Today’s Reading: Luke 1:1-25, 57-66; Psalm 94

HAVE YOU EVER ARGUED WITH GOD?

When God answers your prayers, do you find yourself with more follow-up questions than words of praise and thanksgiving? Is your gratitude ever tainted with a spirit of self-pity or impatience? Have you ever heard God’s promise but then lacked the faith to believe that He was really speaking to you? Have you struggled to believe that God was truly saying what you had been waiting to hear for so long?

This is the story of Zechariah, a Jewish priest. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were righteous in God’s eyes as they carefully observed the decrees and commands of the Lord. They were both very old and had never been able to conceive or have children of their own. We know from Luke 1:13 that Zechariah had prayed to the Lord for a son, but his prayers had not yet been answered. In fact, at this age, it seemed an impossible prayer to keep praying.

HAVE YOU EVER PRAYED FOR SOMETHING THAT SEEMED OUT OF REACH?

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. – Luke 1:8-9

There were 24 orders of priests (1 Chronicles 24) and then a large number of priests in each order. On this day, Zechariah’s order was on duty, so they cast lots to see who would have the honor of entering the sanctuary of the Lord to keep the incense burning. It was possible that a priest may never be chosen or that this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for a priest. Today, the lot fell to Zechariah.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary of the Lord, he focused on the incense altar. While he was tending to the flame, making sure that it did not go out, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. This was the first time in the New Testament that a person spoke with an angel, and it was at a time when Zechariah was doing what the Lord had called him by birth to do. Luke described Zechariah as shaken and overwhelmed with fear at the sight of the angel.

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord.” – Luke 1:13-15a

GOD HAS HEARD YOUR PRAYER AND HE IS ANSWERING IN A SPECIAL WAY.

God had a purpose all along. While understanding was beyond the reach of Zechariah and Elizabeth, they continued to serve the Lord. In doing so, they were prepared to be a part of God’s story; they were positioned to be the parents of a very special man with a very specific purpose in life.

“He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” – Luke 1:15b-17

AT TIMES, GOD’S PROMISES SEEM IMPOSSIBLE AND WE DOUBT HIS WAYS; WE QUESTION HIS TIMING.

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” – Luke 1:18-20

Because of their age, Zechariah struggled to believe this amazing message delivered by Gabriel. Instead of praising God, he argued and asked more questions, so God silenced him. Zechariah lacked the faith to believe the angel was really saying what he had been longing to hear for so many years.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SILENCED BY GOD?

When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” – Luke 1:23-25

When it was time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son and declared his name would be John. When those around her argued that she needed to choose a family name, Zechariah wrote these words: “His name is John.” It was in that moment of obedience that Zechariah’s voice came back and Zechariah began praising God! (Luke 1:57-64)

I wonder if God ever considers silencing us. At times he asks us to be silent in order to spend more time listening for His voice; He asks us to silence the noise so that we can hear His gentle whisper. Perhaps God desires for us to receive His words today without comment, sarcasm, questions, cynicism or doubt.

I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken. – Psalm 62:1-2

Lord, we wait before you today in silence. Our desire is to hear from you so we ask that you help us block out the distractions in order to hear your voice; help us to silence the chaos and focus on you. Father God, we ask for an increase in faith so that we can believe your promises to be true and trust that your plan is always the perfect plan. Amen.

Unless the Lord had helped me,
I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.
I cried out, “I am slipping!”
but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. – Psalm 94:17-19

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:8-11; Isaiah 9, 11, Psalm 98

Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram.
Jehoram was the father of Uzziah.
Uzziah was the father of Jotham.
Jotham was the father of Ahaz.
Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh.
Manasseh was the father of Amon.
Amon was the father of Josiah.
Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon). – Matthew 1:8-11

WHAT LEGACY DID THESE MEN LEAVE FOR THOSE WHO CAME AFTER THEM?

Although his father committed the same sins that his grandfather had, Asa did what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord. He banished the prostitutes from the land, got rid of all the idols and even deposed his grandmother as queen mother because of the obscenities she had set up. Asa’s heart remained faithful to the Lord throughout his life (1 Kings 15:14b). God’s people experienced peace during the 10 years of Asa’s reign, which allowed them to fortify their cities. They built walls, towers, gates, and bars, while King Asa built up two armies of well-trained fighting men.

