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

Sunday, January 4, 2015

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Zechariah was serving as a priest before God for his group. It was his group's time to serve. The priests always chose one priest to offer the incense. Zechariah was chosen to do this. So Zechariah went into the temple of the Lord (God) to offer the incense. There were many, many people outside. They were praying at the time the incense was offered.
— Luke 1:8-10 NLT
Illustration of Luke 1:8-10 NLT — They were praying at the time the incense was offered.

Key Thought

In Zechariah's day, 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 happening to us. Once again, Zechariah reminds us that God has a plan and purpose and 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!

Today's Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, fill me with expectation when I go to be with your people who are gathered to worship you. 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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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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