Sunday Sermon: Enabling Us to Serve
“68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn[c] of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 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,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.””
1. Purpose of the Coming Kingdom of God
The prophecy of Zechariah in Luke 1:68-79 reveals the purpose of the coming Kingdom of God. Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares that God’s kingdom is about enabling His people to serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness. This kingdom is not about worldly power or conquest but about restoring relationships with God through loving service. Holiness comes from being in God’s presence, not from our actions. Righteousness reflects God’s nature working within us, transforming our lives to align with His perfect will.
Zechariah also prophesies that the coming Kingdom of God will guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:79). This peace, or "shalom," is more than the absence of conflict—it represents perfect harmony with God, others, and creation. It’s a communal and relational peace rooted in God’s presence. True peace comes when God reigns in our hearts, homes, and communities, creating right relationships grounded in love, justice, and mercy.
2. Ways of the Coming Kingdom of God
The kingdom’s ways are characterized by forgiveness and repentance. John the Baptist, whose birth Zechariah celebrates, would later call people to repentance, preparing them for Jesus’ ministry. Repentance is not simply about acknowledging wrongdoings; it’s a response to God’s mercy. Recognizing our sins and need for forgiveness opens the door to God’s transformative work in our lives.
God’s mercy is central to His kingdom. Zechariah emphasizes that God’s tender mercy brings light to those in darkness and the shadow of death. Regardless of our past failures or current struggles, God’s mercy offers hope and restoration. His forgiveness renews and heals us, calling us into a life of service and peace. This season of Advent reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than our shortcomings.
3. Preparations for the Coming Kingdom of God
Preparing for God’s kingdom involves sharing His message of hope, mercy, and salvation with others. Zechariah declares that John will "give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins" (Luke 1:77). In the same way, we are called to let others know about God’s love and grace. Advent is a time to reflect on how we can prepare the way for Christ, living as His witnesses in a world longing for peace and hope.
Advent is not just a season of celebration but also a call to spiritual preparation. As we await Christ’s return, let us embrace God’s mercy, walk in His peace, and share His love with others. May our lives reflect the holiness and righteousness that comes from God, and may we be vessels of His peace in a world desperate for redemption.
Prayer: Lord, we bless your name as Zechariah did, recognizing your mercy, power, holiness, and righteousness. On this second Sunday of Advent, we humbly stand before you, seeking your mercy and forgiveness for our shortcomings. By your grace, we are made holy and stand boldly in your presence. Guide our lives and use us as instruments of your salvation and peace, that the world may know your perfect love and the hope of new creation. Have mercy on Korea, the U.S., and all humanity during this Advent season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)