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“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

John 14:16–18

Having Jesus with them should have been a great source of comfort and peace to the disciples. They had the Son of God with all His power in their presence. Yet often despite Him being with them in person, they still worried, doubted, and were gripped with fear. Once, as they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a sudden storm threatened to sink the boat. In terror, the disciples ran to Jesus. “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38). After He calmed the storm, Jesus rebuked their lack of faith. His presence should have given them strength to face any storm.

When Jesus was on Earth He could only be in one place at a time. When He sent the disciples on preaching trips, He was no longer with them. Now because each believer has been given the Holy Spirit, we always have God’s presence no matter where we are. We never need to fear that we are abandoned or forsaken. When a Christian lives in fear, it is an indication that he is not living with an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Though having Him with us does not guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen, it does give us the hope and the promise that we are not alone. We can face whatever trials come, secure in the knowledge of His divine presence and comfort.

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.”

Psalm 42:1–4

A deer running for its life from a predator or a hunter knows what true thirst is. The longing for water is so intense, so overwhelming, that it becomes the deer’s sole focus. It wants water more than anything else. Our desire for God should be that intense. Instead, we far too often treat Him casually, when love for God—complete, wholehearted, intense, and committed love—is our first and most important responsibility in life.

When Moses, nearing the end of his life, recounted for the Children of Israel all of the commandments and instructions that God had given for them to follow, he began with the most important of all: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5). Jesus highlighted this as the one commandment above all the others. That is because when we love God as we should, keeping His commandments becomes easy rather than a struggle.

The devil knows that if he can replace God as the greatest desire of our hearts—even with something that is not sinful—he has destroyed our effectiveness. Any idol that takes God’s place must be torn down, and He alone allowed to reign and rule over our hearts. God will never settle for being second place.

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,”

1 Peter 2:6–7

In modern buildings cornerstones are mostly symbolic and ceremonial, but in ancient times setting the stone for the first corner of the building was vital to the success of the entire construction project. Every other stone in the building would take its place in relation to that first stone. When the Bible refers to Jesus as the cornerstone, it is pointing out His central role in our faith. He is the very foundation on which everything in our lives rests.

At the very end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described those whose lives are built on the teachings of Scripture: “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matthew 7:25). We do not need to fear or doubt whether following His Word will produce good results. That is the only sure foundation on which we can build. Everything else is like shifting sand, and building on that kind of foundation always leads to disaster.

There are always people who have new and “improved” ideas of what we should believe, but nothing can ever take the place of the unfailing Word of God. Properly understood and applied to our lives, Scripture is a firm foundation that we can trust. We do not need new methods or concepts. Instead, we need to faithfully follow what we have already received. If faith in the Bible is our foundation, we never need to fear for the future.

“And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.”

Luke 11:5–8

In His teaching on prayer, Jesus used the example of a desperate host whose cupboard was bare when a friend came to his house. This man runs next door and begs and pleads with another friend for help. Before he receives what he needs, he first acknowledges his own utter inability to meet the need. I believe that often our prayers are not answered because we are not willing to say, “I have nothing.” We sometimes believe that we are at 99 percent and only need God to add a tiny bit for us to make it over the top and succeed.

The reality is that everything we have and everything we do is a result of God’s grace, and if we are unwilling to admit that it is all Him and not us, we should not expect His help. Oswald Chambers said, “All through history God has chosen and used nobodies, because their unusual dependence on Him made possible the unique display of His power and grace. He chose and used somebodies only when they renounced dependence on their natural abilities and resources.” The pride that lurks in each of our hearts delights in self confidence and boasting and hates being forced to admit our complete need for God.

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

Philippians 2:14–16

As we look around us and see the world getting worse and worse, we should not be surprised. God has already warned us of what to expect as time passes and men’s hearts grow darker, and He has told us how to respond. Paul wrote to Timothy, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:13-14).

Timothy who was facing intense persecution (according to church history, he was eventually martyred in Ephesus for opposing idol worship) just kept doing what he knew was right. We do not need more clever methods to fight the darkness; we need to hold up the light.

The task of being a light to the world has never been easy. Christians have always dealt with opposition and hardship. Jesus said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). If instead of getting intimidated by growing darkness we strengthen our resolve and shine our lights, we will have the impact on the world that God means for us to have. We are not responsible for eliminating all the darkness around us, but for displaying boldly and clearly the light of the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and trusting Him for the results.

“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”

Acts 1:1–3

Jesus completely finished the work of redemption through His death and resurrection, and salvation is eternally settled for all who believe. In His prayer in the Upper Room with the disciples during the Last Supper, Jesus said to His Father, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). The work of salvation is done, yet Luke speaks of “all that Jesus began,” implying that there is more work that needs to be done. And that work is for all the world to hear the gospel and have the opportunity to be saved.

That is where we come in. God could have had angels do all of His work here on earth, or He could simply command everything and every person. But instead He chooses to use us in His service, entrusting us with carrying on the work of reaching the world with the gospel and teaching those who believe in Jesus for salvation. This is not a light task—but it is one in which God expects us to succeed.

