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

Friday, January 4, 2019

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

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 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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