Luke 1:76–80

Every child born has a talent God has given them. It is up to us to place our salvation in Jesus and allow Holy Spirit to hone those talents for His glory!

Some are called by God to a higher calling.

Luke 1:76–80

76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people

By the remission of their sins,

78 Through the tender mercy of our God,

With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,

To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

This verse summarizes approximately 30 years in the life of John the Baptist. This detail sets up the quotation of Isaiah’s prophecy in 3:4–6. It also might be intended to evoke Israel’s wilderness wanderings after the exodus. Faithlife Bible.

Luke 3:4-6 

4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord;

Make His paths straight.

5 Every valley shall be filled

And every mountain and hill brought low;

The crooked places shall be made straight

And the rough ways smooth;

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

Finally able to speak, Zacharias proclaimed to those gathered what the angel had told him in the temple. John was to prepare the way for the Lord, a reference to his role as forerunner of the Messiah. John’s task was to prepare the people by informing them of their need to repent and of the One who was coming.

Dayspring is a reference to the coming of Messiah. This Greek word was also used to translate the Hebrew word for “branch” or “sprout,” a concept with messianic overtones. As the Dayspring or the “Rising Sun,” the Messiah will provide the light of truth and forgiveness to those blinded by the darkness of their sins. 

Peace describes a harmonious relationship with God. NKJ Bible.

Zacharias uttered a prophecy concerning the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah. The gospel brings light with it; in it the day dawns. In John the Baptist it began to break, and increased apace to the perfect day. The gospel is discovering; it shows that about which we were utterly in the dark; it is to give light to those that sit in darkness, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is reviving; it brings light to those that sit in the shadow of death, as condemned prisoners in the dungeon. It is directing; it is to guide our feet in the way of peace, into that way which will bring us to peace at last. John gave proofs of strong faith, vigorous and holy affections, and of being above the fear and love of the world. Thus he ripened for usefulness; but he lived a retired life, till he came forward openly as the forerunner of the Messiah. 

Let us follow peace with all men, as well as seek peace with God and our own consciences. And if it be the will of God that we live unknown to the world, still let us diligently seek to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.

Isaiah 40:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Jeremiah 31:34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,”Says the LORD of hosts.

Matthew 11:9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.