Though we face opposition, God has called and equipped us for the work, and He has big plans for our ministry for Him. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12). In the power given us by God, we can continue to fulfill the calling of God to reach our world for Him.

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;”

Colossians 1:3–5

The work of the Lord has many different facets. That is why God brings together people with different gifts and abilities so that the church can respond to the needs of its people and its community. Some of the roles of the ministry are more public than others, but none is unimportant—and one of the most crucial things that every believer can do for God’s work is to pray. It does not require any special talents or abilities, but rather obedience and faithfulness.

When Jesus assessed the great need facing His followers, His first response was to instruct them to pray. “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). Prayer is not the only thing we should do, but it must take priority in our lives. John Bunyan said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed. Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan.”

The Apostle James was said to have “camel knees” because he spent so much time kneeling in prayer that his knees were calloused and scarred. The earnest, faithful prayers of a Christian are just as much a ministry as preaching, teaching, or singing are; and too often those prayers are neglected.

“For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”

1 Samuel 12:22–24

The culture around us glorifies the individual. We often hear or read of people who are described as “self made.” Those who go their own way are glorified and held up as role models. Yet in God’s plan for our lives, the exact opposite is true. As Christians, we are instructed and encouraged to hold each other up in prayer. A. T. Pierson wrote, “God has no greater controversy with His people today than this, that with boundless promises to believing prayer, there are so few who actually give themselves unto intercession.”

We see a wonderful illustration of this principle in the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites. As the battle raged in the valley below, Moses prayed, asking for God’s help and stretching out the shepherd’s rod he carried toward Heaven. As long as he did that, Israel was winning. But when he tired and his arms dropped, the tide of the battle turned against the Israelites. “But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (Exodus 17:12). This is what we do by interceding in prayer for others—we strengthen and encourage them so that they can win the victory.

“So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.”

1 Kings 18:42–44

For more than three years it did not rain in Israel as punishment for the people worshipping Baal rather than God. After the fire of God fell on the altar that Elijah had prepared on Mt. Carmel, the people declared that they would follow Jehovah, but the rain did not return until Elijah prayed for it. Six times Elijah sent his servant to look for signs of rain without finding anything. Rather than being discouraged, Elijah kept praying until the answer came and the rain fell. There are many prayers that are not answered, not because we do not have a need or because what we are praying for is wrong, but because we stop praying before the answer comes. This is especially true when praying for the salvation of the lost.

Charles Spurgeon said, “Until the gate of hell is shut upon a man we must not cease to pray for him. And if we see him hugging the very doorposts of damnation, we must go to the mercy seat and beseech the arm of grace to pluck him from his dangerous position. While there is life there is hope, and although the soul is almost smothered with despair, we must not despair for it, but rather arouse ourselves to awaken the Almighty arm.”

“And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.”

Judges 16:19–20

Though Samson was greatly used by God to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines, he refused to obey God. He seems to have thought that because God had blessed him over and over, he was exempt from obedience. Even after he told Delilah the secret of his strength and the Philistines cut his hair and violated the Nazarite vow that had been with him for all of his life, Samson still assumed that God’s presence and power would be there just as they had always been before.

The reality is that God doesn’t owe us anything. Instead we owe everything to Him. And He is not in the business of ignoring our sins—even the ones that are hidden from the view of others. Often we put the outward sins at the top of the list of the “worst” kinds of sins. But sin begins on the inside with our decisions to go our way rather than God’s way. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. said, “Behind every tragedy of human character lies a long process of wicked thinking.”

We never store up credit with God by doing good that will lead to Him overlooking sin. The presence and power of God rest on the holy life, and if we assume He is there no matter what we have been doing, we are headed for disaster. While we would never declare that we do not need God, we sometimes live as if we are not completely dependent on Him.

“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

Hebrews 11:36–38

Each year on November 11, we pause to remember those who have served our nation in the military. Originally set to commemorate the end of the first World War, “Armistice Day,” as it was then known, was a way to ensure that those who endured the great hardships and suffering of the war were not forgotten. As new wars followed, the remembrance was expanded to all of those who had served. Truly the freedoms that we enjoy as American citizens have been bought at a high price. We should never forget the courage and sacrifice of those who went before.

As Christians, we have an even greater heritage and example of courage to remember than that of military heroes. The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who obeyed God regardless of their circumstances and the consequences they faced. Some of them were delivered while others suffered and even died because of their stand for the truth. But all of them continued firm in the faith.

The stories of the heroes of faith found throughout Scripture and highlighted in Hebrews 11 are not meant for our entertainment, but for our instruction. The devotion to God and belief in His promises that moved Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others to action—even in the face of great resistance and uncertainty—should be the pattern we follow in our own lives. The remembrance of the past heroes of the faith is an important part of our obedience and faithfulness today.

“So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.”

1 Kings 17:5–7

There are many preachers today, some of them very popular, proclaiming a message that God only gives good things to His children who love and obey Him. That is very different from the picture the Bible paints. While there are certainly rewards and blessings for obedience, our behavior does not exempt us from suffering through difficult times. Peter wrote to Christians who were obedient but suffering great persecution: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Peter 4:12). The trials we experience may be the result of sin in our lives, but that is not always the case.

