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
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!
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.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. 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.
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—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
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. 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.
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