What Jesus Did! 'The Truth' — Luke 3:19-20

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother's wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.
— Luke 3:19-20 NLT

Key Thought

I've heard it said that our true character is revealed in what we do and who we are when no one is looking. For most of us, that statement is probably true. However, there is another test of truth and truth-telling. Will we tell the truth to everyone, even those who have power over us and who don't want us to tell it? One of the stark reminders of Satan's reality in the world is the long line of martyrs for the cause of Jesus and the Kingdom. With Jesus himself at the head of that line, the line includes John, [1] who tells the truth to powerful King Herod just as John has done with common and powerless people. John demonstrates integrity and courage to us. Thankfully, in our long story of faith, many others have followed John's example. May God give us the grace to do the same if we are tempted not to tell the truth.

[1] Luke 9:9.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous God, please give me the courage and strength to speak your truth regardless of the situation that confronts me. Help me to speak the truth in love but also to speak the truth with conviction and clarity. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Because God Is Able
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
God has done great things and is worthy of all of our praise. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to give us confidence in our salvation because our God is able!
Jesus: Fulfilling All Righteousness
Article by Phil Ware
First Stage of Jesus' Ministry First stage of Jesus' ministry.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 3:19-20 NLT — So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Hosea 5:7
"Believer, here is a sorrowful truth! Thou art the beloved of the Lord, redeemed by blood, called by grace, preserved in Christ Jesus, accepted in the...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Rivers of Living Water Now Flowing' (Jn. 7:37-39)
"On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
John 4:13-14
"Jesus answered, "...whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'An Officer and a Gentleman' (Acts 27:1-3)
"When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of...."

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!