What Jesus Did! 'God's Message Comes to John' — Luke 3:1-2

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness.
— Luke 3:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

We often think that it is our setting or our location or the time in our lives that determines when we feel God's influence the most. The beginning of the Jesus story reminds us that God is greater than any setting, location, or time in history. God's message came to John when Israel was occupied by Roman power, influence, and politics. Yet this was the time that God chose to speak and to act to fulfill his promises and to redeem all peoples. No matter where you are in the circumstances of your life, don't think that God can't act and bring change, deliverance, and salvation. God is greater than any circumstance. The real issue is whether or not our hearts are yearning for his mighty works and his powerful words to change us regardless of our setting, location, or time in his history.

Today's Prayer

Abba Father, may your name be revered with holy passion and your words and works be honored by people just as they are by the hosts of heaven. Break through in this time and show your glory and splendor, holiness and honor, righteousness and justice, before all people. Keep my heart's fervor vibrantly passionate for you and your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 3:1-2 NLT — At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Don't Share the Altar with Demons'
"Think about the Israelites: Do not those who eat the sacrifices share in the altar? I do not mean that the food sacrificed to an idol is important. I...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Mark 1:30
"Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 9:2
"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Bedrock Belief'
"Dear Disciple, All religions, in fact, all worldviews including those couched in the language of unbelief, are built on a belief in something. This....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!