Scripture:
Luke 1:26-38 (English Standard Version)
Birth of Jesus Foretold
26In the sixth month the angel(A) Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named(B) Nazareth, 27(C) to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph,(D) of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings,(E) O favored one,(F) the Lord is with you!"[b] 29But(G) she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for(H) you have found favor with God. 31And behold,(I) you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and(J) you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of(K) the Most High. And the Lord God(L) will give to him the throne of(M) his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob(N) forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
34And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"[c]
35And the angel answered her,(O) "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of(P) the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be called(Q) holy—(R) the Son of God. 36And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her(S) who was called barren. 37For(T) nothing will be impossible with God." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And(U) the angel departed from her.
Footnotes:
Luke 1:27 That is, legally pledged to be married
Luke 1:28 Some manuscripts add Blessed are you among women!
Luke 1:34 Greek since I do not know a man
Luke 1:35 Some manuscripts add of you
Luke 1:38 Greek bondservant; also verse 48
Cross references:
Luke 1:26 : Luke 1:19
Luke 1:26 : Matt 2:23
Luke 1:27 : Matt 1:16, 18
Luke 1:27 : Luke 2:4; Matt 1:20
Luke 1:28 : Psalm 45:2; Dan 9:23
Luke 1:28 : Judg 6:12
Luke 1:29 : Luke 1:12
Luke 1:30 : Acts 7:46
Luke 1:31 : Isa 7:14
Luke 1:31 : Luke 2:21; Matt 1:21, 25
Luke 1:32 : Luke 1:76; Luke 6:35; Acts 7:48; Mark 5:7
Luke 1:32 : Luke 1:69; 2 Sam 7:11-13, 16; Psalm 89:4; 132:11; Isa 9:6, 7; 16:5; Acts 2:30; Rev 3:7
Luke 1:32 : Matt 1:1
Luke 1:33 : Dan 2:44; 7:14, 18, 27; Heb 1:8; Rev 11:15; John 12:34
Luke 1:35 : Matt 1:18, 20
Luke 1:35 : Luke 1:32
Luke 1:35 : John 6:69
Luke 1:35 : Matt 14:33
Luke 1:36 : Luke 1:7
Luke 1:37 : Gen 18:14 (Gk); Matt 19:26
Luke 1:38 : Judg 6:21; Acts 12:10
Reflection:
Do you know the favor of the Lord? God lavishes his grace upon all who believe in him. He shows his favor to the lowly, to those who are humble and receptive to his word. We see the unfolding of God's plan of redemption in the events leading up to the Incarnation, the birth of the Messiah. The new era of salvation begins with the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary. This child to be born is conceived by the gracious action of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, who finds favor with God. As Eve was the mother of all humanity doomed to sin, now Mary becomes the mother of the new Adam who will father a new humanity by his grace (Romans 5:12-21). This child to be conceived in her womb is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. He will be “great” and “Son of the Most High” and “King” (Luke 1:32-33), and his name shall be called “Jesus”, which means “the Lord saves”. “He will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The promise of an everlasting kingdom to the house of David (Isaiah 9:6-7) is fulfilled in the King to be born in Mary’s womb.
How does Mary respond to the word of God deliverd by the angel Gabriel? She knows she is hearing something beyond human capability. It will surely take a miracle which surpasses all that God has done previously. Her question, “how shall this be, since I have no husband” is not prompted by doubt or skepticism, but by wonderment! She is a true hearer of the Word and she immediately responds with faith and trust. Mary's prompt response of "yes" to the divine message is a model of faith for all believers. Mary believed God's promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to do God's will, even if it seemed difficult or costly. Mary is the “mother of God” because God becomes incarnate when he takes on flesh in her womb. When we pray the Nicene Creed we state our confession of faith in this great mystery: “For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man”. God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heart-felt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the help, strength, and means to respond. We can either yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in God's promises and do you yield to his grace?
Prayer For The Day:
Heavenly Father, you offer us abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you my unqualified "yes" to your will and plan for my life.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Daily Word - Lesson On Listening - Luke 1:5-23
Scripture:
Luke 1:5-23 (English Standard Version)
Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5(A) In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,[a](B) of(C) the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6And they were both(D) righteous before God, walking(E) blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7But they had no child, because(F) Elizabeth was barren, and(G) both were advanced in years.
8Now(H) while he was serving as priest before God when(I) his division was on duty, 9according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot(J) to enter(K) the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And the whole multitude of the people(L) were praying(M) outside at the hour of incense. 11And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of(N) the altar of incense. 12And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and(O) fear fell upon him. 13But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for(P) your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and(Q) you shall call his name John. 14And you will have joy and gladness, and many will(R) rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be(S) great before the Lord. And(T) he must not drink wine or strong(U) drink, and(V) he will be(W) filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17and(X) he will go before him(Y) in the spirit and power of Elijah,(Z) to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and(AA) the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,(AB) to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."
