Category: believing

The Most Important Thing

Numbers 3-4
Psalm 15
*Matthew 28

-Devotion by Andy Cisneros (SC)

Read Matthew 28.

I’ll wait.

Now ask yourself, do you believe that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead (verse 6), and that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him (verse 18)? “Given” implies receiving authority — not possessing it inherently. This authority is the result of the Father’s exaltation of the Son after his obedience and resurrection (Philippians 2:9–11). God is the source of all authority; Jesus exercises that authority on God’s behalf.

Let’s continue. He will be with his disciples to the end of the age (verse 20)?

If this is true, then nothing is more important in our lives, nothing is more crucial or more urgent or more necessary than believing it and becoming a follower of Jesus. I know it’s a big if, if this is true, if this is real (you may believe it or not). If the premise is true, wouldn’t you agree with the conclusion? That nothing is more important for everyone in the world than to believe in him and be his follower.

Just think of it. Jesus says in verse 18, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” If this is true, then today Jesus Christ is the Lord of the universe. Now it’s important to remember, God’s authority is absolute, eternal, and derived from no one. Jesus’ authority is delegated from the Father to accomplish redemption and judgment (John 5:19–30, Matthew 28:18). But his authority is absolute!

He has authority over politics and government; he has authority over all armies and military, even over the wars that are taking place today.

He has authority over all industry and business (NASDAQ and Dow Jones); farms, and chat GPT, even the industry you work in.

He has authority over science and education — all research and discovery and universities and colleges;

He has authority over all entertainment and media — radio, TV, Internet, social media, theater, art;

He has authority over all sports and activities — over your favorite team and every playoff game;

He has authority over all natural phenomena — all weather and floods and volcanoes and earthquakes and tornadoes and hurricanes and any other storm of life;

He has authority over all planets and moons and stars and light and energy and motion and time;

and therefore he has authority over our lives — health and disease and success and failure and life and death.

I don’t know where you are this morning. You may or may not believe the testimony of Jesus and his disciples. But I hope you see at least that if — if — it is true that Jesus rose from the dead as the Lord of the universe with all authority in heaven and on earth, then believing it and following Jesus as our Lord is the most important, most urgent, most crucial thing in our lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you imagine Jesus was thinking and feeling as he was speaking to the disciples on the mountain in Matthew 28? What do you imagine the eleven disciples were thinking and feeling?
  2. What have you heard about Jesus? What does this passage teach you about Jesus? And about God?
  3. What do you believe about Jesus? Does your life show what you believe? Is there anything that needs to be adjusted to better believe and reflect those beliefs in your daily decisions?

Prayer

Dear God and Giver of all authority, we praise You. And if we truly knew and recognized all there is to know about You, we would praise You even more. We thank You for revealing Yourself in Your Word. Help me to seek You more and more. Thank You for Your amazing son Jesus who is indeed worthy of all the authority You have given to him. I want to follow him well. Show me, Lord, where I need to change my beliefs and behaviors and priorities to better follow Jesus and be Your child now and in that beautiful age to come.

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Believe, Trust, Surrender

Leviticus 20-22

Psalms 12 

Matthew 26 

Devotion by Maria Knowlton (IN)

Ever see one of those warning sign where you have to wonder? What happened here that made this sign necessary. I kind of felt this way reading Leviticus 20-22…some of the laws made sense as God was establishing the Mosaic law. Especially the opening of the chapter talking about child sacrifices. 

Some of it I’m a little unclear on. Previously, you could marry your step sister (Abraham and Sarah) and other family members. But God was putting an end to that. And then some of the laws, were just for specific people and some of those I don’t understand at all. Why did you have to be physically perfect in order to be a priest who could enter the temple? I don’t get that one… but I trust God has His reasons I may not understand before the coming kingdom. 

As independent adults, we often question the things we’re told to do and want to know why so we can decide if we really want to do it. 

But throughout the Bible, God gives us laws and tells us to do/not do things that we don’t understand. We don’t feel like it’s right. 

However, that is the difference between believing in God and Christ and truly surrendering to them as the ones who control your life. You may not alway understand why God is telling you to do something, but total submission means you follow God’s word no matter what. It’s a matter of trust. Trust is hard, but vital to our relationship with God. 

