December 6
Luke 1:76-80
“…to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:79b
Much has been made of Mary’s Song in the aftermath of the angel Gabriel’s startling news that she will give birth to the Son of God. There is, however, another wonderful song in this first chapter of Luke, offered by Zechariah after his son, John, is born. Having been silenced by his disbelief after hearing that God would give him and his aging wife Elizabeth a son, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed when Elizabeth names the child John. With months of frustrating silence now behind him, praise pours forth as he proclaims in the opening words of his song, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”
Zechariah’s path had not always yielded the results he and his wife Elizabeth had desired, particularly in the context of family. In verse six of this first chapter we are told that he and Elizabeth “were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” Yet, as verse seven continues, “they were childless...both well advanced in years.” To the community around them, the paradox of these verses would not be understood. Faithfulness was rewarded with blessing and children were indeed considered a blessing from God. For Elizabeth and Zechariah, as for Abraham and Sarah, this blessing was deferred. There were perhaps many days and nights of tearful wondering as to why God had not given them children. Though the promise and fulfillment of this child came later in their relationship, their faithfulness did not waiver.
Perhaps they knew something of this path of peace Zechariah was now singing about. In speaking of the One who would follow after their own son’s preparation, John continued to walk a pathway of peace that had led him and Elizabeth thus far.
I am encouraged by the faithfulness of those who will trust God to guide their feet into the path of peace. How about you?
Prayer: You, who are the guiding presence for our continuing walk, lead us and we will follow in the path of peace. In the name of the Christ, we pray, Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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