VISITATION OF GOD
Luke 1:67-79
“Praise the
Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His
people.” Luke 1:68
Zechariah was a man who was testified as
being holy and righteous before
God. But even he experienced moments of doubt and unbelief when God spoke to
him through the Angel about the birth of his son, which caused him to be
silent until John was born. However he broke that silence with words of faith,
a spirit-filled prophesy about Messiah, spoken here as the visitation of God
to his people. The meaning of root word for visitation includes going to a
place, understanding what is needed and making the necessary provisions
accordingly.
Visitation
of God that revealed the faithfulness and mercy of God: Zechariah sings praises to a God who is
faithful to fulfill His promises. The visitation of God to His people (v.68)
was a fulfillment of His covenant He made with Abraham and forefathers and
also what He spoke through the prophets throughout the history from the
beginning. (v. 73). It was the steadfast mercy of God and His love (v.78) that
He showed for His people through Christ who came to deliver them from the
bondage of sin.
Visitation
of God that brought Salvation for us:
Zechariah proclaims about Messiah who brings salvation for the mankind
by: remission of sins (v.77), redemption from the bondage of sin (v.68, v.71
and v.74) and victory over the power of the enemy (v.69). God provided an
absolute freedom from sin and its dominion for those who believe and accept
the salvation in Christ through his death and resurrection.
Visitation
of God that restored the relationship to serve him: Through Christ God is restoring us in
reconciliation with Him. Christ delivered us from the enemy and enabled us to
enter into the presence of God to serve Him in holiness and righteousness
without fear. (vs.74-75). God incarnated as human is described as the rising
sun that came to us from heaven to transform us from darkness to light, from
death to life and to guide our feet to walk in a straight path into the way of
peace continuing in that fellowship with God. (v.78-79).
This prophesy of Zechariah concludes with the
proclamation of the role of his son John to accomplish the purpose of
God. John was called the Prophet of the
Almighty to prepare a way for Christ and to give the knowledge of salvation to
his people. We, the believers who are the recipients of this salvation are
also given with the same responsibility, to proclaim about this great
salvation and to guide others to Christ.
Prayer: Lord,
thank you for your faithfulness and loving-kindness towards us and redeeming
us. Help us to guide others to you through our words and actions. Amen
Mr. Abey Cherian, St. Thomas, New York