The Patriarch of Peace

The Patriarch of Peace
  
In Zechariah’s prophecy over his son John (later to be known as John the Baptist) in Luke 1:68-79, Luke employs a fascinating literary technique called “chiasm.” It is a technique that repeats certain themes in order to emphasize a central theme that is present in the middle of all the surrounding themes. You can see the themes below through the specific words used:
  
Visited (68b)
               People (68b)
                              Salvation (69)
                                             Prophets (70)
                                                            Enemies (71)
                                                                           Hand (71)
                                                                                          Our fathers (72)
                                                                                            Our father   (73)
                                                                           Hand (74)
                                                            Enemies (74)
                                             Prophet (76)
                              Salvation (77a)
               People (77a)
Visited (78b)

From The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel According to Luke by Dr. James Edwards (p.61)
  
The theme that emerges in the middle is connected to the word “fathers,” and specifically to “our father Abraham.” So, there is a specific emphasis on Abraham at the middle of Zechariah’s prophecy. Why would that be? The most likely reason, generally speaking, is that it is a way for Zechariah to connect what God has done in the past with what he is doing in the present. Indeed, he is faithful to fulfill his promises.
  
Perhaps another reason is connected to the element of peace that emerges at the very end of Zechariah’s prophecy. Interestingly, peace in v.79 is specifically connected to guidance, like a light used to show the way on a dark path. In Hebrews 11 Abraham is commended for following the Lord even while “not knowing where he was going.” Abraham trusted the Lord to guide him even when the way was dark, and in so doing experienced the Lord’s peace. Where does your way feel dark right now? Wherever that may be, cling to the Lord, for he is our light in the darkness and our peace when we most need guidance and direction. So, perhaps Abraham is not just the “father of faith” but also the “patriarch of peace.”