This chapter has a great deal happening including the foretelling of John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ births, an interchange between Mary and Elizabeth, John’s birth, and Zechariah’s prophecy. I suggest reading the full chapter for context.
” ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant… and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.’ ” (v46-50 abr)
” ‘…that we… might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child… will… give knowledge of salvation to [the Lord’s] people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God… to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ ” (v74-79 abr)
These are two separate, yet parallel passages. The first is from Mary, mother of Jesus (sometimes called the Magnificat), the second is from Zechariah, father to John the Baptist.
Both of these people talk about serving God, the merciful and gracious Lord of Abraham, who has blessed His people greatly and redeemed them for a purpose. It was clear before Jesus’ birth that He and His followers would be light unto this dark world – a world full of sin and brokenness.
I look at current events, both in my personal life and in the lives of my neighbors, and I can clearly see the ‘darkness’ in this world. There is extreme pain and suffering, and much loss – this is true not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. It’s clear that we desperately need God’s restorative, healing, and redeeming power through Jesus. Without the light of Jesus and His followers in this world, we would all be lost to the darkness. Jesus later commands His followers to be light and salt, so let’s embrace our King’s calling.
Father God, our Glorious, Merciful, and Gracious Lord, holy is Your name. May Jesus’ kingdom advance on earth, and may we His loyal servants be salt and light to our neighbors. May we be rooted in You, and exude Christlikeness in all we say and do. In the name of Jesus our King, the Light of the World, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training