Asa led the people of Judah in renewing their covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. The decision his forefathers had made to serve God was now impacting the entire nation as their example was followed and God was worshiped. They had set an example of what it looks like to fully follow God and their descendants were experiencing the joy of living in a right relationship with God — when someone seeks God and God faithfully responds.

All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with ALL their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. – 2 Chronicles 15:15a

WHEN THEY EARNESTLY SOUGHT AFTER GOD, THEY FOUND HIM. THIS WAS THEIR LEGACY.

But when things started to heat up between the people of Judah and the people of Israel, Asa called upon the King of Aram for help instead of trusting in God. He missed his chance to experience victory and the time of peace ended as Judah went back to war.

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Jehosophat sought after God as his father had at the beginning of his reign. He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord, and he became very wealthy and highly esteemed. 1 Kings 22:43 says he followed the example of his father, Asa. But his son, Jehoram, made the decision to follow after the examples of the kings of Israel and was wicked. The next few generations of kings rejected God and are not mentioned by Matthew in this genealogy — Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah.

Uzziah was a successful king but gave himself the credit instead of God. He did not recognize God’s generosity, nor was he thankful for it. Jotham did what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, but his son Ahaz was a very wicked king. It was during this time of darkness and despair that the prophet Isaiah cast hope for God’s people that a Messiah would come.

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” – Isaiah 9:2,6-7

We can all probably look back at our own genealogy and see examples of those who made good decisions and those who messed up over and over again. We can see the evidence of pride and self-reliance, but we can hopefully also see the evidence of those who authentically followed God. We all have a choice to make — what legacy will we leave behind for those who come after us?

WE HAVE A CHOICE REGARDING THE LEGACY WE LEAVE BEHIND FOR THOSE WHO COME AFTER US.

May Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, guide our hearts toward him. Like Hezekiah, may it be said of us that we trusted in the Lord and remained faithful in everything we did. May it be said that we sought after God wholeheartedly. Like Manasseh, will we have a repentant heart and take the new start God has given us to make some major life changes? Or like Amon, will we refuse to humble ourselves and choose instead to rebel against the Lord’s ways? May it be said of us one day that we had a heart like Josiah’s:

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years…He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor, David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. – 2 Kings 22:1-2

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:6-7; Psalm 87 & 97

Jesse was the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah).
Solomon was the father of Rehoboam.
Rehoboam was the father of Abijah.
Abijah was the father of Asa. – Matthew 1:6-7

As we continue through the genealogy of Jesus, we see several familiar names. Of all the names, David might be the most significant. David was the first king of Israel and it was his son who built the Temple in Jerusalem, which was known as the City of David. Most of the songs or psalms in the bible were written by David, words we continue to use today to sing praises to our God. It was significant that Jesus was born in the lineage of David because Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come from David’s family.

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. – Isaiah 11:1

In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. – Isaiah 11:10

Then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right. – Isaiah 16:5

I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. – Isaiah 22:22

The angel referred to Joseph as the son of David when he told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife (Matt. 1:20). Two blind men followed after Jesus shouting “Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matt. 9:27). A crowd was amazed when Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who had been blind and couldn’t speak. They asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” (Matt. 12:23)

A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” – Matthew 15:20

Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” – Matthew 20:30-31

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” – Matthew 21:9

The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.” But the leaders were indignant. – Matthew 21:15

“What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They replied, “He is the son of David.” – Matthew 22:42

So many people recognized who Jesus was — that he was the One they had been waiting for, the One who would bring salvation. The question for us is whether or not we truly recognize who Jesus is. We are surrounded by those who deny His supremacy. We are bombarded with arguments that he was just a good man or a prophet. Others deny he ever existed, while others feel his birth has no significance today.

WHO DO YOU BELIEVE JESUS TO BE, AND ARE YOU ALLOWING THE SON OF DAVID TO BE LORD OF YOUR LIFE?