18And Zechariah said to the angel,(AC) "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 19And the angel answered him, "I am(AD) Gabriel.(AE) I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20And behold,(AF) you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." 21And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in(AG) the temple. 22And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in(AH) the temple. And(AI) he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23And(AJ) when his time of(AK) service was ended, he went to his home.
Footnotes:
Luke 1:5 Greek Zacharias
Cross references:
Luke 1:5 : Matt 2:1
Luke 1:5 : 1 Chr 24:10
Luke 1:5 : Luke 1:8
Luke 1:6 : Luke 2:25
Luke 1:6 : Phil 2:15; 3:6; 1 Thess 2:10; 3:13; 5:23; Acts 23:1; 24:16
Luke 1:7 : Luke 1:36; Judg 13:2; 1 Sam 1:2
Luke 1:7 : Gen 18:11; Heb 11:11, 12
Luke 1:8 : 1 Chr 24:19; 2 Chr 8:14; 31:2; Luke 1:23
Luke 1:8 : Luke 1:5
Luke 1:9 : Exodus 30:7, 8; 1 Sam 2:28; 1 Chr 23:13; 2 Chr 29:11
Luke 1:9 : Luke 1:21, 22; Rev 11:2, 19; Heb 9:2, 3
Luke 1:10 : Psalm 141:2; Rev 5:8; 8:3, 4
Luke 1:10 : Lev 16:17
Luke 1:11 : Exodus 30:1-10; 40:26, 27
Luke 1:12 : Acts 19:17
Luke 1:13 : Acts 10:4, 31
Luke 1:13 : Luke 1:60, 63
Luke 1:14 : Luke 1:58
Luke 1:15 : Luke 7:28; Matt 11:11
Luke 1:15 : Luke 7:33; Num 6:3; Judg 13:4, 7, 14; Matt 11:18
Luke 1:15 : Acts 2:15, 17; Eph 5:18
Luke 1:15 : Luke 1:41, 67; Acts 2:4
Luke 1:15 : Isa 49:1, 5; Jer 1:5; Gal 1:15
Luke 1:17 : Luke 1:76; John 3:28
Luke 1:17 : Matt 11:14
Luke 1:17 : Mal 4:6
Luke 1:17 : Rom 10:21
Luke 1:17 : Luke 7:27; Mal 3:1; Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2
Luke 1:18 : Gen 15:8; Gen 17:17
Luke 1:19 : Luke 1:26; Dan 8:16; 9:21
Luke 1:19 : Rev 8:2; 1 Kgs 17:1; Job 1:6; Isa 63:9; Matt 18:10
Luke 1:20 : Ezek 3:26; 24:27
Luke 1:21 : Luke 1:9
Luke 1:22 : Luke 1:21
Luke 1:22 : Luke 1:62
Luke 1:23 : 2 Chr 23:8; Luke 1:8; 2 Kgs 11:5; 1 Chr 9:25
Luke 1:23 : Heb 10:11
Reflection:
Do you listen for God’s voice? Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Zechariah was a godly man who was tuned to God’s voice. He was born into a priestly family and it was his privilege to be chosen to enter the inner court of the temple to offer sacrifice to God. Luke records that the people wondered at Zechariah’s delay and were amazed that he was speechless when he withdrew from the inner sanctuary. They rightly perceived that he had a special encounter with God. God’s angelic messenger greeted Zechariah with a blessing beyond his expectations. “Your prayer is heard! You will have a son! And his mission will be great for all of Israel. ” Now that seemed like a lot for Zechariah to take in all at once. Could God really do a miracle for his barren wife, Elizabeth? The angel somewhat wisely put Zechariah in his place before God’s mighty action. He became speechless until the day the infant was dedicated to the Lord and given the name, John. When God draws us into his presence, he wants us to be still and quiet before him so we can listen to his voice as he speaks to our hearts and reveals his mind to us. Do you listen attentively to the Lord and do you ponder his word in your heart with trust and confidence?
In the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the angel explains to Zechariah the role his son is to play in preparing the way for the Messiah. John will be great in the sight of God. He will live as a Nazarite (see Numbers 6) -- a person set apart for the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even within his mother's womb. And he shall be sent to the people of God, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers and children to God and one another, by turning the "disobedient to the wisdom of the just." The name John means "the Lord is gracious". When God acts to save us he graciously fills us with his Holy Spirit and makes our faith "alive" to his promises. Do you pray that "the hearts of parents and children may be turned to God and one another"?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you bring hope and restoration to your people. Restore and strengthen Christian family life today. Help me to love and serve my family. May your love rule in all my relationships and remove any barriers to peace and harmony.