Speaking of total submission, we go to Matthew 26 where Jesus is fully aware of what is going to happen but continues on as he trusts in God’s overarching plan for humanity as mentioned in Psalms 12. God knows what he’s doing with humanity, we just have to trust Him. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are you bothered by the times you don’t understand God, His law or plans? Why or why not?
  2. What could be helpful advice for someone who is questioning God?
  3. Have you found God to be trustworthy? How can you build your trust in Him?
  4. Did Jesus have the mind of God? What can we learn from Jesus’ example when it might seem like we don’t want the same things God does?

PRAYER:

Father God, I praise You because You are wise, all-knowing, all-powerful and completely trustworthy, and I am not. Thank You for Your love and for being a Good God. Open my eyes to see Your goodness in all You do, and all You ask me to do. Thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son. In all ways big and small may I echo his words and heart of surrender: “Not my will but Yours be done.”

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El-Shaddai God Almighty

*Genesis 35-36, Proverbs 18, Matthew 8

Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Today, as we read, we see one of the great covenants of the Old Testament where the promises made to Abraham and Isaac are now extended to Jacob.  The first time God speaks to Jacob is when he was on the way to Laban’s household and he has a dream at Bethel (or Luz).  We see this dream in Genesis 28.

Genesis 28:13-15(NLT) At the top of the stairway stood the LORD, and he said, “I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. 15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”

Genesis 35:9-15(NLT) Now that Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again at Bethel. God blessed him, 10 saying, “Your name is Jacob, but you will not be called Jacob any longer. From now on your name will be Israel.” So God renamed him Israel. 11 Then God said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants! 12 And I will give you the land I once gave to Abraham and Isaac. Yes, I will give it to you and your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from the place where he had spoken to Jacob. 14 Jacob set up a stone pillar to mark the place where God had spoken to him. Then he poured wine over it as an offering to God and anointed the pillar with olive oil. 15 And Jacob named the place Bethel (which means “house of God”), because God had spoken to him there.

God declares Himself to Jacob as the God who is Almighty, El-Shaddai.  It is a multifaceted name and does not have a direct English translation.  Read the following from “Prepare For Life Bible Study”  https://prepareforlifebiblestudy.com/el-shaddai.

“What Does El Shaddai Mean?

Knowing God as El Shaddai was pivotal in the faith/walk of Abraham.  Yet we are not certain of the exact meaning of this name for God although we have clues.  We know the El, the Hebrew name that is translated God, means prominent, preeminent, to be in front, strong.  The meaning of the Hebrew root for Shaddai is not totally clear.  There are at least four concepts wrapped up in these Hebrew characters. Each one brings more meaning to the name El Shaddai.

The root for Shaddai is similar to the root in Hebrew for mountain.  Mountains in the Bible connote might, strength and power.  They are often the symbol for governments.  They literally rule.  El Shaddai has the last say, He rules.

Tying in with this concept, the root for Shaddai also has the suggestion that he is mighty and awesome, even terrible and fierce.  El Shaddai is not a wimpy god who will back down and cower.  He is God Almighty.  He will accomplish His purposes.

A third concept brings a different connotation. The Hebrew word shad means breast.  The idea is that God is the one who nourishes, comforts and gives strength and sustenance to his people.  He meets their needs just as a nursing mother meets the needs of her child.  Think of the words bountiful and sufficient when you think of El Shaddai. Think of a nursing baby who comes to his mother worked into a frenzy and then receives from her resources and is content and satisfied and rests securely.

Closely following this concept is the fourth connotation that comes from the Hebrew word shadha meaning to pour out or shed forth.  The idea is that El Shaddai pours forth out of his bounty to meet our needs.”

Does this expand our knowledge and understanding about what God says to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by calling himself El-Shaddai? 

Our God is the God of all sufficiency who is able to do whatever He decides to do.  When He promises mankind His care, we can take that as an absolute promise of performance.  This is so different from what we receive from the world and the performance of the promises made by people. 

Also let’s examine the record of believing which we read in Matthew 8 where we read the story of the Roman centurion and his servant.  He would be the equivalent of a Captain or Major in our Army who would lead a company of 100-250 men.  You don’t get this position by being a shrinking violet personality. 

Matthew 8:5-11(NLT) When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” 7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed.

Our faith comes when the believing of our heart lines up with the promises of God’s Word. When we have faith, we will act in accordance with the instruction that the Word gives us in a certain situation or relationships. We can mentally assent to much of what God says that it is true but not have faith to make it come to pass in our lives.  This is an important question we need to ask every day about our hearts and then our actions. 

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the most important decision we need to make in any given situation?
  2. What do you imagine when you hear and study the name El-Shaddai? Is there any way your view of God should change?
  3. How have you heard the promises of God? What promises of God do you believe?
  4. What actions should accompany what you believe?