Often it is while we are doing right that the most severe tests of our faith come. Elijah was miraculously provided for during the drought that came upon Israel for their disobedience. He went where God told him to go and did what God told him to do. But after some time went by the brook that had sustained his life dried up. Elijah could have taken that as a sign that God could no longer be trusted. Instead he simply obeyed the next instruction he received from God, believing that the Lord would be faithful—and He was. God never fails us. And when our faith is tested, when we are tried in serious and challenging ways, that should be our bedrock. As long as we believe God, we will pass the test.

“And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me.”

Matthew 14:15–18

So often our focus is on what we do not have rather than what we do have. We make excuses, saying we would serve God if we had more talents or we would give if we had more money. No one God has ever used had the resources needed for the work to which He called them. Instead, those who have been used gave what they had to God and trusted Him to make it enough. Very small things—a shepherd’s staff, a young boy’s sling, a widow’s mite, a handful of meal, and a little boy’s lunch made a huge difference when they were given to God.

We should not expect God to do more for us and increase our resources if we are not using what we already have for His work. Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:10–11).

We do not need great resources when we have a great God. We simply need to trust Him with what He has given to us, and believe that He will work to supply all of our needs. There are no limits to what God can do when we act in faith. If we keep our eyes on Him, we will find the courage to go forward and He will be faithful.

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:54–57

Our society goes to great lengths to avoid dealing with the reality of death. We hate to acknowledge that life is going to come to an end, and many people simply live in denial, acting as though they will never die. Yet the undeniable reality is that unless the Lord returns, all of us will one day come to the end of our lives. For the Christian, the approach of death is nothing to fear. The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us the assurance that our eternity with Him is guaranteed. There is nothing left to fear, for He defeated death forever. And in truth knowing that we will be present with the Lord immediately when this life ends means that death is not something to be feared.

Charles Spurgeon said, “On the day of the believer’s death, dying is forever done with. The saints who are with God shall never die any more. Life is wrestling, struggling; but death is the end of conflict: it is rest—victory. Life is longing, sighing, crying, pining, desiring. Heaven is enjoying, possessing, delighting one’s self in God. This life is failure, disappointment, regret. Such emotions are all over when the day of death comes, for glory dawns upon us with its satisfaction and intense content. The day of our death will be the day of our cure. The day of our death is the beginning of our best days.”

“For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

Psalm 37:22–25

The life of David was filled with blessings, but it was also filled with difficulty and trials. More than once David had to flee for his life. He even went to the Philistines and pretended to be crazy when he was hiding from Saul. Yet throughout his troubles, David always trusted in God, and as a result he saw great things from God. What he did not ever see was God forsaking one of His children—and no one ever will see that. God has given us an eternal and unfailing promise that He will always love and care for His children. The Bible says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

The world, and even some who claim to be teaching the Word of God, suggests that if things go wrong, it proves that God has abandoned or forsaken us. Yet over and over we see in Scripture that even when God allows bad things to happen in our lives, He is there. The devil delights when we are convinced that God has let us down, because he knows that when our faith is undermined, our conduct will follow. Instead of allowing our circumstances to cause us to doubt, we should rest in the faithful promises of God and trust that He knows exactly what is best for us.

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

Philippians 3:8–11

Ever since the offerings brought by Cain and Abel, there has been a struggle among humanity over how to gain acceptance with God. There are millions and millions of people who think they are fine concerning their eternal destiny because they have their own righteousness. Yet human righteousness is an absolute failure in the eyes of a holy God. The most outwardly righteous people in the world in Jesus’ day were the Pharisees. They devoted their lives to scrupulous attention to the most minute details of the law. Yet despite their best efforts, Jesus said, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life, fulfilling every command of the Law, and thus was completely righteous. Through His grace, He offers that righteousness freely to us. When God sees a Christian, He does not see our sins and failures, but instead the righteousness of His Son. This is the only righteousness that is acceptable to Him. Rather than striving to establish our own credentials with God, we need to simply rest in what Jesus has already done for us and rejoice in His salvation.

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Ephesians 2:20–22

On September 18, 1793, President George Washington traveled to the newly established District of Columbia for a special ceremony. Accompanied by two brass bands, an artillery company and a large group of dignitaries, Washington made his way to the site of the new Capitol building which would house the United States Congress and laid the cornerstone. Though Congress would not begin using the building until 1800 and it was not finished until 1811, the foundation for the seat of representative government had been established.

The importance of a solid foundation is something those of us who live in California know a lot about. The earthquakes that we have from time to time require that every building be constructed so that it can withstand the shock of the earth moving. The Christian life is only successful and stable when it is built on the one true foundation—Jesus.

Jesus concluded His most famous message, the Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24–25). Life has storms, and the only way that we can hope to survive is to have something that can never be moved under our feet. Christianity is not a hope-based religion, but a faith-based life. And the only true faith is that which is built upon the teaching of the Word of God.

