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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Not Forgotten in the Bigger Story
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, The heart of our Father was beautifully revealed through the prophet Isaiah:For this is what the high and exalted One says —..."
It's Always Special When Angels Show Up
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of the King, When you open your Bible and you see the appearance of angels, know that the Father is up to something special in your world...."
KEEPING THE CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS
Article by Steve Ridgell
The Christmas season is here... Christians celebrate Christmas 365 days a year, not just on December 25.
EGHT: All Seekers Welcomed Here!
Article by Phil Ware
In the Bible, sometimes a person's name was changed because of something that person did or because of something that God was going to do through that person. Phil Ware continues his series called 8GT -- Eight Truths that Turned the World Upside Down and focuses on finding those seeking Jesus.

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Rejected Leadership, Rejected God' (Acts 7:39-41)
"[Stephen, in his defense before the council, emphasized how the Jewish ancestors had turned against Moses during their time in the Sinai wilderness:]...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Luke 9:23-24
"Jesus said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Exalt the Lord'
"Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!"
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Foregoing Rights' (1 Co. 9:1-18)
"Dear Father, who sees my heart, Help me to follow the excellent example of the Apostle Paul. Though he had a right to earn his livelihood from his..."

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!