As a culture we love music, the majority of radio stations broadcast music, evening TV has long been filled with various types of shows spotlighting particular musicians and performers. And I’ll bet that all of us could at least quote the lyrics of a couple of songs by heart. The bible is full of songs as well, in fact, there are 4 songs just related to the birth of Jesus. The angels sang a song to the shepherds (we know part of their song: “And on earth peace and goodwill toward men.”). Mary sang a song to God after she had time to get over the shocking news that she was going to be the mother of the Savior. Simeon had a song, and then there’s Zechariah an elderly priest who sang after being visited by an angel. This wasn’t like a Broadway musical—but their passion and awe are evident in the words they phrased.
Zechariah is only one of many prophets who envisioned a glorious future for the Church of the Lord. Using imagery of Israel’s restoration, expansion, and prospering, the prophets looked ahead to the day of salvation—the day of Christ’s coming—and wondered about the visions of what God intended to do in and through His people. His purpose is to create strong and holy people who will fill the earth with the knowledge of His glory.
This morning as we close the “Battle Ready” series we will take a look at one last thing we need to fight for, Christ’s vision for HIS Church.