“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

1 John 5:19–21

There are many things that are important, but only a very few are truly essential. For the Christian life, the knowledge of Jesus is the very foundation on which everything else rests. This is just not the knowledge that Jesus is the Saviour, although that is the beginning of our faith. This is a practical knowledge of who Jesus is and how He lived that only comes from the Word of God. There is no question that Jesus is to be the model for our daily lives. Peter tells us, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” (1 Peter 2:21). We find the knowledge of Christ in the Bible, not in the portraits of Him painted by society or in our feelings about who He was.

F. B. Meyer wrote, “We may know Him personally intimately face to face. Christ does not live back in the centuries, nor amid the clouds of heaven: He is near us, with us, compassing our path in our lying down, and acquainted with all our ways. But we cannot know Him in this mortal life except through the illumination and teaching of the Holy Spirit…. And we must surely know Christ, not as a stranger who turns in to visit for the night, or as the exalted king of men—there must be the inner knowledge as of those whom He counts His own familiar friends, whom He trusts with His secrets, who eat with Him of His own bread.”

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:2–5

One of the major targets for attack in our lives by the enemy is our faith. Satan knows that if he can undermine our confidence in the promises and Word of God, we are on the path to defeat. John reminds us, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Knowing the importance of faith to victorious living, we must guard our faith, and that starts with its foundation.

Faith is not based on what we wish would happen. Faith is not blindly declaring that something is going to occur and then waiting on God to deliver whatever we ask. Faith is not based on our hopes for the future. Faith—genuine, godly faith—is based on the promises of God, the unfailing, unchanging, inspired Word of God. There is nothing else on which we can rely, for nothing else is perfect.

And faith is strengthened by being put into practice. The Christian life is meant to be a series of steps in which we take what we find written in the Word and apply it to our lives. It is not enough to simply know or hear or learn what the Bible says. We must put it into practice. James wrote, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25).

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;”

Hebrews 2:1–3

One of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War was Washington’s victory at the Battle of Trenton. Commemorated in the famous painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware” the struggling American army launched a sudden attack on the British forces on the day after Christmas. The victory was a boost to the morale of the Americans who had suffered a string of defeats and a blow to the British sense of invincibility—but it was a victory that almost didn’t happen.

The British troops quartered for the winter in Trenton were under the command of a Colonel named Johann Rall. Despite repeated warnings from loyalists that Washington was preparing an attack, he did not build fortifications to protect the town or his soldiers. The night before the attack, Rall received a note warning of the attack, but he didn’t stop playing cards long enough to even read it. Rall was killed during the fighting the next day, and the note he refused to read was found in his pocket.

The Christian life is a life of warfare, and we need to be on guard for attacks of the enemy. If we let down our defenses and refuse to heed the warnings of Scripture, we are on the path to defeat. We need to be aware of what the devil is trying to do to destroy our lives. Paul wrote, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

“And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.”

1 Chronicles 21:16–17

Toward the end of his reign, David was tempted by Satan to number the people. Having a count of the men able to fight in a national army seemed like a rational idea, even an important one, but God wanted His people to trust in Him rather than in their numbers, and not be proud at the way in which He had blessed them with growth. Because David’s heart was lifted up in pride, God’s anger was kindled and a great judgment came upon Israel.

David’s response is a wonderful example for us to follow. When he realized the seriousness of his sin, and saw the judgment of God, he not only repented, but he took full responsibility for what he had done. So often we try to avoid taking the blame and look for others to at least share the load of responsibility. This is not new—we see it in the response of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and it has been a pattern of human conduct ever since. Repentance never tries to shift blame. Instead it accepts responsibility and whatever judgment may be due for what we have done.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1–2

There are many promises in the Bible for the blessing and provision of those who serve God. There are no promises that the Christian life will be easy, painless, and filled with things we like and enjoy. Very little that is meaningful or of lasting value is accomplished without great cost. Many people fail to do anything of particular value for the Lord’s work because they are not willing to do what it takes when the cost is high. Jesus said, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:27–28).

I read about a missionary who had spent a number of years in Africa who was asked if he liked his work on the field. He responded, “No, My wife and I do not like dirt. We have reasonably refined sensibilities. We do not like crawling into vile huts through goat refuse. But is a man to do nothing for Christ he does not like? God pity him, if not. Liking or disliking has nothing to do with it. We have orders to do, and we go. Love constrains us.” Following the example of Jesus, we must take up the cross and make the sacrifices required to faithfully serve God.

“Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people. And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all. And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.”

1 Chronicles 21:22–24

The world is filled with people who are looking for bargains and shortcuts. While there is nothing wrong with finding a way to save a little money or a little time, there is a danger that we look for ways to avoid sacrifices necessary to demonstrate our love or, as in this case for David, genuine repentance. God does not need anything from us. Everything that we have already belongs to Him, and when we speak of “giving” to God, it is really nothing more than returning a part of what He has blessed us with as a sign of our gratitude.

When David wanted to offer a sacrifice to God to stop the plague that was devastating the people of Israel, he was presented with an opportunity to do it without it costing him anything. Ornan offered to both give David his land and everything he would need to offer a burnt offering to the Lord. David refused the generous offer, stating the principle that our offerings to God cannot truly be made without costing us something. He paid the full price for the land, made the sacrifice and the plague was stopped.