Prayer

Father, I look to You today to give me help in my time of need and effort. Thank you for your mercy and love which brings to pass the promises that You have made to us. I thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ who is my life and guide. I look to you today to give us all that we need from Your bountiful sufficiency. Love your son, Tom (insert your name if this is your prayer, too). In Jesus name we pray.

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What Does John Want You to Know?

1 John 1-5

Devotion by John Railton (IN)

I John is a really interesting book to read and study. The author is the Apostle John, who authored the gospel of John, I, II, and III John, and the book of Revelation. Each of his books/letters were likely written late in the first century. I John is addressed to believers, perhaps in general, not any particularly named believer. I John 2:12-14 help us see the broad target for these teachings.   


12 I am writing to you who are God’s children
    because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.[f]
13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith[g]
    because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
    because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
    because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
    because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
    because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
    and you have won your battle with the evil one.

Some highlights about the Apostle John – He was all in when Jesus called him to follow and to be a fisher of men. He was one of the three mentioned most often as being close to Jesus. He’s described as the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was often distinguished from the other disciples. He’s one who was closer to Jesus when they were asked to watch and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was asked by Jesus to look after his mother Mary as Jesus suffered on the cross. He ran to and looked into the tomb when it was reported that Jesus had been raised. He had great vision and revelation of the future as his writings reveal in the book of Revelation.   

John had explained his purpose for writing the gospel of John in 20:30,31, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book, but these (seven miracles) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name!”  The emphasis there is some of the truth that must be believed. It’s interesting that then in I John 5:13 he says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” He apparently wants those who believe to have a level of confidence, to know that they have eternal life. We shouldn’t be over confident, of course, especially if we’re not living the faith, if we’re not walking in truth, which John also addresses in I John.

John does emphasize knowing numerous things in this letter. In fact, you’ll find the word know at least thirty times in this letter, depending on the version you use. An interesting exercise would be to read through the book and underline the word know each time you find it. It really wouldn’t take that long to do this. Contemplate then those teachings John is wanting his readers to know, and I think, to understand.

I’ll just name a few of my favorite passages in I John. I John 1:9; I John 2:3-6; I John 2:15; I John 2:22.23; I John 3:11,12; I John 4:1-3; I John 4:19-21; I John 5:13; I John 5:18. What are yours?  

Reflection Questions

  1. Do people know you are a follower of Jesus? Would they call you “all in” in the way you live your faith and follow Jesus? What has Jesus entrusted to you?
  2. Find the “know” verses in 1 John. Which ones do you already know and are ready to share? How will you share and to whom? Which ones might take a little more study/seeking to more fully know/understand? How will you seek to know more?
  3. Why do you think John wants God’s children to be confident of their coming eternal life? What are you confident of? What are you not confident of? Is there anything (perhaps in the area of living your faith or walking in truth or knowing more of what John wants you to know) that would boost your confidence? What is the danger of TOO much confidence?
  4. What are your favorite verses in 1 John?
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We Believe It!

Romans 4-7

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”  (NKJV)

Devotion by Merry Peterson (Canada)

In the part of Ontario where I live there is a museum called ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’.  Inside there are lots of strange and unusual items and displays about occurrences that are most, well, quite frankly unusual!  The sign says it all – believe it – or not. Some things in that museum I find really hard to believe.  

Faith is really about belief.  Our belief that God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do.  That’s the tenet of having faith – those beliefs about God.  His existence as the supreme ruler of the universe and that His declarations of what He will do He follows through on. 

In the previous chapter we see that Abraham was justified by his faith even though the whole salvation plan through Jesus dying on the cross for our justification hadn’t happened yet in his time.  It was Abraham’s belief that God was in control and able to do what He said He would do that brought him justification.

We as Christians have received justification through Christ’s sacrifice because we live in a different time frame than Abraham.  Christ, the promised savior that God declared would become the sacrifice for sin has indeed died, and risen again, and our justification comes through that fulfilled promise. 

Notice that the fulfilled promise brings peace.  We have peace with God through Christ.  We have peace knowing that our sin is covered by Jesus’ blood, that we are no longer God’s enemies because of our sin.  The blood of Christ washes away the debt of our sin.  We become in good standing with God.  How is this achieved – by our belief that God is in control and follows through on his promises.  He said that Jesus would be the once for all atoning sacrifice for mankind bringing us justification with Himself.  We believe it! 

For Reflection:

Do you have friends or family members who have a hard time with faith?