Lord Jesus, as we enjoy our Christmas celebrations, we want to start by recognizing where you came from and the significance of your birth. Help us to recognize you as clearly as the blind man did; may we acknowledge your power like the demon-possessed man did. Give us eyes to see you at work in our lives today. Give us the faith of a child as we cry out, “Praise God for the Son of David.” Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:4-5; Joshua 6, Ruth 4, 1 Samuel 16; Psalm 148

Ram was the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.
Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab).
Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).
Obed was the father of Jesse. – Matthew 1:4-5

We have very little information about Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, or Nahshon except to know that they were leaders of the tribe of Judah and faithfully gave their offerings to the Lord. There is not much said about Salmon and yet he is one of my favorites.

Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, “Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute’s house and bring her out, along with all her family.” The men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel. Then the Israelites burned the town and everything in it. Only the things made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron were kept for the treasury of the Lord’s house. So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day. – Joshua 6:22-25

SALMON WAS THE KIND OF MAN WHO WAS WILLING TO LOVE A WOMAN WITH A PAST.

Rahab, the hero in the story of Israel’s defeat of Jericho, was brought into the family of God. She had been a prostitute and yet God used her in a mighty way to fulfill His promise to Abraham. Her courage and her willingness to serve the God of the Israelites not only gave her a place in the tribe of Judah, it gave her a place in the lineage of Jesus. This woman was rescued through the love of her husband, forgiven by the grace of her God, and redeemed by the blood of her descendant — Jesus.

The Lord blessed the union of Salmon and Rahab, and they gave birth to a son whom they named Boaz. Just as Salmon had been the Family Redeemer for a woman named Rahab, Boaz was the Family Redeemer for a woman named Ruth.

BOAZ WAS THE KIND OF MAN WHO WAS WILLING TO LOVE AND CARE FOR A WIDOW AND HER MOTHER-IN-LAW.

This Moabite woman, who was raised by her family to worship false idols, made the choice to walk away from everything she knew and serve the God of her mother-in-law. Her dedication to care for Naomi and to worship the God of the Israelites led to her own journey of redemption. Ruth was embraced through the love of her husband, cared for through the compassion of her God and redeemed through the blood of her descendant — Jesus.

The Lord blessed the union of Boaz and Ruth, and they gave birth to a son whom they named Obed. Obed’s claim to fame is that he was the father of Jesse, whose story is told in 1 Samuel 16. As an obedient response to God’s direction, Samuel went to Jesse with a flask of olive oil and the intent to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the new king of Israel. So in the small town of Bethlehem, the future birthplace of the Messiah, Jesse lined up his seven sons for Samuel to choose from. One by one, Samuel recognized that the Lord had not chosen any of these brothers to be king.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

He asked Jesse if he had any other sons and Jesse sent for his youngest who was out in the fields watching the sheep and goats. David was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. The Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him” (16:12).

JESSE WAS THE KIND OF FATHER WHO WAS WILLING TO LET GO OF HIS SON AND ALLOW HIM TO PURSUE GOD’S CALL ON HIS LIFE.

These men and women in the genealogy of Jesus were not perfect, but they were chosen by God. They were unaware that the Messiah would come through their descendants, but their influence was passed down from generation to generation. Have you considered what God has ahead for those in your family line? The decisions we make today have the potential to influence their story, as well as the story of our friends, coworkers and neighbors. What will they say about us when we are gone? What story will be told about our faith?

Lord, thank you for the testimony of those in the genealogy of Jesus, and how my journey of faith has been influenced by both their struggles and their victories. As you continue to write my story, I pray that others will find their way into a relationship with you because of my obedience. May your righteousness shine through me and may your faithfulness ever be on my lips! Amen.

Let them all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great;
his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
He has made his people strong,
honoring his faithful ones—
the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 148:13-14

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:2-3; Genesis 15, 24, 32, 38; Psalm 149

When we think of Christmas, we think of family. We find ourselves grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, and we thank God for one more Christmas together, while also remembering those who are missing from our Christmas celebrations. We learn so much about God when we look around the faces at the table and take time to see the journey of grace that each of our family members are on. In the same way, we can learn a lot about the faithfulness of God when we look at the lives of those in the genealogy of Jesus.

