The Things We Desire
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5-6; Luke 1; Psalm 68
This morning, we arrive at the third Gospel, the Book of Luke. Chapter one focuses on the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, and concludes with the prophecy of Zechariah, John’s father. Zechariah’s prophecy follows a pattern: it declares what God has done, is doing, and will do—and then describes the fruit of His work.
God has visited His people (v. 68) and raised up a horn of salvation (v. 69). He is remembering His holy covenant (vv. 72-73). John will prepare the way for the Lord (v. 76). And, like the rising sun, God will shine light on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death (v. 79).
The outcome of this work is remarkable. God’s people will be saved from their enemies (v. 71). They will serve Him without fear (v. 74). They will know salvation and the forgiveness of sin (v. 77). And they will be guided into the way of peace (v. 79).
A righteous heart longs for these very things. The desires of a godly person are not complicated—we want peace, freedom from evil, forgiveness of sin, and the ability to worship God without opposition.
Through Jesus, these desires are fulfilled. We live in the “already but not yet” of human history: the war is won, but battles still rage. Jesus defeated Satan at the Cross, yet the enemy still fights. The very things your heart longs for—salvation from sin, peace with God and others, and the freedom to worship and serve Him—Jesus has already won for you.
Though we have not yet seen the full realization of His victory, it is as sure as if it were already complete. This is the future for all who trust in Christ and enter His kingdom—a future more beautiful and glorious than we can begin to imagine.