Luke 1:5-23 (English Standard Version)
Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5(A) In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,[a](B) of(C) the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6And they were both(D) righteous before God, walking(E) blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7But they had no child, because(F) Elizabeth was barren, and(G) both were advanced in years.
8Now(H) while he was serving as priest before God when(I) his division was on duty, 9according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot(J) to enter(K) the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And the whole multitude of the people(L) were praying(M) outside at the hour of incense. 11And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of(N) the altar of incense. 12And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and(O) fear fell upon him. 13But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for(P) your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and(Q) you shall call his name John. 14And you will have joy and gladness, and many will(R) rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be(S) great before the Lord. And(T) he must not drink wine or strong(U) drink, and(V) he will be(W) filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17and(X) he will go before him(Y) in the spirit and power of Elijah,(Z) to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and(AA) the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,(AB) to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."
18And Zechariah said to the angel,(AC) "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 19And the angel answered him, "I am(AD) Gabriel.(AE) I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20And behold,(AF) you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." 21And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in(AG) the temple. 22And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in(AH) the temple. And(AI) he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23And(AJ) when his time of(AK) service was ended, he went to his home.
Footnotes:
Luke 1:5 Greek Zacharias
Cross references:
Luke 1:5 : Matt 2:1
Luke 1:5 : 1 Chr 24:10
Luke 1:5 : Luke 1:8
Luke 1:6 : Luke 2:25
Luke 1:6 : Phil 2:15; 3:6; 1 Thess 2:10; 3:13; 5:23; Acts 23:1; 24:16
Luke 1:7 : Luke 1:36; Judg 13:2; 1 Sam 1:2
Luke 1:7 : Gen 18:11; Heb 11:11, 12
Luke 1:8 : 1 Chr 24:19; 2 Chr 8:14; 31:2; Luke 1:23
Luke 1:8 : Luke 1:5
Luke 1:9 : Exodus 30:7, 8; 1 Sam 2:28; 1 Chr 23:13; 2 Chr 29:11
Luke 1:9 : Luke 1:21, 22; Rev 11:2, 19; Heb 9:2, 3
Luke 1:10 : Psalm 141:2; Rev 5:8; 8:3, 4
Luke 1:10 : Lev 16:17
Luke 1:11 : Exodus 30:1-10; 40:26, 27
Luke 1:12 : Acts 19:17
Luke 1:13 : Acts 10:4, 31
Luke 1:13 : Luke 1:60, 63
Luke 1:14 : Luke 1:58
Luke 1:15 : Luke 7:28; Matt 11:11
Luke 1:15 : Luke 7:33; Num 6:3; Judg 13:4, 7, 14; Matt 11:18
Luke 1:15 : Acts 2:15, 17; Eph 5:18
Luke 1:15 : Luke 1:41, 67; Acts 2:4
Luke 1:15 : Isa 49:1, 5; Jer 1:5; Gal 1:15
Luke 1:17 : Luke 1:76; John 3:28
Luke 1:17 : Matt 11:14
Luke 1:17 : Mal 4:6
Luke 1:17 : Rom 10:21
Luke 1:17 : Luke 7:27; Mal 3:1; Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2
Luke 1:18 : Gen 15:8; Gen 17:17
Luke 1:19 : Luke 1:26; Dan 8:16; 9:21
Luke 1:19 : Rev 8:2; 1 Kgs 17:1; Job 1:6; Isa 63:9; Matt 18:10
Luke 1:20 : Ezek 3:26; 24:27
Luke 1:21 : Luke 1:9
Luke 1:22 : Luke 1:21
Luke 1:22 : Luke 1:62
Luke 1:23 : 2 Chr 23:8; Luke 1:8; 2 Kgs 11:5; 1 Chr 9:25
Luke 1:23 : Heb 10:11
Reflection:
Do you listen for God’s voice? Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Zechariah was a godly man who was tuned to God’s voice. He was born into a priestly family and it was his privilege to be chosen to enter the inner court of the temple to offer sacrifice to God. Luke records that the people wondered at Zechariah’s delay and were amazed that he was speechless when he withdrew from the inner sanctuary. They rightly perceived that he had a special encounter with God. God’s angelic messenger greeted Zechariah with a blessing beyond his expectations. “Your prayer is heard! You will have a son! And his mission will be great for all of Israel. ” Now that seemed like a lot for Zechariah to take in all at once. Could God really do a miracle for his barren wife, Elizabeth? The angel somewhat wisely put Zechariah in his place before God’s mighty action. He became speechless until the day the infant was dedicated to the Lord and given the name, John. When God draws us into his presence, he wants us to be still and quiet before him so we can listen to his voice as he speaks to our hearts and reveals his mind to us. Do you listen attentively to the Lord and do you ponder his word in your heart with trust and confidence?
