Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us, Many a hoary seer longed for the dayspring, but saw it not. A sweet Welsh evangelist has a very striking illustration on this point. About Christmas time, John the elder brother is expected home from London by the midnight train. All the younger children are in ecstasy, and they all wish to stay up until his arrival. "Pray, father, let us stay up to wait John home," is the universal petition. But the reply is, "No, my dear ones, it will be too long for you to wait; you must go to rest; you shall see John in the morning — not sooner." Friends, the ancient prophets expected a Saviour — their Elder Brother Jesus. How delighted they would be to see Him in the flesh; but they were compelled to enter the cold bed of the grave before His arrival. David cried, "Father, let me see the Horn of Salvation of which I sang so well." "No, My child, you must retire." Job implored, "Father, let me see my living Redeemer." "No, My child, you must retire; but you shall see him after you awake on the resurrection morning." Malachi cried, "Father, I am about the last of them all; do let me see the Sun of Righteousness of which I sang so sweetly." "No, My child, you must retire to rest; it will be too long for you to wait." And they silently retired into their cold graves to rest. But at last, hoary-headed Simeon advanced, and earnestly implored, "Oh! my Father, the train is nearly in, according to my brother Daniel's table; do let me stay up to see the Consolation of Israel." "Yes, My child, thy request is granted," said the Father, and the old saint was allowed to see the daybreak, and so delighted was he with its splendour that he prayed for death — (what a strong saint!) — "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people — a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel! "Thank heaven, the Sun has risen, and the world is now enveloped in a glorious day! (J. O. Davies.) Parallel Verses KJV: Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,WEB: because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, |
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