Luke 1:75Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, we are called to serve God with ‘reverence,’ which involves a profound respect for divine matters, and with ‘righteousness,’ which reflects a commendable character in our interactions with others, attending to Him rather than seeking the approval of men as pleasers and imposters.

The outcomes revealed that these prophetic assurances of earthly blessings associated with the Messiah's arrival were indeed realized, though not immediately but in their entirety, and not for the old Israel (the physical nation) but for the new Israel. Consequently, Christians have become caretakers of the destiny of nearly the entire world, representing the most powerful, affluent, and enlightened nation. The apostle Paul clarifies the meaning of Israel when he states, ‘Not all who are of Israel are Israel’ (Romans 9:6). Some may wonder why the fulfillment of these prophecies has not occurred sooner. Similar anticipations were evident in the first and second centuries after the birth of Christ, when numerous Christians believed the end times were imminent and the appearance of the Antichrist was near, prompting the Apostle Paul to caution his followers against such notions. It is said that during the reign of Jesus Christ, all the righteous Jews, and indeed all Jews, will be resurrected and blessed. Divine Providence regarding these matters does not hinder mankind, allowing for a natural progression of events. Zechariah held the belief that the righteous, even after death in the afterlife, continue to care for their earthly descendants; thus, extending mercy to their heirs is akin to showing mercy to themselves. Conversely, Jesus Christ did not engage in His earthly ministry for an extended period: merely three and a half years before He transitioned into the afterlife, descended into hell upon His death, and ascended into heaven— to the realm where the righteous dwell, assuredly a favorable place for them. As we read the Gospel accounts detailing the circumstances surrounding the earthly existence of Jesus Christ, we also recall the Nativity of John the Baptist and his childhood.

What Zacharias had yearned for throughout his life he now glimpses with clarity: instead of mere petitions, he thankfully exclaims, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.” What was it that Zacharias longed for so dearly that he rejoices in its fulfillment? ‘Salvation for mankind—deliverance from adversaries’ (Luke 1:68-71). These noble desires, whether interpreted in their straightforward meaning or their profound significance through faith, reveal their inherent dignity. However, Zacharias’s request extends beyond these, aspiring for the ultimate gift from God: ‘That we may serve Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life, without fear, from the hands of our enemies’ (Luke 1:73-75).

Note how he contemplates and feels. While ‘deliverance from various evils and calamities’ is certainly desirable, it is not the culmination of all aspirations. Likewise, while ‘salvation from enemies’ is essential, it is not the ultimate goal either. These righteous and compassionate desires must guide us toward one further longing: that liberated from evils, saved from adversaries, and free from fear and hindrances, we may serve God in holiness and virtue, reflecting the divine nature and upholding the dignity of humanity. This epitomizes the heart of a true righteous person—the spirit of a servant of God. This is the soul in which God dwells and is deserving to reside with Him in joy!

But why this teaching now, some may ask? Today, we celebrate a blessed birth—the birth of the child long regarded merely as a royal descendant, yet whom God ordained to be both a royal heir and the Anointed One. This divine plan reached fulfillment; by His ascension, He offered ‘deliverance to mankind’ from calamities, whose conclusion was beyond foresight if left unchecked, and during His reign, though brief, He secured for us not only ‘salvation from foes’ but also glorious victories over them. From Zacharias, we learn to rejoice and praise: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us’ (Luke 1:68-69).

Despite the remnants of adversaries still present, causing us sorrow as the weeds rise among the wheat we have sown, and facing inevitable calamities wrought by humanity, we need not only praise and thanksgiving but also supplication to God. Therefore, brethren, I urge you to emulate the righteous desires and saving prayers illustrated by Zacharias. Seek deliverance from evil and calamity: a natural and loving desire! Pray for liberation from unrighteous and malevolent foes, a necessary and just prayer! Yet, while interceding for the well-being of the King and His people, let your petitions transcend the visible, earthly good, extending toward the invisible, spiritual, and eternal good; above all, seek to serve God with holiness and virtue, praying that He may ‘grant us, without fear, to be delivered from our enemies, so that we may serve Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.’ Crown your righteous desires with this high aspiration, aligning yourself with the Good and Righteous God, that your yearnings may be fulfilled with what is truly beneficial.

