Day: April 24, 2021

Dayspring #2

Saturday, April 24, 2021

“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78,79 KJV).

What is this “dayspring?”

Using simple common sense, we see two ideas in the word “dayspring”—day and spring. The day is springing forth, appearing or emerging. In other words, it is sunrise or dawn. (The Greek word, “anatole,” is elsewhere rendered “east,” as in the direction of sunrise—Matthew 2:1,2,9; Matthew 8:11; Matthew 24:27; Luke 13:29; Revelation 7:2; Revelation 16:12; Revelation 21:13.) As touching the “dayspring” of Luke, however, a source of light other than the sun is being referenced. Before we identify the light, we make note of the darkness. Today’s Scripture, in part: “…whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”

Let us turn over now to chapter 1 of John: “[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. [8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. [9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. [11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”

Scripture, of course, is speaking of light in a figurative sense here, but that does not detract from the literal truth being conveyed. Israel languishes in spiritual darkness—ignorance—but Messiah from Heaven has appeared to enlighten her….