What Jesus Did! 'Once in a Lifetime' — Luke 1:8-10

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.
— Luke 1:8-10 NLT

Key Thought

In Zechariah's day, the number of priests was so large that a priest often served God all of his life and never got to enter the sanctuary and burn incense before the Lord. But God chose for this day to be Zechariah's day. So often, we "go to church" with little or no expectation of something great or special happening to us. Once again, Zechariah reminds us that God has a plan and purpose, plus he likes to surprise us with those things at just the right time. Don't give up on God's purpose for you! Keep on doing the next right thing and trust that God will not only see you through but also that he just might surprise you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience one day when you thought you were just going to church — or just living your life!

Today's Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, fill me with expectation when I go to be with your people who are gathered to worship you and as I worship you in the way I live my life before you each day. Surprise me with your grace, mercy, and power. Use me, dear Lord, to do your work in my world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:28-30
  • Psalm 122:1
  • Hebrews 10:19-25

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:8-10 NLT — While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

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.

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