THE RESTORATION OF SALVATION’S HOPE

“Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)   

Helen Keller said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”  You can be walking around with 20/20 clarity physically, and be “blind as a bat” spiritually.  But, God’s Spirit speaks to us through His Word and our spiritual sight is restored.  We then can truthfully sing, “Once I was blind, but now I can see.” 

The words of Zacharias here point to THE NIGHT OF SIN, “To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (v.79)  Apart from Jesus, we are hopelessly, helplessly lost.  We are in the darkness of sin and on our way to outer darkness where there is weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth—the darkness of the second death.  This is the spiritual condition of all sinners, until their eyes our opened by the Gospel.

Zacharias has also spoken of THE LIGHT OF SALVATION, “Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us” (v.78).  What tender mercy God has in giving light in the darkness we deserve!  “Dayspring” means sunrise—metaphorically, the fountain from which daylight issues. 

Today could be the dawn of a new day for you!  No matter the past, and how dark the shadows you walked in—God offers you hope and the light of new life in Christ.  Can you recall a time when the Son rose in your heart?  If not, then this is the hour to bow before Him and enter the Kingdom of Light.

Sometimes, a shadow can creep over us as a child of God.  We can walk beneath an unclouded sky of fellowship with God, but foolishly choose to edge into the dusk of disobedience.  We are neither in the light, nor in the dark—just in shadows—not where we ought to be.  We have too much light to fully enjoy the pleasures of sin done in the dark places, but neither enough light to enjoy the warmth of full companionship with Christ.  Come out into the light!  Stop lurking in the twilight zone!

Some churches that God means to be a beacon of light, have allowed the light to be hidden through our detour down a dark alley of distraction, division or doctrinal deviation, and need a new day of revival to dawn.  The fire of first love must be restored!  The good news is that it can be.  Seek Christ, the One who walks among the lampstands of His churches (Rev.1:12-20).

Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;

Sweetly the light has dawned upon me.

Once I was blind, but now I can see:

The Light of the world is Jesus!  (P.P. Bliss)