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 100:1–5

In his Treasury of David, Charles Spurgeon points out that Psalm 100 is the only psalm given the title: “A Psalm of Praise.” Truly it is right and fitting that we who have been the recipients of so many blessings—all of them undeserved—should give thanks to the Lord who has graciously given us so much. In fact, giving thanks is both a command and a privilege. And it pleases God when we are grateful.

Spurgeon wrote, “In all our public service the rendering of thanks must abound; it is like the incense of the temple, which filled the whole house with smoke. Expiatory sacrifices are ended, but those of gratitude will never be out of date. So long as we are receivers of mercy we must be givers of thanks. Mercy permits us to enter his gates; let us praise that mercy. What better subject for our thoughts in God’s own house than the Lord of the house. Into whatever court of the Lord you may enter, let your admission be the subject of praise: thanks be to God, the innermost court is now open to believers, and we enter into that which is within the veil; it is incumbent upon us that we acknowledge the high privilege by our songs. Let the praise be in your heart as well as on your tongue, and let it all be for him to whom it all belongs.”

“In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.”

2 Chronicles 32:24–25

King Hezekiah received a sobering and pointed message from the prophet Isaiah during his illness. “Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live” (Isaiah 38:1). To his credit, Hezekiah cried out to God, believing that His mercy might offer another chance and that His power could heal. God sent Isaiah back with the message that Hezekiah’s life would be extended another fifteen years. Yet despite this wonderful answer to prayer and the healing that he received, Hezekiah was not thankful.

Before we condemn the ancient king too severely, we should look into our own hearts. How many good things have we received from the hand of the Lord? He has freely given us eternal salvation—a gift far more valuable than any physical blessing. He has placed us into His family, accepting us just as He does His beloved Son Jesus Christ. He has given us the privilege of coming to Him and promised to hear and answer our prayers.

Are we thankful? Are our lives characterized by a spirit of humility and gratitude? Or are we proud, believing inwardly that we have good things coming to us, and deserve all the blessings we receive? Sadly, too many times we are unthankful. Like Hezekiah, we receive good things from God’s hand but never stop to give Him the praise and glory for all that He has done. Israel suffered great judgment following Hezekiah’s ingratitude, and we should not think that we will escape the same fate if we follow his bad example.

“And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”

Deuteronomy 6:10–12

In his 1923 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, President Calvin Coolidge wrote, “We will do well then to render thanks for the good that has come to us, and show by our actions that we have become stronger, wiser, and truer by the chastenings which have been imposed upon us. We will thus prepare ourselves for the part we must take in a world which forever needs the full measure of service. We have been a most favored people. We ought to be a most generous people. We have been a most blessed people. We ought to be a most thankful people.”

When we are blessed, there is a great danger that we will come to accept those blessings as the way things should be rather than realizing that we only have them because of the mercy and love of our Father in Heaven. The Israelites were warned that there was temptation lurking in the bounty they would find within the Promised Land—the temptation to forget that it was all because of God.

The cure to the sin of ingratitude begins with remembrance. It is not by accident that Moses reminded the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt. If we remember that God’s grace brought us out of bondage to sin, we will not find it hard to be thankful.

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”

Acts 24:14–16

The message of Christianity has always been offensive to people. It was true in the days of Jesus and the early church, and it is true now. When we say that Jesus is the only hope of salvation and the only way to Heaven, we are certainly not telling people what they want to hear. But while the content of the message may cause offense, our conduct and presentation of the truth should not.

The Apostle Paul was dragged before a Roman court on completely trumped up charges by the Jewish leaders who hated his powerful preaching about Jesus. There he resolutely defended his faith, but he also pointed out to the governor Felix that he had lived his life in such a way as to avoid giving people legitimate grievances. We see this truth illustrated when Paul apologized for speaking harshly to the high priest out of respect for his office, even though Paul was being unfairly judged and punished.

In our society, Christians are often viewed as bigoted, harsh, and judgmental. Sometimes that is because of what we believe and preach, but sadly there are some occasions when Christians seem to hate the sinner as well as the sin and treat them badly. That should never be true of us. Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees for being a “friend of sinners.” He did not accept their sin, but He loved them, and we should do the same.

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”

2 John 1:7–9

On September 24, 1988, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson won the Olympic gold medal in the 100 meter dash and set a world record in the process. He stood proudly wearing the gold medal as his country’s flag was raised and the national anthem played. Three days later, after testing proved he had used steroids, Johnson was stripped of the medal. After failing yet another drug test five years later, Johnson was given a lifetime ban from racing.

There are things we can do as Christians that rob us of the spiritual rewards we would otherwise have received. We need to stay on guard throughout our lives so that we do not let down our defenses and stumble. The devil doesn’t take days off. He is constantly seeking to bring down believers and ruin their effectiveness in ministry.

