Zechariah's Prayer of Blessing for his Little Son

Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and praised God for His faithfulness to keep His promises to His people. We see in this the threads of God's tender mercy to give us salvation, the forgiveness of our sins and to bring us the morning light of heaven, Jesus. He spoke a prophecy over his new baby son John saying,

"And you, my little son,

will be called the prophet of the Most High,

because you will prepare the way for the Lord.

You will tell his people how to find salvation

through forgiveness of their sins.

Because of God's tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven
is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace."
Luke 1:76-79 NLT

The Holy Spirit inspired Zechariah to speak this beautiful prophecy over his son. His words are tender... "And you my little son". His words powerfully proclaim John's mission, his message of salvation through forgiveness of our sins. What an inspiration for parents and grandparents to seek God on behalf of each of our children and grandchildren for God's purpose, His gifting and to pray this into their lives!

Kids, each of you are made with a purpose. God loves you and wants to do wonderful things in your life. As we have seen in each of these stories the people had to have faith and be willing to let God use them. How does He want to use you? Just look to Him and trust He will lead you.

The imagery in the last part is beautiful! "Because of God's tender mercy toward us the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us". This fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 9 that we began this years Advent with on November 28th and also reminds me of a favorite proverb. 

"The people who walk in darkness 

will see a great light. 

For those who live in a land of deep darkness, 

a light will shine... 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. 

The government will rest on his shoulders. 

And he will be called: 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

Isaiah 9:2-6 NLT

"The path of the righteous is like
the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day."
Pro 4:18 NLT

Let us stand in the light of His everlasting love.