March 17, 2016
Luke is the only gospel that described how Jesus grew up. The story of twelve year old Jesus talking with the teachers in the Temple, while His family was looking for Him, is a very interesting glimpse into His youth. And it begs the question, “What did it look like for the Son of God to grow up?” Luke summarized Christ’s growing years in a four part description. This description is helpful for those who want to grow to maturity as Jesus did.
The four areas of growth are:
1) Mental “wisdom”
2) Physical “stature”
3) Spiritual “favor with God”
4) Social “favor with men”
I use this verse to help set goals in my life each year, praying that Jesus will help me to grow more like Him. What are your “Luke 2:52” goals?
March 16, 2016
Singing praises to God puts our hearts and heads in alignment with His. When we are weak, recognizing God as our strength and fortress in song, strengthens us to face whatever the day holds. Singing praises to God, we are elevated to His perspective and enabled to face the day encouraged and empowered.
March 15, 2016
Balaam’s donkey was given the gift of speech to warn him of impending danger. Such stories in the Bible cause some to laugh and discount them as fairy tales. Yet, just as God questioned Moses, “Who gave man his mouth?” (Ex.4:11), so the God of the Word can give speech to whom He will. Ironically, in today’s OYB reading, God gave a normally mute donkey speech, while He kept a doubting priest (“Zechariah” in Luke 1:64) mute, until he finally demonstrated faith. Has the Lord of language opened your mouth to give Him praise? Or do you still sit silently?
March 14, 2016
Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel that she would bear the Christ child was a wonderful expression of submission to God’s will. Her faithful response stands in contrast to Zechariah’s doubtful one. Of course, Mary questioned the angel too, but her request was not for certification, but for clarification. Zachariah wanted proof that his barren wife would have a child. Mary wanted to understand the means of conception since she was a virgin. She asked for clarification, not confirmation. Mary’s response stemmed from her faith; Zachariah’s stemmed from his lack of faith.
March 13, 2016
When men and circumstances were all against him, David wrote this psalm. He had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the king of Israel, yet he still hid from King Saul’s attempts to kill him. And now, at the writing of this psalm, he had been seized by the Philistines. It certainly didn’t appear that “God was for” David. Yet, David still trusted God and His Word. God’s anointing and promise ultimately were fulfilled in David, and he became Israel’s greatest king. Do you ever question whether God is for you? Do not be dismayed. Learn from David who trusted God in spite of circumstances. Put your trust in Jesus, Son of David and Son of God. He is for you.
March 12, 2016
On the first Easter morning, the women who went to anoint the Lord’s body worried about moving the stone that sealed His tomb. Arriving there, they found that the enormous stone had already been rolled away, revealing the empty tomb. Do you know someone that seems close to believing, yet there is a kind of immovable stone standing in the way? You can lead them to the cross and to the tomb, but only God can move the stone. Pray that the stone of blindness and unbelief is removed from their heart, so that they might receive the Risen Lord Jesus.
March 11, 2016
Roman soldiers were expert executioners. They had seen men die in the cruelest of ways. They had witnessed their various human responses to torture and death. Yet, this officer had never seen anyone endure suffering as Jesus did. What was it about Jesus that moved this hardened death squad centurion? Was it his dignity and demeanor amidst such ugliness and disdain? Was it his care for the thief crucified beside him or his forgiveness of the taunting crowd? Perhaps it was the darkening of the sky or the ground that shook when he cried out his last? Maybe there was a way that he looked at the Roman leader with compassion in his eyes even as he was dying? Whatever it was, this officer was moved to affirm Christ’s identity. His normally sarcastic, biting tongue was moved to childlike wonder. I wonder. What became of this Roman officer? Did he turn in his sword for a seat at the Lord’s table? Did he exchange his Roman helmet for one of salvation? Will we see the soldier who once stood at the foot of the cross, someday a servant bowing at the feet of the Christ?
March 10, 2016
The atheist usually lays claim to an intellectual position to defend their unbelief. However, the Bible says that their true problem is not reason, but a lack of righteousness. It isn’t the atheist’s mind that rejects God, but his heart. And having refused God entrance, he can find no better candidate for divinity than himself. So, atheism is really humanism at heart. Yet God “looks down” to see who will seek His face. Who will open both their hearts and minds to Him? Those that truly seek God will find Him. This is wisdom.
March 9, 2016
How Moses responded to Joshua’s concern that two of the 70 elders were prophesying in the camp revealed his humble heart and also its alignment with God’s heart. Centuries later, Moses’ hope was fulfilled when the Spirit came to abide in those who believed in Christ. The 70 elders in the wilderness event was a foreshadowing of Pentecost. The Spirit is now available to all who believe. Yet, not all walk in Him. Would that all God’s people would be filled and walk in the Spirit.
March 8, 2016
When Moses expressed doubt that God could keep them in meat for a month, God had a quick reply. I suppose Moses would have kept his doubts to himself, if God would have just offered to make a meat delivery without an announcement. But God wanted Moses to tell those grumbling Israelites that meat for a month was on the way. Having to stand up in front of those growling stomachs and promise that God would provide was overwhelming to Moses. It’s one thing to try and believe God’s Word and trust in His power for yourself. But when you have to stand up in front of a bunch of doubters and declare your faith… That connects your credibility to God’s! And God still does this. He still speaks through His Word and His “arm” is just as powerful as ever. The question is not whether God can do it. The question is who will so trust God that they will stand up and make the announcement!