Paul was acutely aware of this danger. He knew that his years of faithful service did not insulate him from the danger of falling. Several of his co-workers in the ministry quit rather than endure to the end. He wrote, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27). The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon, and we need to remain faithful all the way to the end.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

1 Timothy 4:1–3

Though it is rare in our day, in Bible times leprosy was a prevalent and much dreaded disease. Because it was infectious, lepers were cast out of the community to prevent spreading the disease. One of the most destructive effects of leprosy is the loss of feeling in the nerves which can lead to serious injuries and untreated wounds. Pain is not pleasant, but it is a vital warning to us that something destructive is happening.

Our conscience serves a function much like the nerves in our bodies. It sends us signals when something is wrong. It is not infallible—our conscience is not a fool-proof guide as the Bible is—but it is meant to warn us of danger. Yet it is very possible for us to ignore these warnings over and over and get to the point where we no longer feel any pang of conscience when we sin. That is a dangerous place for a Christian to be. Like Samson of old, when we no longer feel guilt over sin, we are on the path to destruction.

The Bible warns us, “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1). When we repeatedly refuse to listen to the Word of God, to the indwelling Holy Spirit, and to the alarm of our conscience, we may be able to quiet the voices of warning, but we cannot escape the consequences of our actions.

“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Psalm 27:11–14

After hearing a sermon on God’s command to holiness, a British businessman named William Langford returned home and wrote a brief poem. Many years later it was set to music, and today we know it as the hymn “Take Time to Be Holy.” Langford wrote:

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word:
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes in;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone:
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

We live in a busy, hectic, harried world. People rush from one thing to the next. Multi-tasking has become the order of the day as people frantically try to get everything done. Yet spiritual growth and holiness do not come in a rush. Instead, they come as we take the time to wait on God, read and meditate on His Word, and listen to the leading of His Holy Spirit.

The time the disciples spent with the Lord, forever changed their lives. The Bible says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”

Luke 1:3–4

The Gospel of Luke was written for a specific purpose—to lay out in detail the events of the life of Christ, from the announcement of His coming to the announcement of His return. Though it is ancient, probably written somewhere around 60 AD, Luke is completely reliable. That is because he was not writing merely what he had personally seen or what he had learned by interviewing others, but because Luke was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As a result, Luke, like all of the Bible, is completely accurate and without error.

When we talk and think about Christmas, there are many traditions and legends that have grown up over the years. Many of the things that people think of in connection with Christmas are not actually part of the story given us in the Word of God. Yet for all of the things that have been added and talked about over the years, there is a real, certain, absolute truth at the heart of the Christmas story. What is recorded for us in pages of Scripture is trustworthy.

We do not have to live with doubt. Luke told Theophilus (the name means “lover of God”) that he was writing to provide a solid foundation—certainty—for his faith in the things he had been taught. The early Christians only had the Old Testament and what they were taught by the disciples. We have the completed Word of God and the Holy Spirit living within to help us understand and apply it to our lives. While we will never fully understand all of the Bible until we get to Heaven, we can fully rely on it. Our faith is real and has a solid foundation.

“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.”

Luke 1:5–7

While we think of Christmas as a happy time, the years around the birth of Christ were anything but happy for the people of Israel. They had known a brief period of freedom following the revolt of the Maccabees, but then the Romans moved in and placed the land under the rule of Herod the Great. The wicked and bloodthirsty king was no friend to the Jewish people. He ruled the land with an iron fist and had anyone who opposed him put to death.

At the same time, the true worship of God was under attack from within as well. The Pharisees were focused only on the outward elements of the law, missing the matters of the heart, while the Sadducees brought in Greek and Roman philosophy and downplayed what the Bible actually taught. This is the background of the beginning of the Christmas story.

Yet in that time of darkness, as the nation lay under foreign rule and many had turned away from following God, there were still people like Zacharias and Elisabeth who served and obeyed and followed God with their whole hearts. It is an undeniable fact that our world is getting darker—more like the days of Herod—but that does not mean that we cannot still be faithful in serving the Lord. When God chose parents for John the Baptist, who would announce the coming Messiah, He found a couple who did not yield to what those around them were doing.

“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Luke 1:15–17

The prophet Malachi was the last man in the Old Testament to receive a word from God. And then, for the next four hundred years, there was silence. The people of Israel were conquered first by Alexander the Great and then later by the Romans. God did not give new revelation through prophets. Despite the hopes and prayers of the people, they were not delivered from their enemies. There surely must have been some doubt in their minds as to what was going on—whether God could be trusted or not. God had promised through Malachi that a prophet like Elijah would come, but nothing happened.

Yet in His perfect timing, when all of pieces were in place, God sent John the Baptist. From the moment of his birth, John was prepared for a truly unique ministry. He would be the one who would identify Jesus to the nation of Israel as the Messiah they had been seeking. Though his ministry was not lengthy and ended with his death at the hands of Herod, John did the most important thing anyone could do—he told people about Jesus: “And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true” (John 10:41). The life and ministry of John the Baptist is a reminder to us that everything God says can be believed, and in His timing it will come to pass.

“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.”

