The Names of Jesus - Elmer Towns

life on earth. As the light of the sun rises on the eastern horizon, the flowers of the field once
again turn and open to absorb the benefits it offers. The animals which hid from the darkness and
dangers of the night begin to come out of the caves and hollow logs to enjoy the day. The people
of primitive lands begin to remove the coverings which kept them warm in the night as the
sunlight of a new day announces yet another opportunity to work while it is still light. It is,
therefore, not without significance that Zacharias should note the shining of light to those who
walked in “the shadow of death” (Luke 1:79).
Light was one of the great symbols of Messianic prophecy. According to Isaiah, the
Messianic light was to shine brightest in Galilee of the Gentiles, upon people who walked in
darkness (Isaiah 9:1,2). Often those who find themselves hiding in the shadows are the ones who
benefit most from the light. Darkness aids the criminal in the successful accomplishment of his
crime. For that reason people all over the world fear the night and eagerly await morning. The
pilgrims of Israel understood the significance of the coming morning and the greater significance
of their coming Lord. As they sang their hymns of worship, they testified, “My soul waiteth for
the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the
morning” (Psalm 130:6).
In our sorrow, pain, and hurt the Dayspring from on High shines its revitalizing light and
warmth. How often has the discouraged Christian, groping in the shadows of even death itself,
found in that heavenly sunrise the source of strength he needs to continue? How encouraging the
thought that in our constant struggle with the darkness of this world, the Dayspring from on High
shines a light which the darkness cannot hide. French theologian Frederic Godet used to think of
the Dayspring in the context of an eastern caravan which had lost its way in the night but, while
sitting down and expecting death, soon noticed a star begin to rise over the horizon, providing
the light which would lead them to the place of safety. Unquestionably, there are and will be
many times in life when, like those discouraged traders, the believer would resign to defeat but
for the appearance of the morning light from Heaven.
The Redirection of Our Steps
A third benefit of the appearance of the Dayspring from on High is the redirection of our
steps, “to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). The implication is that the light of
the sunrise enables us to see how to walk a straight path that leads to “the way of peace.” “A
man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). That our steps
often need redirection is self-evident to any and all who have attempted to live the Christian life.
The Word of God is the instrument God uses to give direction in our lives (Psalm 119:105). As
we continue to walk by faith in the Christian life, we come to know experientially not only “the
peace of God, which passes all understanding,” but also the God of peace Himself (Philippians
4:7,9).
The Redemption of Our Souls
The priority in the life of John the Baptist was “to give knowledge of salvation unto his
people by the remission of their sins” (Luke 1:77). But that was possible only because of the
visitation of the Dayspring “through the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:78). “The tender
mercy of God” is literally “the mercy of the bowels or heart of God,” meaning that mercy which