Luke 1:68-79 (NRSV)
Read Luke 1:68-79 on biblegateway.com
Verse 68"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. Verse 69He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, Verse 70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, Verse 71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Verse 72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, Verse 73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us Verse 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, Verse 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Verse 76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, Verse 77to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. Verse 78By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, Verse 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Devotion
In the closing verses of the first chapter of Luke, the writer praises God because Jesus, the embodiment of God’s love, has arrived on earth. We read in verse 78 that Jesus was sent to us “because of the tender mercy of our God.” Dwell on that phrase for just a moment. Then turn again to this week’s hymn, as we sing, “Jesus, thou art all compassion, / pure, unbounded love thou art.” Where in your life do you need that tender mercy, compassion, and pure, unbounded love? Know that divine love shines in your heart.
Prayer
Divine Love, we pray that you shine in our hearts and guide us into the path of peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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