In the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the angel explains to Zechariah the role his son is to play in preparing the way for the Messiah. John will be great in the sight of God. He will live as a Nazarite (see Numbers 6) -- a person set apart for the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even within his mother's womb. And he shall be sent to the people of God, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers and children to God and one another, by turning the "disobedient to the wisdom of the just." The name John means "the Lord is gracious". When God acts to save us he graciously fills us with his Holy Spirit and makes our faith "alive" to his promises. Do you pray that "the hearts of parents and children may be turned to God and one another"?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you bring hope and restoration to your people. Restore and strengthen Christian family life today. Help me to love and serve my family. May your love rule in all my relationships and remove any barriers to peace and harmony.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Daily Word - So That You Can Be CERTAIN Of The Things You Have Been Taught - Luke 1:1-4
Scripture:
Luke 1:1-4 (English Standard Version)
Luke 1
1Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that(A) have been accomplished among us, 2(B) just as those who(C) from the beginning were(D) eyewitnesses and(E) ministers of(F) the word(G) have delivered them to us, 3it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write(H) an orderly account for you,(I) most excellent(J) Theophilus, 4that you may have(K) certainty concerning the things(L) you have been taught.
Cross references:
Luke 1:1 : 2 Tim 4:5, 17 (Gk); Acts 3:18
Luke 1:2 : Heb 2:3
Luke 1:2 : John 15:27; 16:4; Mark 1:1; Acts 11:15
Luke 1:2 : 2 Pet 1:16; 1 John 1:1, 3; Acts 4:20; 1 Pet 5:1
Luke 1:2 : Acts 26:16; 1 Cor 4:1
Luke 1:2 : Mark 4:14
Luke 1:2 : 1 Cor 11:2, 23
Luke 1:3 : Acts 11:4
Luke 1:3 : Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25
Luke 1:3 : Acts 1:1
Luke 1:4 : Acts 2:36 (Gk); 2 Pet 1:16, 19
Luke 1:4 : Acts 18:25; Rom 2:18; 1 Cor 14:19; Gal 6:6 (Gk)
Reflection:
What would you give to know the fulness of truth? Jesus Christ is the "way, the truth, and the life." Luke's introduction to the gospel is unique among the four gospels. Luke speaks in the firstperson. He addresses his friend, Theophilus, a name which means "beloved of God". In so many words he says, "I am writing to you the most incredible story humankind has known." And this story is utterly believable because it comes from reliable firsthand witnesses of those who knew Jesus Christ personally, heard his teaching, and saw his miracles, death and resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven. The word "gospel" literally means "good news". The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ and the freedom he has won for us through his death and resurrection. The gospel is God's word for us today! It's is a living word that has power to change, transform, and bring freedom and healing to those who accept it as the word of God. Are you hungry for God's word? And do you receive it with expectant faith and trust?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and for your kingdom.
Luke 1:1-4 (English Standard Version)
Luke 1
1Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that(A) have been accomplished among us, 2(B) just as those who(C) from the beginning were(D) eyewitnesses and(E) ministers of(F) the word(G) have delivered them to us, 3it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write(H) an orderly account for you,(I) most excellent(J) Theophilus, 4that you may have(K) certainty concerning the things(L) you have been taught.
Cross references:
Luke 1:1 : 2 Tim 4:5, 17 (Gk); Acts 3:18
Luke 1:2 : Heb 2:3
Luke 1:2 : John 15:27; 16:4; Mark 1:1; Acts 11:15
Luke 1:2 : 2 Pet 1:16; 1 John 1:1, 3; Acts 4:20; 1 Pet 5:1
Luke 1:2 : Acts 26:16; 1 Cor 4:1
Luke 1:2 : Mark 4:14
Luke 1:2 : 1 Cor 11:2, 23
Luke 1:3 : Acts 11:4
Luke 1:3 : Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25
Luke 1:3 : Acts 1:1
Luke 1:4 : Acts 2:36 (Gk); 2 Pet 1:16, 19
Luke 1:4 : Acts 18:25; Rom 2:18; 1 Cor 14:19; Gal 6:6 (Gk)
Reflection:
What would you give to know the fulness of truth? Jesus Christ is the "way, the truth, and the life." Luke's introduction to the gospel is unique among the four gospels. Luke speaks in the firstperson. He addresses his friend, Theophilus, a name which means "beloved of God". In so many words he says, "I am writing to you the most incredible story humankind has known." And this story is utterly believable because it comes from reliable firsthand witnesses of those who knew Jesus Christ personally, heard his teaching, and saw his miracles, death and resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven. The word "gospel" literally means "good news". The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ and the freedom he has won for us through his death and resurrection. The gospel is God's word for us today! It's is a living word that has power to change, transform, and bring freedom and healing to those who accept it as the word of God. Are you hungry for God's word? And do you receive it with expectant faith and trust?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and for your kingdom.
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