The Promised Oneနမူနာ

## The Rising Sun [The video portion of this devotional is not available on your device. To view this video, visit your plan at www.Bible.com] Every morning, across the earth, the dawn breaks and light chases away the darkness. Every nation across every continent and hemisphere experiences this moment! In a split second, the night ends and the day begins, full of new opportunities and hope. In Luke 1, Zechariah sang this prophetic song praising God for His mercy and for the salvation that was soon to come. Each lyric exalts the faithfulness of God, who remembered the promises He made in ancient times, and was making a way for us to be rescued and redeemed. John, the son for whom Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed and hoped, would prepare the way for Jesus. God’s mercy was being poured out, and there was hope! Forgiveness was possible and salvation was coming. The song concludes by pointing our attention to the dawn, the ending of the dark night. Zechariah proclaimed, “the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death.” (Luke 1:78b-79a) God has a message of mercy for the world; this is the Good News of the Gospel! Like the rising sun, Jesus was coming to end the darkness. The Light of the World was about to burst onto the scene, overcoming the shadow of death. Today you can live without fear, and because of what Jesus has done, you can serve Him in holiness and righteousness all your days (vs. 74-75). The Light has chased away the darkness and set you free. Together let’s “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light!” (1 Peter 2:9) Are you living in a place of fear or freedom? What is God showing you about where your focus is, and how should you change it?