Abraham was the father of Isaac.
Isaac was the father of Jacob.
Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).
Perez was the father of Hezron.
Hezron was the father of Ram. – Matthew 1:2-3

THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM TEACHES US TO BELIEVE GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO.

The first person mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus is Abraham, a man who was known for having such a great faith in God that He willingly packed up and followed God’s command to move to the land of Canaan. God told Abraham to look at the stars in the sky and trust that God was going to make his descendants as numerous as all the shining lights above him.

“Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. – Genesis 15:6

God told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation, and He did. God told Abraham that he would be famous, and He was. God told Abraham that all the land he could see in every direction would one day be his, and that’s exactly what happened. Abraham had faith in God because he knew God to be faithful.

THE LIFE OF ISAAC REMINDS US OF THE POWER OF PRAYER.

Abraham’s servant prayed specifically to God for success in finding a wife for Isaac and God showed His unfailing love by clearly answering that prayer. It was while Isaac was spending time with God, walking in the fields and meditating on God, that he looked up and saw Rebekah approaching him on a camel. He recognized God’s provision in his life and fell deeply in love with this beautiful gift from God. When life became difficult, Isaac turned to the Lord in prayer.

Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. – Genesis 25:21

FROM JACOB WE LEARN WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO STRUGGLE WHILE SEEKING GOD’S BLESSING.

Jacob struggled to receive his father’s blessing, and his love story was complicated by the struggle he had with his uncle. Jacob wrestled with God and got what he wanted. Jacob’s struggle continued as his daughter was raped and his sons took revenge, creating powerful enemies for his family. Jacob, who had struggled with his brother in the womb, had to deal with the struggle between his sons. He grieved when he thought his son was dead and praised God when he was reunited with Joseph years later. Although struggle was a consistent theme in his life, God blessed Jacob and the nation of Israel was formed through his children and grandchildren.

Abraham was known for his strong faith in God and yet there were moments when he struggled to trust God to protect him. Isaac inherited his father’s faith and found that God was faithful to answer his prayers. Jacob became the master manipulator but learned what it felt like to be on the receiving end of someone else’s manipulation. He struggled to accept God’s plan for his life and persistently sought God’s favor. Perez came from the unholy union of Judah and Tamar, yet God used him in the story of redemption through the birth of Jesus Christ.

DO YOU KNOW GOD TO BE FAITHFUL?

Perhaps today is a good day to list all of the reminders of God’s faithfulness in your life. There is evidence all around us that God is good and that His promises are true. It is good to identify the evidence and give God the praise for ALL the times He has shown up for us. Let’s allow God to grow our faith today as we trust in Him, even through the struggles. Imagine what this Christmas season could be if we were to stay focused on the faithfulness of God from start to finish.

Lord, I ask for you to strengthen our faith for what is ahead. Give us the desire to follow you wherever you will send us, and the humility to treat others as you have taught us. May we be the prayer warriors you have called us to be, hearing from you and recognizing the many ways in which you will answer our prayers today. Give us the courage to be honest about our struggles and persistent in our prayer life. May we see our story woven into the story of Jesus.

Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful. – Psalm 149:1

Today’s Reading: John 20:29-31, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38; Psalm 127

Then Jesus told [Thomas], “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. — John 20:29-31

John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote his gospel account of the life of Jesus in order that those who chose to read it for generations to come would believe that Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. He was the One the Old Testament prophets had written about, and he was the One the Jewish people had been anticipating for hundreds of years. But he did not come just for the Jewish people. The Son of God came to earth to rescue all of us from our sinful state — to close the gap created by sin. His birth, death and resurrection fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies.

We can see the threads of redemption and restoration woven through God’s story when we study the genealogy of Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke found it important for us to know where Jesus came from, so they included Jesus’ family tree in their gospel accounts — Matthew focused on his paternal lineage and Luke on his maternal lineage. Both genealogies showed that Jesus was a descendant of David, one more indicator that he truly was the Messiah.

“Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gives birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.” – Matthew 1:16-17

Matthew traces Jesus’ family back to Abraham, showing that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Jewish people (Matthew 1:1-7). Luke traces Jesus’ family even farther back to Adam, showing that Jesus came to be the Savior for ALL people everywhere (Luke 3:23-38). “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Who will Jesus save? His people. Who are His people? We are all His people because we have all descended from Adam. Salvation is for each and every one of us.

