February 1, 2004

THE HORN OF SALVATION

"He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David" (Luke 1:69, NIV).

In Zechariah's memorable song at the birth of his son, John the Baptist, he portrays Jesus as "a horn of salvation." The figure of the horn is frequently used in the Old Testament to denote great strength (see Psalm 18:2; 132:17). The symbolism is derived from those animals whose horn is the source of their strength and power. In prophetic language, the horn is also a symbol of political and national power (see Daniel 8:3-6; Zechariah 1:18).

The horn of salvation is an appropriate designation of Jesus as the all-powerful Saviour. He is the strong horn of salvation, the matchless Saviour who came to bring redemption and freedom to the human race. Fully confident of Christ's saving power, Zechariah sang, "The God of Israel,... has raised up a horn of salvation for us" (Luke 1:68, 69, NIV). The horn metaphor is also used as a sign of exaltation as well as the strength (see 1 Samuel 2:10). The exaltation of Christ as the horn of salvation is best expressed in Paul's masterpiece of Christ's ultimate exaltation: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name" (Philippians 2:9, NKJV).

Anciently horns were fixed to the altar to provide protection and security for those threatened by danger to their lives. Anyone who was pursued by an enemy could cling to the horns of the altar and be protected from harm. This act gave immunity for the one in danger (see 1 Kings 2:28). As the horn of our salvation, Jesus provides full protection to those who seek Him. As the horn of salvation, Christ has all strength and power to save, protect, and keep us from falling (see Jude 24). As in the case of Nathanael who prayed for the coming Messiah, God has visited His people and raised up a horn of salvation for them. (see Lift Him Up, p. 81.) Let us thank God for the mighty power and protection we have in Christ, the horn of salvation.

My Prayer Today: O God, thank You for raising up the horn of salvation. I cling to Him today for security. Amen.