Zechariah begins to direct the subject of his song to his son, John, a prophet of the Most High. Zechariah repeats and adds to the angel’s message concerning John’s mission (13-17). Zechariah’s song has hints of Psalm 23 with the stanza, “…the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (78-79; Psalm 23:2-4)
John will go on before the Lord Jesus to prepare the way for him. John prepared them by giving his people “the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins, because of the tender mercy of our God.” (77-78) Peter, on the day of Pentecost, said the same about Jesus. Peter replied to those who heard his message, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)
God is calling people right now. Let the rising Son, Jesus, light for you the way down the path of peace. Jesus knows the path of peace for he is the path and the peace. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
