salvation, and God provides salvation.
God has looked favorably on his people; he has “visited them.” “Visiting” means to visit with the purpose of aiding (Js. 1:27- “care for orphans and widows in their distress”). In the Person of Jesus Christ, God showed concern for his people.
God has redeemed his people; he made a ransom for them. A “ransom” was the price paid for the release of slave or prisoners; it was the price of freedom. Jesus paid our price; he bought our freedom (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
A king set a decree that anyone caught committing adultery should have his eyes plucked out. His son was the first person caught. His son lost one eye, and the king lost one eye.
That’s redemption. It showed the king’s love. It showed the king’s honor for the law. It showed that the guilty shall not escape.
God has raised up a mighty savior for his people; he raised up a “horn of salvation.” “Horn” was a symbol of strength and power. “Horn of salvation” shows that this Savior can save; he is not ineffective. No sin is so horrible that God cannot save; God can save you.
God Keeps His Promises, vv 70-75
The prophets told of a Messiah who was to come from the house of David. Jeremiah 23:5-6. Isaiah 9:6-7.
God promised Abraham that the Messiah would come through his seed. Genesis 12:1-3; 22:15-18.
God kept these promises, and God still keeps his promises today.
God Prepares His Path, vv 76-77
John was to go before the Lord to prepare his path. Malachi 3:1. Isaiah 40:3. Both of these passages were applied to John in Mark 1:2-3.
John was to prepare the way of the Lord by preaching salvation and the forgiveness of sins. John encouraged people to repent (Matt. 3:2). John preached a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mk. 1:4).
When Jesus came the world was ready. God had made preparation. Galatians 4:4. 1 Peter 1:20.
Jesus did not come into the world as some ‘”last-ditch” effort to save mankind; God was prepared; the time was right.
God Brings His Peace, vv 78-79
These verses mean that God gives hope. Jesus brought hope into the world.
We live in a world that has lost much of its hope.
This is poetry, and the picture is of travelers who are overtaken by the night. They don’t know how to go. The morning light comes and allows them to see their direction.
Jesus is the morning light (Matt. 4:16).
The purpose of this light is two-fold:
- “To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death;” the light gives hope.
- “To guide our feet into the way of peace.” “Peace” means that which is our highest good. The light leads us in the right way, the way which is for our own good.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, God deserves our praise. We’ve gathered tonight and praised God in our worship. Are you praising him in your life?
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Main Street church of Christ in Pikeville, Kentucky.