Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for December 21

“But everything I said through my servants the prophets happened to your ancestors, just as I said. As a result, they repented and said, ‘We have received what we deserved from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He has done what he said he would do.’” (Zechariah 1:6 NLT)

From: December 21, 2014

This is God’s Word. It is what it claims to be. It can do what it says it can do. The prophet Zechariah had the privilege of speaking to the returning exiles to Jerusalem. Their forefathers had been overthrown and taken captive 70 years before as the old prophets had predicted. Unlike their forefathers, the returning children were repentant and ready to believe. Along with the book of Daniel, this little book is filled with images that aren’t seen again until John takes them up again in his revelation of Jesus. Zechariah is filled with Messianic prophecy that Jesus fulfilled. What God revealed to and through Zechariah, He has done. Yet prophecy in the Scriptures tends to have a threefold fulfillment: Present (or immediate), ongoing and future. Our faith is built up by the fulfillment already seen, and our hearts are filled with hope by taking hold of those promises that we can apply now and look for in the future.

“She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron” (Revelation 12:5)

From: December 21, 2013

John saw a “great sign” appear in heaven. There is much here to consider and a daily devotional thought offers not enough space. Yet consider this as we approach Christmas: Just as Satan through the paranoid earthly king Herod sought to murder the infant Jesus, so he continues to try and devour those born again into the body of Christ. As his time grows short, he becomes more furious in his pursuit because he knows his days are numbered. Therefore rejoice! For just as the Christ overcame, so we who are in Him will overcome.

“Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth” (Revelation 12:1-2)

From: December 21, 2012

John the Revelator saw the birth of Jesus from heaven’s perspective. I believe the woman represents Israel with the 12 stars being the 12 tribes (see Joseph’s dream in Gen. 37:9). John catches a glimpse behind the curtain of pre-history and of the spiritual warfare that preceded the Savior’s birth. Satan tried to stop Christmas, but failed.

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11)

From: December 21, 2011

How the evil one is overcome. Stand firm in the salvation which was purchased with Christ’s blood. Remember and proclaim the word of testimony of what the Lord has done for you. Christ has already won the victory. Remind the dragon of this and he will flee from you.