The Names of Jesus - Elmer Towns

called “the dayspring from on high” (Luke 1:78). It was to be characteristic of the life and
ministry of John that he, “a bright and shining light,” should seem dim in comparison to his
cousin, who was the “Light of the World.”
The word “Dayspring” is a translation of the Greek word anatole, literally meaning “a
rising of light” or “sunrise.” The place of the dayspring was the point along the eastern horizon at
which the sun rose, a place which constantly changed with the passing seasons (cf. Job 38:12).
By implication, the term came to mean the east—that is, the direction of the sunrise (cf. Matthew
2:1). Zacharias used it metaphorically of Christ, the One through whom the true Light shone, not
only to Israel but to all the world.
But there is something unique about this particular sunrise. This dayspring originated
“from on high” (ex hupsos). Hupsos refers not only to height but to the idea of being raised to a
high or exalted state (cf. James 1:9). It closely relates to the adjective hupsistos, the word which
describes John as the prophet “of the Highest” (Luke 1:76). The use of this particular term in this
context implies that this was uniquely a divinely appointed or exalted sunrise. Perhaps the sun
shone just a little brighter on the morning following the birth of the Dayspring from on High.
The appearance of the Dayspring from on High on the horizon of human history
produced significant effects. Its shining exposes our sin. Its warmth revitalizes our hope in
sorrow. And its light redirects our steps.
The Revelation of Our Sin
In speaking of the visitation of the Dayspring from on High, Zacharias suggested His
purpose, “To give light to those who sit in darkness” (Luke 1:79). One of the effects of a natural
sunrise is the illumination of an otherwise dark world. Someone has observed that the darkest
hour of night comes just before the dawn. There is certainly a spiritual reality in the application
of this truth. The Greek word skotia is used in the New Testament not only of physical darkness
but also of the spiritual darkness of sin. Of the various Greek words that describe darkness, this
word indicates the darkest. So, the effect of sin in the life results in not a mere gloominess but a
blinding darkness in which any measure of illuminating light is absent. So dark is the darkness of
sin that even sin itself is hidden by the darkness.
The cresting of the sun over the mountains along the eastern horizon first makes visible
the shadows in the night and then that which the shadows hid in the night; so, the appearance of
the Dayspring from on High produces first the light of conviction in a soul darkened by sin and
then floods the soul with gospel light, so that we can understand spiritual truth (II Corinthians
4:4-6). When Jesus was challenged to pass sentence upon the woman caught in the act of
adultery, He merely spoke the word that brought conviction to the conscience of each accuser
(John 8:9). In that place John uses the verb eleochomenoi, translated “convicted” but literally
meaning “to bring to light and expose.” Just as one might hold a letter up to the light to expose
its contents, so Jesus exposed the sin of self-righteous people by His penetrating light.
Our Revitalization in Sorrow
There is yet another effect of the natural sunrise which finds a spiritual counterpart in the
Dayspring from on High. The light and warmth of the early morning sun is that which revitalizes