Today’s Tasting: Luke 1; John 1
Come with us as we feast on the New Testament to follow God’s promises: Great news, hope, and healing arrive as God reveals Himself wrapped in humanity. He had revealed Himself to a man, to a people, and to nations. Now, He planned to reveal Himself to the world as Messiah, Savior, and Lord. The promise was presented and lived through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Jesus, upon His departure, promised not to leave us as orphans, but to send One, just like Him. And He sent His Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit came to show us Jesus and live in our spirits for the purpose of loving God, loving others, and surrendering ourselves to His Lordship as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Bible Feast Blog now moves to this new era of life with Christ coming to live and die in our place. His central message of “Come to me” continues today as we continue to Esteem Christ and Encourage Believers while we read, blog, and write e-votionals throughout the Bible, throughout the year—2015.
We pray God’s riches blessings and grace envelope you and your families as we feast together on The Bible Feast Blog and live in Christ’s fullness.
Luke 1: Luke’s purpose in writing this letter is so that the truth of the Gospel of Jesus and an understanding of the doctrines of the Christian faith are clarified, (verse 4).
Luke intertwines the two stories of the miracle conception of John the Baptizer, (older parents and barren mother), and the miracle of the immaculate conception of the young virgin, Mary. God chose Mary to carry and birth the Son of God, Jesus, the Messiah. Mary and Elizabeth were cousins.
The Old-Testament prophets foretold the coming of both men. The one, John, came to pave the way with his message to “repent and be baptized” and preparing God’s people for the second coming, Jesus, the Savior of the world—the Messiah. He came to save lost humanity and make them right before God the Father.
Both Zachariah and Mary received angelic visitations directly from the throne of God announcing the coming births. Zachariah received the news by questioning the angel Gabriel with doubt in his heart. Mary received the news in humble service to God. Although she questioned the “how” she did not question the message. With her tender heart, right before God, she gave her life for the purpose of her Lord.
John 1: The Apostle John, not John the Baptizer, introduces the eternal Word of God in his opening statements of his letter. The Word was in the beginning with God and He, the Word was, and is, God.
John details the purpose of God coming to earth as a man. In Him was the Life of God and that Life was the Light of Men. Jesus was and is still the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus also said that no one comes to the Father except through Him.
John continues to detail how John the Baptizer paved the way for Jesus and the start of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He writes about Jesus’ baptism and the selections of His first disciples.
Today’s Nourishment: The good news message remains clear today. Choose to believe. Choose eternal life by simply believing in Jesus as God’s Son, the Holy One, the Messiah. He is the Way, the Truth and the Light of God to mankind. Don’t doubt or reject Him. His free gift of salvation is huge news! Choosing to believe will change the course of your earthly life and your eternal destination.
How do you receive this gift of God—your eternal salvation through Jesus Christ?
Do you hear the message but hesitate, with doubt in your heart, like Zachariah did at the announcement of the coming birth of his son?
Or, would you humble yourself today before the Almighty God of heaven and say,
“Here I am Lord. Let it be unto me as you have said”, as did the young Mary?
Say, just as Mary did, “Here am I Lord, do unto me as you say. I am your humble servant.” Let us know how God is working in your life to will and to do His great purpose. Be blessed.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Matthew 1, Luke 2
June Smith
San Antonio, TX
mjunesmith@gmail.com
June, I say with Mary, “Here I am, Lord, for you to use me as you wish. I pray that your will and your purpose be accomplished in and through me. Thanks for the post! I look forward to the New Testament blogging!