What does "visited and redeemed His people" reveal about God's faithfulness? Setting the Scene “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.” (Luke 1:68) Zechariah bursts into praise as he recognizes that the long-awaited Messiah is arriving. Two key verbs—“visited” and “redeemed”—are packed with meaning about God’s faithfulness. “Visited” — God Comes Near • The word carries the idea of purposeful, caring intervention, not a casual drop-in. • Old Testament echoes: – Exodus 4:31 — “The LORD had visited the children of Israel and looked on their affliction.” – Ruth 1:6 — “The LORD had visited His people in giving them bread.” • This visitation is personal and relational. God does not delegate rescue; He shows up Himself. • Fulfilled ultimately in Jesus’ incarnation: John 1:14; Luke 7:16, where the crowds declare, “God has visited His people.” • Faithfulness revealed: He keeps His covenant promise never to forsake (Deuteronomy 31:6). His presence proves He remembers and acts. “Redeemed” — God Pays the Price • “Redeem” (Greek lutroō) means to release by paying a ransom. • Old Testament backdrop: – Exodus 6:6 — “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.” – Psalm 111:9 — “He has sent redemption to His people.” • In Christ, redemption is literal and costly: “In Him we have redemption through His blood” (Ephesians 1:7). • Faithfulness revealed: God Himself covers the debt His people could never pay, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 59:20 and Jeremiah 31:11. What This Reveals about God’s Faithfulness • He acts on schedule: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). • He keeps centuries-old promises to Abraham, David, and the prophets (Luke 1:72-73). • His faithfulness is consistent—He delivers from Egypt, from exile, and ultimately from sin. • His visitation assures His people of His presence; His redemption assures them of their future. • Both verbs together show a complete salvation: God comes near and secures release. Living It Out Today • Confidence: The same God who visited and redeemed once will faithfully keep every promise still ahead (Hebrews 10:23). • Comfort: His past actions guarantee His present nearness in trials (Matthew 28:20). • Clarity: Redemption is finished; believers walk in freedom, not striving to earn what Christ has paid (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Hope: Just as He visited before, He will visit again in glory (John 14:3), proving His faithfulness eternally. |
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