Consider your family on both sides. Take a moment to think of the influence the family on your mother’s side has had on your life. Now consider the impact of your father’s family on who you are and also where you are today. When you look at the genealogy of Jesus, you will see a list of people who were far from perfect. Each one has a story of how God in grace reached out to them and used them even after they had messed things up. You can probably look up at your family tree and see a lot of imperfections in those who have come before you. Yet the God of grace still chose them to give the world YOU!

EACH STORY THAT PRECEDES US SETS THE BACKDROP FOR OUR STORY.

So let us not take lightly the role God has played in our lives since before we were born. God has known us, loved us and developed a plan for our lives in spite of our family tree — whether that tree is one of a strong spiritual heritage or the weak faith of our fathers. God had a purpose for the life of Jesus — the salvation and redemption of the world. In the same way, your family tree led to a moment in history when you responded to the forgiveness available to you through Jesus Christ. Your family tree brought you to a time when you responded to God’s purpose for your life in obedience.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:15-18

Jesus has been actively present in your story since the beginning. He knows the plans He has for your future — plans for you and for the generations that come after you. What story will be told of you? What impact will today have on those you know and love?

HOW WILL THE CHOICES YOU MAKE TODAY INFLUENCE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE FUTURE?

Lord, we thank you this morning for the heritage passed down to us from our parents and grandparents — the good and the bad. Your workmanship in our lives is marvelous — how well we know it! We thank you for the love and investment of time that has made us who we are today. We pray that you will take our own imperfect attempts to love others and allow us to positively influence the next generation. Help us to shine your light onto the path you have set before them — a path marked with grace and hope.

Today’s Reading: John 21; Psalm 102

There was another conversation that needed to happen and Jesus strategically positioned himself in Peter’s day in order to have it. It is not hard for me to imagine how Peter must have been feeling as he remembered the day he denied he knew Jesus. He had enthusiastically pledged his willingness to die for Jesus, yet there he was protecting himself by denying him. And now Jesus was alive and spending time with his followers, which must have been amazing, yet Peter was probably wondering what Jesus must think of him.

It was morning and the disciples had been fishing all night, yet they had caught nothing. From 100 yards away on the beach, they heard a familiar voice telling them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat. It must have sounded like a ridiculous suggestion. If the fish weren’t biting on this side, they certainly were not going to be biting on the other side. They had been fishing all night with no success. What difference could this small adjustment make?

DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING, BUT DO IT DIFFERENTLY.

So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. – John 21:6b-9

Jesus had prepared for this early morning time with his disciples. He had fish already cooking on the fire, plus he had filled their nets with fish for them to contribute to the meal. He had spent years teaching these fishermen how to be fishers of men, and now he was equipping them with what they needed to step into the season of ministry ahead.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.
“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. – John 21:10-14

JESUS FED THE DISCIPLES AND THEN INSTRUCTED THEM TO FEED OTHERS.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. – John 21:15-17

Three times Peter had denied that he was one of Jesus’ followers; three times he asked Peter if he loved Jesus. The same number of times that Peter had emphatically denied his relationship with the Lord, Peter was given the opportunity to reveal his heart. John tells us that this conversation hurt Peter, which is probably how we would feel also. But difficult conversations can bring healing and we serve a Savior who is willing to bring us to a place of repentance and restoration, even if it hurts.

IF YOU LOVE ME, FEED MY SHEEP.

Lord, thank you for this peaceful time I have had in your presence this morning. I am so grateful that you so faithfully “feed” me each morning as I feast on your word. Thank you for the reminder that I am called to bring others to the table so that they too can experience you and be fed by your holy scriptures. May this time of teaching and prayer equip us for all that you are calling us to do today. May we intentionally see those around us as the sheep you have called us to take care of.

