[Zechariah’s Prayer]
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Oppression is a powerful and dominating force. It drives out ambition and creativity and ushers in fear to our lives. Fear of people or things in this world can paralyze us if we allow it space in our minds and hearts.

When I listen to Zechariah’s prayer of thanksgiving here, he rejoices in the coming of Jesus and in his part as father to John the Baptist. And he realizes his need for a Savior. He says that the Messiah has come to REDEEM!

Redemption is many times a last ditch effort. Most of the time, there is no way for the judged person to escape a punishment or impending doom. And so, a Rescuer or Savior can come and redeem them.

Zechariah praises God that this escape from punishment and impending doom was coming in the person of Jesus Christ! He will judge the enemies of God and his people with vengeance and usher in a time of PEACE WITH NO FEAR! And we will live in holiness and righteousness all of our remaining days!

Pray with me: The Lord is our strength! The Lord is our salvation! The Lord is our redeemer and our hope. A hope for justice, a hope for vengeance against evil, and a hope for a future of peace and prosperity for his people! Praise you, Lord!