Luke 1:18–20

Sometimes we find it hard to believe the promises of the Bible. We think that if we only had a supernatural experience with God—like Moses at the burning bush, or the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, or Peter walking on the water—we would believe. But the truth is that our hearts are, as the song says, “Prone to wander.” The issue is not a lack of God’s faithfulness, but our lack of belief.

When Gabriel appeared to Zacharias in the temple and told him that in his old age he and Elisabeth would finally have the son they had prayed for all those years, Zacharias should have been thrilled. He should have rejoiced and given thanks that his prayers had been answered. But after such a long time waiting, he did not have confidence in the message he received, even though it was delivered in person by an angel of God. As a result of his unbelief, Zacharias was not able to speak again until John was born.

We do not need more evidence that God is faithful or some new revelation—we need to act on what He has already told us. God does not work on our schedule, but that does not mean He is not working. In His timing, we will see the fullness of His promises fulfilled.

“And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.”

Luke 1:23–25

In our society where many people choose not to have children, it is hard to understand the pain of parents in Bible times who were childless. Those who did not have children were looked down upon, and many people viewed having no children as a sign of God’s judgment or condemnation for some heinous sin in the lives of a married couple. Despite the pain that must have filled their hearts, the Bible tells us that Zacharias and Elisabeth still faithfully served God. They did not insist on getting what they wanted as a condition of their obedience.

There are many people today promoting a “vending machine” view of God—that He is somehow obligated to dispense whatever we ask for when we pray. Though God is gracious and does answer many prayers, we do not deserve and should not demand that He act as we think. The kind of prayer patterned for us by Jesus and taught to us in Scripture is prayer that is in submission to God’s will.

There are very few things in life sweeter than seeing God answer a long-time prayer. While I rejoice in immediate answers, there is something very special about seeing God work, perhaps in a way we did not expect, to answer a petition we have presented before Him many times. When the answer is delayed, it does not mean we should stop praying or stop following God, but that the time has not yet come. As we continue to do what is right, we will see God accomplish His purpose in His timing in our lives.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

Luke 1:26–29

Nothing about the birth of Jesus was accidental or a coincidence. Everything that happened was part of God’s plan. The Bible says, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law” (Galatians 4:4). One of the most important parts of the plan was the selection of the woman who would be the mother of the Messiah. In Mary, God found a pure, godly, and loving young lady who would be able to carry the great responsibility of being Jesus’ mother.

Some have painted a picture of Mary that is distorted from what the Bible teaches. Mary was not born without sin. She herself declared her need of salvation: “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46–47). Mary was not a perpetual virgin. She had other children with Joseph after Jesus was born (Mark 6:3). And she is not the mediator to whom we should pray for access to God—Jesus is the only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).

But the myths that have grown up around Mary should not keep us from acknowledging her amazing level of faith in God. The plan Gabriel revealed to her represented a life-shattering change that would bring enormous criticism and eventually great sorrow. But because it was God’s plan, she gladly accepted it.

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Luke 1:30–33

Though we tend to think of Jesus as a baby when we think of Christmas, He was always far more than that. From the moment of His birth, Jesus was not just the son of Mary, but also and always the Son of God. He came into the world to be the Saviour—that is what the very name Jesus means. But He is also the King. Isaiah prophesied, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:7).

Of course, Jesus did not establish a kingdom during His first visit to earth. He was here to be the sacrifice and payment for our sins. He laid aside His rights as a ruler in order to save us from eternity in Hell. But He was no less a king for the lack of an earthly kingdom, throne, or temporal power. And when He returns, it will be nothing like the first time. The second time He will come as an undisputed ruler who will put all things under His feet. When we worship the newborn King, we should not forget that He is also the returning King who will rule the entire world.

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Luke 1:35–38

The angel Gabriel made two life-changing announcements six months apart. In each case he told the people to whom he appeared that God was about to do something impossible in their lives. To the aged priest Zacharias, Gabriel announced the birth of a son to two people who should not have been able to have children. To the young girl Mary, Gabriel announced that she would bear the Son of God even though she was a virgin. The contrast in their responses is remarkable.

The priest, who had served God faithfully for years, did not believe the news he received. He asked for a sign and as a result was unable to speak until after John was born. On the other hand, as soon as Mary was told what God had in store for her she accepted and believed it. She wanted whatever God said, to be the course for her life.

So many times we are more like Zacharias than Mary. Rather than simply accepting what God says and wanting to be part of His plan, we want to go our own way and make sure things make sense to us before obeying what the Bible tells us. Instead we need to be yielded to the Lord, considering ourselves to be His servants, and do whatever He wants us to do.

“And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Luke 1:42–45

There is no more crucial aspect of the Christian life than faith. Not only are we saved by grace through faith, but each day we must walk in faith if we are to be obedient to God. The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

If we only pay lip service to believing the promises of God, we will not be men and women of prayer. After all, if we do not believe that God is real and that He will hear and answer when we cry out to Him, why bother praying?

The reality is that without faith—a willingness to not only accept that what God says in His Word is true but to act upon it—we will never do the things that God has commanded us to do. Mary was greatly challenged by the message Gabriel brought to her. She knew that she would be accused of being immoral once word got out that she was expecting a child. She did not know how Joseph would respond to the news. But because she believed God, she willingly submitted to His plan. As a result, she received the blessing that comes to those who believe.