When did you first start to have faith and believe?

Was there something or someone who helped you truly believe?

Are there ways that you could help guide another person to belief?

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The Resurrection and The Life

John 11

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

Jesus was a master teacher but also a compassionate friend, deeply moved by the struggles and sorrows of those he loved. In John 11, we encounter one of the most powerful stories in the Gospels where we see Jesus’ emotion. This record invites us to consider how Jesus meets us in our grief, reveals the glory of God, and calls us to trust in God’s power—even when all hope seems lost.

The narrative opens with a startling circumstance—Lazarus, the beloved brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. And so, the sisters send word to Jesus, confident in his love and his ability to heal. Yet, in a surprising twist, Jesus delays his journey. The text says, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. But when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he didn’t depart immediate but stayed two days longer in the place where he was (John 11:5-6). This delay, however, does not show Jesus as being indifferent. Given the timing and distance for the message to travel, it is very likely that Lazarus died soon after the messenger was sent by Mary and Martha, and perhaps Jesus already knew this by revelation when the message arrived. Furthermore, Jesus knew that through this situation, though, God’s glory will be revealed in a way that will deepen the faith of his followers.

Reflect: When have you experienced a delay in answered prayer? How might God be using that time to deepen your trust or reveal His purpose?

Walking in the Light

When Jesus finally prepares to go to Judea, his disciples are concerned for his safety. Jesus responds, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world” (John 11:9). Jesus uses this physical reality to make a spiritual point: as long as we walk in the light of God’s revelation, we can move forward with confidence, even in dangerous or uncertain circumstances. Jesus models courageous trust in God, reminding us that our times are in God’s hands.

Reflect: What does it look like for you to “walk in the light” in your daily life? Where do you need courage to trust God’s guidance, even when the path is uncertain?

Jesus—the Resurrection and the Life

As Jesus approaches Bethany, Martha meets him with a mixture of faith and sorrow. She believes Jesus could have prevented her brother’s death, yet she holds onto hope that somehow Jesus might still do something. Jesus boldly declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25). This is not just a promise for the distant future; it is a present reality. Jesus reveals that through him, God’s life-giving power is available now, even in the face of death. Lazarus’ resurrection serves as a glimpse and foreshadowing of the future resurrection of all God’s people to new life.

Reflect: How does Jesus’ promise of resurrection shape your perspective on loss and the comfort of the hope? In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God’s power can bring new life?

The Glory of God Revealed

When Jesus sees Mary and the others weeping over Lazarus, he is deeply moved—so much so that he himself begins to weep (John 11:35). Jesus had a special attachment to Lazarus, and his tears show his genuine empathy and sorrow. Jesus’ grief is mingled with righteous anger at the pain and brokenness that death brings. He stands at the tomb, not as a rabbi or religious figure, but as a friend who was there with Mary and Martha in their pain.

Jesus intentionally prays out loud so that all those who were present at the tomb would believe that God sent him (John 11:42). Then, with a loud voice, Jesus called to Lazarus for him to come out of the tomb. As everyone stood there watching, Lazarus emerges from the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes. This miracle is a powerful display of God’s glory—His power in action. Lazarus’ resurrection is not the final victory over death, but a sign pointing to the greater hope that all who trust in Christ will one day be raised to everlasting life in the age to come.

Reflect: How does knowing that Jesus was moved by compassion encourage you in your own struggles? Who around you might need the comfort of your presence and solidarity today?

Encouragement

This record reminds us that Jesus meets us in our deepest pain and invites us to trust in God’s power and timing. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and through him, we have hope that transcends even the death and the grave. May you find comfort in knowing that the same Jesus who wept at Lazarus’ tomb walks with you today, offering life, hope, and the promise of resurrection. Trust in God’s love, timing, and power in every circumstance in your life.

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The Big Picture

Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9:18-27

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

It can be easy to get into the weeds when discussing and debating theology. There are many years behind us of writing and interpretation of the scriptures, and we can easily lose focus on the big picture when we’re bogged down in the minutiae. One could simply read scripture and take away that Jesus died for the sins of the world and that whoever believes in him will be saved. On the flip side, books have been written digging into how Jesus’ death and resurrection functionally deal with sin. Atonement theories such as Penal Substitution, Christus Victor, and Scapegoat Theory (among others) are ways to try to understand exactly the process through which God forgives through Jesus. The main thing we should remember is that the blood of Jesus brings forgiveness, regardless of the thoughts that we might have about how exactly God reconciles everything through Jesus.

