Day 20: The Way of Peace
This phrase spoken by Zechariah in Luke has been replaying in my thoughts for some time.
The way of peace.
It is the ending of John the Baptist’s baby dedication. After 9 months of silence, not being able to speak, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed and a whopper of praise and prophecy comes out. He starts by praising God and remembering the promise of salvation that was to come. And then Zechariah begins to prophesy over his son’s life and calling.
It occurs to me that his prophecy speaks to our lives and purpose as well.
Daily Reading: Luke 1:76-79
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
John the Baptist prepared a way for Jesus. He pointed people to the Lamb of God and his mercy. He called for people to repent. He called people out of darkness. He discipled others–guiding them into the way of peace.
Is that not what our lives should do as we prepare for Jesus’ coming?
The way of peace is of wholeness (see day 17). It’s letting the blood of the Lamb restore us to the Father—to what was intended from the beginning. That’s what we are desperate for—me, you, the loved ones around you, your co-workers, and every person we pass on any given day.
We don’t have to eat crickets and dress in camel skins. Relax.
But we do have this incredible invitation to guide people to Jesus. He is everything.
Jesus, as we celebrate your coming and prepare for your return, we want to be found guiding people to you, the Prince of Peace. What an honor it is to be able to do that. What a joy it is to be light in darkness.
Brave Sparrow 