Lord, we bring all of today’s emotions to you and ask you to heal us for what is ahead. Restore us for the sake of your purposes, and bring us to a place of recognition of what needs repentance and what needs restoration. I love you. I love you. I love you. Lead me today to do your work and give me a hunger for healing conversations. Amen.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. – John 21:25

Today’s Reading: John 20:3-29; Psalm 99

When Mary Magdalene saw that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, she ran to find Simon Peter and John. Their response was to immediately set out for the tomb to see for themselves. John, the disciple Jesus loved, arrived first. He paused at the entrance of the tomb, stooping so that he could look inside. He could see the linen wrappings just by peering inside, but he did not step into the tomb. When Peter arrived, he entered the tomb without hesitation.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home. – John 20:6-10

All three of these followers of Jesus were seeking to find their master and friend, but it wasn’t until Peter and John entered into the tomb that they saw, believed and understood. When they positioned themselves closely to where they expected Jesus to be, they were able to gain an understanding of the scriptures that had foretold Jesus’ resurrection.

THEIR POSTURE ALLOWED THEM TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THAT JESUS HAD RISEN FROM THE DEAD.

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.
“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” – John 20:11-13

Mary had not yet positioned herself to understand, and so she was grieving what she thought had happened to the body of Jesus. But when she stooped down so that she could look in, she saw and heard two angels inside the tomb. Mary turned away to leave, even though she still did not understand. She saw someone standing there and mistook him for the gardener. It was not until she heard the voice of Jesus calling her name that Mary fully turned her attention towards Jesus. Mary responded to the voice of Jesus by turning to face him.

MARY’S POSTURE ALLOWED HER TO FACE THE TRUTH OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION.

“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. – John 20:17-18

Mary found the disciples and gave them Jesus’ message. Jesus had entrusted this woman with a word for his followers, and she obediently responded to the calling she had received, speaking the truth of Jesus’ resurrection to his closest followers so that they could understand that Jesus was alive.

MARY HAD POSITIONED HERSELF TO HEAR FROM THE LORD, AND IN DOING SO SHE RECEIVED A WORD FROM THE LORD.

That evening Jesus appeared to the disciples. He showed them the wounds on his hands and side, and they believed that it was Jesus. Their time with Jesus increased their faith, preparing them for what the Lord was calling them to do next.

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:21-23

IT WAS WHILE SPENDING TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD THAT THE DISCIPLES RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THEIR CALLING.

But Thomas was not with the disciples, so he was still struggling to believe that Jesus was alive. He needed to see Jesus, to touch Jesus, to experience Jesus firsthand in order to believe.

Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” – John 20:26-29

ARE WE POSITIONED TO EXPERIENCE THE LORD FIRSTHAND TODAY?

As Christmas approaches, let’s intentionally position ourselves to hear from Jesus. Let’s posture ourselves to receive a word from the Lord and to respond to what He is calling us to do next. I do not want this Christmas to slip by without saturating myself in the presence of the One whom we are celebrating. My prayer is that you hear from the Lord in a fresh new way this Christmas as you position yourself to experience Him firsthand.

Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy! – Psalm 99:5

Today’s Reading: John 19:28 – 20:2

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” – Matthew 27:45-46

Do not stay so far from me,
for trouble is near,
and no one else can help me.
My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;
fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!
Like lions they open their jaws against me,
roaring and tearing into their prey.
My life is poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,
melting within me.
My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice for my clothing. – Psalm 22:11-18

Many of the Old Testament scriptures took on new meaning after this day. The words of the psalmist were mirrored in all of the horrible things that happened to Jesus on the day he was crucified. He was God’s Son and yet he felt all of the pain that any human would have felt on that day. He was spared neither the emotional nor physical anguish. The One who was without sin willingly died to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind.

He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all. – Isaiah 53:3-6

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:28-30

It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. – John 19:31-33

Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the instructions for the festival of Passover…Each Passover lamb must be eaten in one house. Do not carry any of its meat outside, and do not break any of its bones.” – Exodus 12:43-46

One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe. These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and “They will look on the one they pierced.” – John 19:34-37

“Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.” – Zechariah 12:10

I imagine there was not much conversation between Joseph and Nicodemus on the day they took Jesus’ body down from the cross. I can picture them quietly going about the work that needed to be done, grieving the death of Jesus while tenderly caring for his body. They had lost their teacher; they had lost their friend. While others had gone back to their homes, these two devoted followers of Jesus were working diligently on this Friday afternoon to lay the Messiah down to rest.

