Light That Leads to Peace - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:76-77, 79

Light That Leads to Peace
In this passage, Zacharias the priest prophesies about the birth of Jesus the Savior, and then here about his own child. In adulthood his son would become known as John the Baptist, the Messiah's messenger. Zacharias's prophecy includes three great purposes of John's life: he would bring a message of salvation, light, and peace. These points summarize the results which God wants for each of us.

First, the message announces salvation. Despite the reality of our sins, the good news is that God offers remission—a full release, full forgiveness—through His tender mercy. What is more, John's preaching would give the knowledge of that salvation. It is one thing to announce it, but it is something even more beautiful to make sure the listeners know what it means.

The message also gives light. Tragically, those who needed light were actually sitting in darkness. Perhaps they had once stumbled around anxiously, trying to find their way; but now they have completely given up. In despair they sit in the shadow of death. Yet God never leaves us in despair! His light penetrates the greatest darkness.

And then the message guides our feet into the way of peace. God's ways always produce peace—first in our relationship with Him, then personally as we develop a peaceable character, and then collectively with fellow believers. Difficult times may surround us, but as we travel the way of peace, our hearts will remain calm and confident. John's message establishes us in God's truth and also provides a model for us to share the good news of salvation, light, and peace.

Stephen Campbell