Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The prescriptive God who works out His divine plan

Bible Reading: Luke 1:13-17 

Key Verse:  But the angel told him: Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. (Luke 1:13)


DEVOTION

 

Luke 1:13-17 portrays God as a prescriptive, purposeful deity who provides clear instructions to fulfill His divine plans. In this passage, Zechariah, visited by the angel Gabriel, learns that he and his wife Elizabeth, despite their old age, will have a son named John.
God prescribes John’s name:
The name “John,” meaning “The Lord is gracious,” symbolizes God’s grace towards individuals and the nation of Israel. Zechariah, however, doubts the angel's message and is temporarily rendered mute. It is a reminder of the consequences of disbelief in God’s gracious instructions. By trusting and obeying God's guidance, believers can experience His blessings and presence. If we follow His instructions, we reap multiple blessings and live in the light of His presence. Instead, we choose to wallow in our unbelief and thereby remain in the shadows, riddled with darkness and despondency.
God prescribes John’s lifestyle:
John was to live a life of complete reliance on God, abstaining from distractions like alcohol, which could cloud his rational thinking ability. This instruction highlights the importance of avoiding worldly temptations that divert believers from their spiritual calling. Every compromise with worldly pleasures represents a step away from God, emphasizing the need for steadfastness in pursuing a life aligned with His will.
God prescribes John’s mission: 
As a prophet filled with the Holy Spirit, his role was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. John would inspire repentance, obedience, and joy among the Israelites, breaking the 400 years of divine silence by announcing God’s redemptive act through Christ. This challenges believers to actively share their faith and prepare others for Christ’s salvation, rather than focusing solely on personal spiritual growth. Do we use every opportunity to prepare others for Christ? Or do we only look out for ourselves? If the salvation of others does not matter to us as much as our own salvation, we lose sight of our mission. In an increasingly self -centered world, let us be focused on using every opportunity we get to bring others to the Lord. 

  PRAYER

Heavenly Father, remind us of Your omnipresence and power. Help us trust Your divine plan, fear no darkness, and follow Your instructions faithfully, knowing You reign in heaven and control all through Your word. Amen.
 

Thought of the day

Trust God’s guidance, avoid worldly distractions, and live to prepare others for salvation.


Bindhu George
Melbourne Mar Thoma Church

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