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” – John 20:1-2

Tracing the story of Jesus from the Old Testament to the New Testament builds our understanding of God’s plan of salvation. In January, we will begin back in Genesis as we study the beauty of Creation and the devastation of the Fall. How fitting that we spend this month looking at both the birth and death of the Messiah. May God open our hearts in new ways to His story, revealing the love and grace of the God who is faithful from start to finish!

Today’s Reading: John 19:1-27; Psalm 85

CAN YOU IMAGINE A SIN WORSE THAN THE BETRAYAL OF JUDAS?

He was one of Jesus’ closest companions, yet he turned Jesus over to be arrested. Some say he was guilty of the sin of greed because of the thirty coins he received for turning Jesus over to the religious leaders. This is consistent with his comment about the value of the oil Mary poured on the feet of Jesus. He saw more value in selling the twelve ounce jar of expensive perfume and adding to the disciples’ money, which he was known for stealing from (John 12:1-6).

Jesus knew what Judas was already guilty of, and he knew what he was about to do. But Jesus loved Judas, even though he knew that his heart was ready and willing to do what Satan was telling him to do. Knowing all of this, Jesus washed the feet of Judas; describing Judas as unclean, Jesus still knelt in front of Judas and washed his feet.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. – John 13:1-5

Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!” – John 13:21

Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” – John 13:26-27

After Judas left, Jesus turned to his disciples and instructed them to love each other. Just as he had shown them great love during his time with them, they were to show one another love. Simon Peter was concerned that Jesus was saying goodbye to them and he did not want Jesus to leave. When he asked Jesus where he was going, Jesus revealed to Peter that he would soon deny that he even knew Jesus.

CAN YOU IMAGINE A SIN WORSE THAN THE DENIAL OF PETER?

One of the disciples was acquainted with the high priest, so he was able to enter into the gate while Jesus was being questioned at the home of Annas. He spoke with the woman at the gate and she allowed Peter to join him. When she asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter said he was not (John 18:17).

Inside Jesus was being questioned about his followers and what he had been teaching them. One of the Temple guards slapped Jesus on the face because he didn’t like the answer Jesus gave. While they were binding Jesus to prepare him for transport to the high priest, Caiaphas, Peter was once again denying that he knew Jesus. After the third denial, the rooster crowed, just as Jesus had told Peter it would.

After questioning Jesus, Pilate tried to release him back to the Jews as part of the annual custom of releasing one prisoner each year at Passover. When the people chose Barabbas, Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. This kind of flogging would have ripped at Jesus flesh, leaving him bleeding and severely wounded. The soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head and a purple robe on back, all while mocking him.

CAN YOU IMAGINE A SIN WORSE THAN VERBALLY MOCKING AND PHYSICALLY TORMENTING JESUS?

Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. – John 19:16-18

How was Jesus responding to the betrayal, the denial, and the mocking? Surely Jesus was filled with anger and hatred towards those who were treating him so terribly. Surely he was looking forward to justice being poured out on the religious leaders and those who cried out for his crucifixion. Or maybe not. Let’s look at Jesus’ words while he hung on the cross:

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:39-43

CAN YOU IMAGINE THE GRACE DISPLAYED BY JESUS ON THE CROSS?

Judas sinned against Jesus. Peter was disloyal to the One he had said he would die for. The religious leaders plotted against Jesus, and then demanded that he be crucified. The soldiers physically beat the Lord, making fun of him and gambling for his clothing. The criminal had broken the law and he deserved his place on a cross, while Jesus did not. Jesus did not deserve any of the mistreatment, and he definitely did not deserve to die.

But in this moment of injustice, Jesus displayed grace. He did not excuse the sin of those around him, but he did die for the sake of their salvation. Jesus did not redefine what is right and what is wrong in order to make room for sinners to join him in heaven, but he did make it possible for all sinners to experience redemption and eternal life.

Lord, thank you for your unmerited favor. Thank you for extending grace when we do not deserve it, forgiving us for the worst of our sins and reconciling us to the Father. We are sinners in need of the salvation you provided when you died on the cross, and we humbly thank you for seeing beyond our worst decisions and restoring us to a right relationship with you. We love you. Amen.