Psalm of the Day: Psalm 23
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 15:29-33
Scripture Reading: Luke 3:1-6
These verses describe the beginning of the Gospel of Christ. It began with the preaching of John the Baptist. The Jews could never say, that when Messiah came, He came without notice or preparation. He graciously sent a mighty forerunner before His face, by whose ministry the attention of the whole nation was awakened.
Let us notice the wickedness of the times when Christ's Gospel was brought into the world. The opening verses of the chapter tell us the names of some who were rulers and governors in the earth, when the ministry of John the Baptist began. There is hardly a name in it which is not infamous for wickedness. Tiberius, and Pontius Pilate, and Herod, and his brother, and Annas, and Caiaphas were men of whom we know little or nothing but evil. The earth seemed given into the hands of the wicked (Job 9:24).
Such was the state of things when Christ's forerunner was commissioned to begin preaching. Such were the times when the first foundation of Christ's church was brought out and laid. We may truly say, that God's ways are not our ways.
Let us learn never to despair about the cause of God's truth however black and unfavorable its prospects may appear. At the very time when things seem hopeless God may be preparing a mighty deliverance. At the very season when Satan's kingdom seems to be triumphing, the "little stone, cut without hands," may be on the point of crushing it to pieces. The darkest hour of the night is often that which just precedes the day.
Let us beware of slackening our hands from any work of God, because of the wickedness of the times, or the number and power of our adversaries. "He who observes the wind shall not sow and he who regards the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
Let us work on, and believe that help will come from Heaven, when it is most needed. In the very hour when a Roman emperor, and ignorant priests, seemed to have everything at their feet the Lamb of God was about to come forth from Nazareth, and set up the beginnings of His kingdom! What He has done once He can do again. In a moment He can turn His church's midnight into the blaze of noon day.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, even though times are dark, help me to trust that you can turn them into the blaze of noon day.
Action Plan: Instead of focusing on the dark times, start counting the blessings that God has given you. If you are walking with the Lord, the blessings will be evident.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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