Luke 1:76-77

These verses focus on John and his ministry. This description of John clearly links him with Elijah (cf. Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5). Even though Luke omitted the conversation about Elijah that followed the Transfiguration (cf. Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13), he undoubtedly recognized John’s role as the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecies. [Note: See Walter Wink, John the Baptist in the Gospel Tradition, pp. 42-45.] It is difficult to say if Zechariah used "Lord" here only in the sense of Messiah or also in the sense of God. John would prepare the way (path) for the Lord by giving His people the knowledge (experience) of salvation (cf. Luke 3:3; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 5:31-32; Acts 13:38).

"We might have expected that Zechariah’s song would be all about his little boy. He surprised us by beginning with the Messiah whom God was about to send. But he was very pleased about John, and in this part of his song he prophesies the child’s future." [Note: Morris, p. 80.]