June 5

Luke 1:57-66 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

65And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

Observation

The neighbors rejoiced with Elizabeth and Zechariah that God had shown great mercy. After all, she bore a son in her late age. But when both Elizabeth and Zechariah unexpectedly said they would name the child John, they all wondered why. Then miraculously, Zechariah was able to talk once again and praised God. And fear came on all their neighbors. One definition of fear is "reverential awe." People put the pieces of the puzzle together - Zechariah became mute when Elizabeth conceived, Elizabeth conceived in her late age - and realized "the hand of the Lord" was with this child. It was more than God's blessing (God being nice). It was God's plan. His plan was not just for this couple, it was for John and the role he would have in preparing the path for Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

How often do I see the events in my life as "curious" or "interesting" when in fact it is God at work? God is real and He has a grand plan that He accomplishes through ordinary people like me. By considering God's work in my life simply as a "blessing" or "mercy", could I be missing out on realizing God's purpose? God's plans are greater than me and I am not the center of the universe. I need to see events with spiritual eyes and hear with spiritual ears.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your work in my life. Thank you that you cause events in my life for a greater good - to accomplish your work for all people. Give me the faith to know that both "blessings" and "trials" in my life can and will be used for Your Kingdom. Help me to have the faith to know that even in those times. Allow me to realize the events in my life today with spiritual eyes and ears.

--Jason Kim