"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - Day 79 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Joshua 1-3; Luke 1:57-80)
GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU TOO
Luke 1:66 ff “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The scene is quite dramatic. Elizabeth had just given birth to John (later referred to as John the Baptizer). Eight days later the relatives ask Elizabeth what the baby will be named. They don’t understand her answer. They have no relatives named John. Her husband, Zechariah, who has been silent for the past nine months, writes on a tablet, “His name is John.” And then something really amazing happens – the mute man begins to speak.
What is even more amazing is what his first words were – “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.” He proclaimed that his son was set aside for unique service to the Lord.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins...
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit.
John would be the forerunner of Jesus, calling his hearers to “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
God had a plan for John’s life, and He has a plan for your life too. What is His plan for you? The answer is found in listening to God as He teaches you and directs you in the Bible. The answer is also found in listening to the advice of other Christians (parents, grandparents, good friends, teachers and pastors).
Heavenly Father, as You revealed Your plan for John’s life, so let me know what You want me to do with the rest of my life. As You lead me through each day, grant me the comfort and assurance that come from sins forgiven and heaven guaranteed. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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