The Pharisees were very much concerned with the letter of the law. Now I believe we should strive to understand scripture, but sometimes I can allow my views on specific doctrines or practices to overshadow others. We need to be striving to see the big picture and get to the spirit behind the words of scripture.

In today’s text, we see Jesus’ warning against the leaven of the Pharisees. This calls out things like false doctrine and hypocrisy that were present in the lives of the Pharisees that clashed with Jesus. This bad leaven will corrupt the “bread” that comes from it.

Jesus recognizes that there are key things that the disciples need to know and understand, specifically relating to his death and resurrection. But also, the big picture needs to be in view. Jesus asks Peter, who do people think that Jesus is, and he spits off a few theories, but then Jesus asks Peter who he thinks Jesus is, and he answers: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Big Picture. None of the things that Jesus shows and teaches Peter and the disciples will be impactful without this pig picture. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Messiah. This confession is the foundation of the Church. We’re not always going to agree on everything, but we must agree on this primary fact: Jesus is the Savior, and in Him we must put our faith and hope. 

Reflection Questions:

1.        What distracts you from the big picture?

2.        Does your need to know how sometimes distract you from simply accepting what you read in scripture?

3.        Have ingrained habits or false things that you have been taught stood in your way of implementing your faith in every aspect of your life? Take a step back and look at the big picture in scripture and weigh your thoughts against what you see in the Bible.

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“I believe; help me in my unbelief.”

Luke 1 and John 1:1-14

If you have been reading with us from the beginning of the year – welcome to the New Testament!

Devotion by Telva Elwell (SC)

Malachi had last spoken 400 years ago and had promised that the Messenger would come.  “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.”  Surely Zechariah, as a priest, knew this well. But to put it mildly, God caught him off guard one day.

Zechariah was busy in the Holy Place offering incense, a duty Zechariah was permitted to do only once in his lifetime, when suddenly out of nowhere, the angel Gabriel stood by the altar. Of course, Gabriel had to calm Zechariah, because he was focused upon his task and not expecting Gabriel’s visit.  “Fear not,” he said. Not only did Gabriel’s presence startle Zechariah, but the news he brought was also startling.

Gabriel told him that Zechariah and Elizabeth, his wife, were going to have a son!  One would expect this to be good news for Zechariah because Elizabeth and Zechariah had been praying for a child for many years. Zechariah did not believe such a thing possible because he was an old man, and his wife was advanced in years as well. (Luke 1:18) This story was reminiscent of Abraham and Sarah, for God had also said that He would give them a son in their old age.  “Abraham fell on his face and laughed.” (Gen 17:17) 

Before he could even grasp the idea of having a son in his old age, Gabriel told him to name his son John, and that John would grow up to be God’s prophet to show Israel God’s son.  “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (vs16-17) (Mal 4:5) I understand that this was a lot to take in. But none of it was new to him. He was well acquainted with the promises of God as told by Malachi and other Old Testament prophets. This was the day, the time, that Zechariah, the priest, was looking forward to.   What a blessing and privilege to be the father of the much-anticipated Messenger who would turn the children of Israel to God. But something got in the way of that for Zechariah.

Instead of rejoicing, Zechariah demanded proof that this was even possible.  Even though an angel, who stands in the presence of God, came to deliver this good news, Zechariah believed this was all nonsense.  He wanted proof—not just a proclamation of an angel of the Lord.  “How can I be SURE of this?” he asked. (vs18) Gabriel gave him proof in the form of punishment. “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words…” (vs19,20) Zechariah was struck dumb, (v20) and quite possibly deaf. (v62)    

When Zechariah finished his priestly duties, he walked home to his faithful wife, and in time, she conceived. For nine months his words did not come, and his world was silent.  Every waking moment of every day, Zechariah was reminded of his unbelief.

I would be remiss in not mentioning Mary. Gabriel also brought her unexpected news. Although young, a virgin, and unmarried, she was also going to have a son—God’s Son, the Messiah. Her response was unlike Zechariah’s.  Instead of demanding proof that this could happen, she humbly submitted to God’s plan as His servant. “Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (v38) While Zechariah sat silently with his thoughts running rampant in his head, Mary rejoiced in prayer and song. (vs.46-55)

 In time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son.  Relatives and neighbors and friends heard the good news and rejoiced with her. Then something truly miraculous happened.