Is it not clear that the yearning to serve and please God should be the foundational desire of man—the beginning and end of all aspirations? Those who have any relationship with God recognize this without need for proof; for those who require validation, it raises the question of whether they truly know God. To acknowledge that there is a King and subject implies an innate understanding that serving the King holds far greater significance than serving any subject. Furthermore, recognizing God as superior over all creation naturally leads to the conclusion that the dedication to serve and please Him surpasses all duties owed to created beings. Thus, the pursuit of this service should prevail over every earthly occupation available to us.

People often envision or dream of the grandeur of their existence, whether stemming from genuine reflection or unwarranted pride. Regardless of the origin, you are wise enough to understand how ‘man is made a little lower than the angels’ (Psalm 8:6) and is destined ‘to be crowned with glory and honor,’ astonishing even the angels themselves. However, pride may blind you to this truth, leading to a pretentious view of your nature and its high purpose. Be consistent with your understanding of being made closer to God than other creations, or at least aspire toward that principle: do not contradict this understanding with your thoughts, inclinations, or actions.

Recognize, if you will, that even the Scriptures allow for the label of gods, not as an affirmation of pride but as a remedy to vice: ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I said you are gods”?’ (John 10:34). Thus, I implore you, do not lower yourselves to the level of despicable idols; avoid becoming servants of Mammon, Astarte, and Baal—symbols of selfishness, luxury, and love of power. Resist the impulse to ‘serve the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever’ (Romans 1:25). Do not forsake heavenly matters by pursuing earthly ambitions; do not lose sight of God and His will in your quest for self-gratification or gain, nor forget the infinite while fixating on the trivial.

I feel compelled to caution many with these reflections, as the acknowledgment of our paramount duty to serve God weighs heavily in our thoughts. ‘Behold, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness over the peoples’ (Isaiah 60:2). Christian nations and those who articulate their wisdom too often lack an understanding of, or worse yet, fail to desire knowledge of Christianity. The kingdoms of this world do not seek nor call for God’s kingdom, focusing instead on their own agendas. They establish new orders independent of divine precepts—structures that naturally collapse under pressure yet remain blind to their shortcomings, attempting to erect further unstable foundations.

These architects of the new Babylon strive to foment chaos, undermining established social truths crafted over time. They demand rulers unordained by heaven, and leaders become subservient to their subjects. Meanwhile, they attribute sovereign power falsely to the populace, leading to governance through disorder, rebellion, and strife. The fruit that bears testament to this misguided vision is a complete absence of public and private safety. Hence, ‘the nations are in an uproar,’ unable to bring forth wisdom as their councils conspire against the Lord and His Anointed. Yet, the Lord will not cease to act against them.

Beloved, let us quickly give utmost glory to the King of Heaven, in this land that still looks toward the eternal East, free from the darkness of worldly corruption. Let us sincerely seek God through diligent adherence to His holy commandments and strive to build our lives upon the foundation of His kingdom. Therefore, let us constantly beseech God to ‘grant us without fear, through the holy hand of His Anointed, that we who have been delivered from the hands of our enemies may serve Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.’ Amen.

The kingdom of the Messiah will be characterized by the people of Judah, liberated from bondage, serving their God fearlessly in purity and righteousness, illuminated by the new light of divine wisdom. John’s role in relation to this kingdom is to prepare the people for its revelation by declaring that the means of salvation anticipated from the Messiah involves the forgiveness of sins. Thus, we observe the Divine preparations for the Messiah’s advent: only four men were aware of Him: two in Nazareth and two in Utah. In contrast, the news of John was widespread; he was discussed in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea (Luke 1:65), yet even this information was filled with uncertainty.