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

Friday, February 8, 2019

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 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

  • Matthew 6:9-10
  • Jeremiah 32:17-20
  • Deuteronomy 30:16

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, February 8, 2019

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Chosen for Glory' (Ro. 9:21-24)
"Dear Father, ruler of the ages, You, O God, are the potter who has the right over the clay to make of it whatever you please. What if you, desiring....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Empowering Proclamation' (Ep. 6:18-20)
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Romans 7:24-25
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! "
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by A. W. Tozer:
"Faith in faith is faith astray."

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.

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!