By custom Jewish boys were circumcised eight days after birth, at which time a name was given to the child. The expectation was that this child would be named Zechariah, after his father, but Elizabeth said his name would be called John, just as Gabriel had told Zechariah. It was unusual not to name the son after his father or another family member, so Zechariah was asked what he wanted the child to be called.  Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote the words, “His name is John.” (v63) That name, John, means God is gracious. When Zechariah penned the baby’s name, “John” on his tablet, he was declaring his belief in God’s faithfulness and grace, and affirming Gabriel’s message to him concerning his son, John. A simple thing, yet profound. Because God is gracious, Zechariah’s tongue was immediately loosed. (v64) Because God is gracious, He did not forget or abandon Zechariah, even when he did not believe.  That does not mean that it is okay to not believe.  We need to believe God. But when we struggle, God is there.   

Belief and unbelief are often at war with one another in our lives.  Sometimes we struggle to believe, much like Zechariah, and then other times we simply believe without doubt or question, much like Mary.  When we struggle, sometimes it is the small things that awaken our faith and cause us to believe—like a new baby named John

That same small baby, named John, awakened the faith of the children of Israel years later when as a man he “came as a witness, to bear witness about the light that all might believe through Him.”  (John 1:7)

Reflection Questions

Question One:  Why do you think God chose to make Zechariah a mute as punishment for his unbelief?

Question Two:  Why do you believe Zechariah struggled to believe God?  Are there times when you struggle to believe God?  Why? When?

Question Three: Right now, where are you in your belief?  More like Zechariah, the high priest, or more like Mary, the young virgin? 

Question Four:  In Mark 9:24, a man came to Jesus and said: “I believe; help me in my unbelief.” How can someone say, I believe, and at the same time ask for help in overcoming unbelief? Do you believe this was the situation with Zechariah?  Is this your situation on occasion?

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Return to the Lord Almighty

Zechariah 1-5

Devotion by Carla Hardy (Michigan)

We spent yesterday with Haggai urging the Israelites to obey God with a pure heart and focus on His coming Kingdom. Zechariah, another minor prophet, does something similar, encouraging the Israelites to rebuild the temple. 

Here again, the Israelites are discouraged. Zechariah challenges them to not be like their ancestors, rebellious and disobedient. He reminds them that if they turn back to God, He will be with them. “Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zech. 1:3)

Zechariah has a series of God-brought nighttime visions, solidifying His promises to restore and protect His people and the city of Jerusalem, and to bring the promise of the Messiah to fruition. 

Today, visions and dreams from God are far less common, or even do not occur at all, depending on one’s interpretation of the Word. We can’t expect God to give us clear visions while we sleep, but what we can do is remember that He left us his Word, which is 66 books of His goodness, His plans and His promises. Within these pages you’ll find the assurance that God is with us, that He promises to never leave us. He urges us to return to Him, and there we will find Him. Just like Zechariah encouraged the Israelites, so God encourages us. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced a vision? Or, recall a time when Scripture spoke to you so strongly that it was as a vision. 
  2. Has there been a time in your life where you rebelled or were disobedient? What happened when you returned back to God?
  3. What is your favorite promise from God? Reflect on that today. 
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God’s Wonderful Works

Psalms 106-107, 133

Thank you for joining me this week as we examined Scripture together!  Let’s close out with a few more Psalms, written by David.

The word ‘wonderful’ primarily means “very good”, but can also mean “astonishing”. Today’s Psalms are beautiful reflections of God’s wonderful works. Despite some of those works being consequences of rebelling against God, and certainly not our definition of “good”,  there is no denying they are still wonderful in the sense of the astonishing, awe-inspiring, power God displayed in these moments. 

All people were created by the omnipotent God, whether or not they acknowledge Him.  All people experience God’s wonderful works, whether or not they know those works are done by God alone.  In our world today, there are plenty of people that either do not know or choose to deny God’s power.  But that lack of understanding does not change the undeniable truth that God is the Almighty, and that someday, every knee will bow in acknowledgment of Him.  And oh what a glorious day that will be! 

Until then, as Christians, we should be remembering God’s wonderful works, and sharing them with others regularly. We should praise the doer of these works, giving thanks and announcing them with shouts of joy (107:22)! Our God is truly an awesome God, and worthy of all praise and recognition.  In our day to day, it can be challenging at times to pause and reflect on how God is working in the world and in our life, but it can make so much of a difference in our day when we simply say, “Thank You, awesome God.”.  

Sarah Johnson

Reflection Questions

  1. From today’s reading, which verse stuck out to you most? 
  2. As we close out the week together, I challenge you to not only take some extra time to give God praise for all He has done, but find a brother or sister to share in all His wonderful works, together!
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