Peace of mind is something we’re all looking for. We search for it in so many places, don’t we? And yet, to “turn it all off,” to quiet our minds, is one of the toughest things in the world to do!
Zechariah was the father of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was the final Old Testament prophet, and the forerunner of the Messiah.
At the birth of John, Zechariah himself — although a priest — also became a prophet. The Holy Spirit filled him, and he began to prophecy about his child:
“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:76-79, NIV).
Zechariah’s prophetic words are very important if you want to find true peace. He guides you to the secret of calming your constantly strained and striving mind. He points you to the Source of peace, to the One who will give you the authority to push back fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, greed, lust, longing, and pride.
Zechariah at first appears to point to his own son. But in reality that’s not the case at all. Instead, he is pointing you to the one his son was born to point to.
Jesus.
Look carefully at Zachariah’s words. Jesus is the one who gives you eternal salvation. Jesus is the one who grants you the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is filled with tender mercy toward you. Jesus is the one who brings light into your life when things are dark and shadowed.
Jesus guides your feet into the path of peace. Sweet peace.
Our Bible reading for Monday, March 16, is Numbers 4:1 – 5:10, Luke 1:57-80 and Psalm 34:11-22.
Header image based on "Peace" by Moyan Brenn, CC By 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Monday, March 16, is Numbers 4:1 – 5:10, Luke 1:57-80 and Psalm 34:11-22.
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79 NIV)
Heavenly Father, you show us your promise of salvation in your holy word. Only a God that loves his children could forgive us our sins against you. I am sinner and I fail you so often. I fall away from you and you lift me up. I walk off the path you put before me and you guide me back on my way. You always show me the way to peace. I cry out to you Lord, humble and in need of grace. You answer the broken, the crushed. You answer with love and hope. The hope that only comes in a savior, in Jesus Christ.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18 NIV)
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