Bless the Lord

Introduction:

Have you ever paused to consider that if you weren’t physically able to speak for an extended but defined period of time, what would you want to say first?

How would you feel, what would you be considering if you knew that your limitation was directly connected to a decision that you had made?

The benediction, the benediction that Zechariah was expected to pronounce when he exited the temple after burning incense (Lk 1:20-22), was not only delayed for over nine months, it was refocused to bless the Lord.

Zechariah was moved to “Bless the Lord God of Israel for He has”:

Visited and redeemed His people - 1:68

Raised up a horn of salvation - 1:69

As He spoke by His holy prophets

That we should be saved:

From our enemies

From the hand of all who hate us

To show mercy to our fathers

To remember His holy covenant

That we might be delivered and serve Him all our days

3. And you child will: Lk 1:76-79

Be called the prophet of the Most High

Who will go before the Lord to prepare His ways

To give knowledge of salvation to His people

To give light to those who sit in darkness/shadow of death

To guide our feet in the way of peace