Read Luke 1:67-80 Soap Luke 1:74-79
I love the picture of the sunrise describing Jesus' salvation for us in verse 78. Can't you just see the desperate people sitting in darkness, covered in death and disease? Then suddenly, the light creeps in, showing the way out of that death. Salvation is so beautiful - rescuing us from the hopeless condition of this fallen world. And it guides us into the way of peace. Lives marked by sin are anything but peaceful. But living God's way brings a sense of order, an assurance of direction, and just...peace. Loved the imagery in the verses today!
Here's another great verse from Malachi about the sun.
But for you vwho fear my name, wthe sun xof righteousness shall rise ywith healing in its wings.
Malachi 4:2
I love this picture of the sun. No, it's not technically a sunrise, but it reminds me of these verses nonetheless. It's from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Feel free to comment below.
Day 5
ReplyDeleteI’m still thinking about how Zachariah must have felt not being able to speak for all those months of Elizabeth pregnancy thinking on the things he had witness and been told. While in the temple he was to deliver a benediction to the people and it probably would have been something that came in his head and right out his mouth. But not now, not after being in presence of God’s holy angel, not after months of silence, not after months of pondering what this child would become. When Zachariah spoke the words flowed from a renewed spiritual heart. May we all have that type of change come into our lives and make us speak, think and act differently and become a greater witness for Him.
I don’t know about everyone else but our soap scriptures today made me want to praise. We are delivered out of sins with no fear by God’s tender mercies. Praises to our King!! He came to a dark and sinful world to save someone like me by His death on the Cross. The thought always comes, “why Lord, I’m nothing? Why would you suffer like that for me? But, at the same time I remember His mercy endures forever and his blood makes me worthy. My life rejoices over this great sacrifice He gave for me. Thank you Lord, my words are simple but my heart if full of love for you.
Have a great week-end Ladies and blessings of the Lord to everyone!!
Wow. Today's soap scriptures are hitting me hard. For some reason, it came to me to look at them from a parents perspective. When you start at the "And thou, child" part, Zachariah was acting as sort of a coach or cheerleader to his son. He was instructing him and cheering him on in the journey that lay ahead of preparing the way. Have you read "Balcony People" by Joyce Heatherley? I haven't in years, but I just dug it out. It talks about there being two types of people in the world, affirmers and evaluators. I feel that Zachariah was an affirmer here. He was basically saying, this is a big job son, but you can do it. And I imagine he kept that up as "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit". So many times I am more of an evaluator with my kids, and even my husband. I need to focus on being an affirmer. It's really hard to do with the kids sometimes. They have a pretty big age gap and TOTALLY different personalities, which makes for a lot of bickering. I tend to lose my cool when there's a big fight and be really critical and start pointing out things they have done wrong. Boo on me. :(
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book, Christy. I think I too probably fall into the evaluator category. It's so hard to see the big picture when kids are creating chaos around you! I know the feeling. But God gives us grace to start again tomorrow. You're a good mom!
DeleteThere is much to praise God for in this scripture. I, too, thought of our lessons on salt and light. What a thrill to know that your son would be a prophet of the Most High. He knew John would go before Jesus and prepare the way. My prayer today was for my sons. I pray they submit themselves to The Lord and be lights in this dark world. I then could not stop from including my daughters and myself. Use us dear God and help us be ready to obey in all things.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts about this passage. I love the application to your own family.
DeleteI loved that Zacheriah immediately started praising the Lord. I pray that I wouldn't be a mute but always praise him and tell others.
ReplyDelete"serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness"
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing thought. I know that I fall short of that. So thankful that our God is a God of many chances.
Even though it is not in our SOAP for today, I loved "...and the child grew and became strong in spirit..." (verse 80). While Jason and I have not been blessed with a child yet, I pray that should we ever become parents that this would be an observation made about our child(ren).
ReplyDeleteOften, I am guilty of not serving Him without fear. What am I afraid of?!? Unfortunately, I think sometimes I care too much about how others will perceive me. I pray that God continues to work on this with me and that I would become fearless in living out my faith.
Great point about verse 80. That is my prayer for my children too.
DeleteI observed the word "Dayspring" and was reminded of the Dayspring Cards company in Siloam Springs. I am so thankful for Gods word so readily available for all to see-whether the people know it or not!! I had not noticed this before and stand amazed!! I observe that John was to preach and the effect was to be a light to those who sit in darkness and shadow of death. The application I take is to be more observant for Gods word around me, to be salt and light, and to remember I once was living in the shadow of death-complete darkness. Praise God that he saved me-but there are many many more living where I once was.
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts, Michelle. I'm so glad that God has changed your life...and mine!
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