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.”

Luke 1:46–50

Every person on earth was born to worship God. It is part of God’s design for our lives. The Psalmist wrote, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 150:6). And in truth every person does worship—some worship God, and some worship something else. When we do not put God in His rightful place on the throne of our lives, we find something to take His place. Often a lack of worship of God is an indication of a worship of self instead.

Mary was a young woman, probably a teenager, when Gabriel announced that she would be the mother of Jesus. In response, her heart of worship poured out in a beautiful testimony of praise to God. One of the things I like about Mary’s worship is that it was clearly directed to God. It wasn’t about her need to worship; it was about God and His greatness.

Mary’s worship came from a heart of gratitude. She realized that it was God’s grace that was providing her salvation and the salvation of the world. She humbly accepted God’s plan and rejoiced that she was part of it. Kent Hughes said, “The height of devotion is reached when reverence and contemplation produce passionate worship, which in turn breaks forth in thanksgiving and praise in word and song.” This kind of worship should be a daily reality in our lives.

“And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.”

Luke 1:59–63

When Gabriel appeared to Zacharias in the Temple and announced that he and Elisabeth would have a son, he also gave the aged priest the name for the boy—John. Nothing about the life of the “man sent from God” (John 1:6) was left to chance, not even his name. God had a detailed plan for John’s life—who his parents would be, how they would raise him, and what his ministry would be. But it was up to Zacharias and Elisabeth to follow that plan, and, as is often the case, they received opposition even from well-meaning friends.

When it came time to name the baby whose birth was a miracle, the friends of the couple objected to the name God had chosen. Yet John’s parents were wise enough and obedient enough to take a stand, even in the face of peer pressure, and follow the plan of God that had been laid out for them. Though it is helpful when we have friends who encourage us to do right, we must be willing to do what God says even if no one else understands or supports us in the effort. The ministry to which John was called was going to require him to have great courage and stand firm even in the face of persecution and eventually death, and he needed this example from his parents.

“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke 1:76–79

When John the Baptist was born, his father Zacharias gave thanks to God for the miracle birth, and then spoke a blessing over his son that contained the mission for his life. John’s purpose was to point people to the Messiah—to bring them the message of hope and salvation that Jesus was coming as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. John was faithful to that task, preaching the truth without fear or favor, and pointing many to the Saviour.

The life mission of John the Baptist should be our purpose as well. There is no more important task, because everyone we meet has an eternal soul and a need of salvation. There were many religious figures in John’s day who were proclaiming messages that were not true. John fearlessly pointed out the difference between right and wrong, despite the fact that many people wanted a message more accommodating to their lifestyle.

Jesus praised John the Baptist, in the highest terms, for his commitment to his calling. He said, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). Every Christian can and should follow the example of John in pointing others to Jesus.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

Luke 2:1–5

Doing what God tells us to do is no guarantee that everything will work out the way we think it should. In fact, many times it is the very effort of following God that leads us into difficult circumstances. It was that way for Joseph and Mary. I would guess that few people believed Joseph and Mary’s story that her pregnancy was the result of God’s Spirit rather than immorality. They had no doubt endured scorn and criticism from many as they told their unbelievable story.

Then, another wave of difficulty came in the form of the government-imposed census of all of Rome’s occupied territories, including Israel. Caesar Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, and the first emperor of the Roman Empire, did not care what impact his edict had on the lives of those who were subject to it. At the point of Roman swords, the order would be enforced against anyone foolish enough to defy it. So Joseph and Mary made a long trip at an inconvenient time.

But they went in faith, believing that God was still in control. And in truth, the difficult journey was necessary for the prophecy of Jesus’ birthplace to be fulfilled. God was using the circumstances in this couple’s lives to bring about His purpose. You can be assured that He will do the same through the most difficult things you face today.

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke 2:6–7

Though Bethlehem was just a small village, a few miles away from Jerusalem, it had a large place in Israel’s history because it was the boyhood home of the great King David. As a result, when the Roman order was given for people to return to their ancestral home to register for the census, the town of Bethlehem quickly filled up. Those who had close relatives there undoubtedly stayed with them, and those who did not took every room in what was apparently the only inn in town where visitors could find lodging.

By the time Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, there were no rooms available, so despite the fact that Mary was about to give birth, they had to settle for staying with the animals in a nearby stable. That is why on His first night on Earth, the very King of Heaven, the Lord of Glory, the Son of God was carefully wrapped and placed into a feeding trough for animals.

This would not be the last time the world would have no place for Jesus. During His ministry, Jesus was often rejected. He warned one potential follower of what to expect if he were to follow Him: “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). This lack of room for Jesus is easily seen in our day, and we must be on guard to make certain that He is the center of our lives.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

Luke 2:8–9

For centuries, since at least the time of King David, Bethlehem had been a center for shepherds. The hilly terrain was ideal for shepherds to keep their flocks fed and safe, especially in the winter. And the proximity to Jerusalem made Bethlehem an ideal place to raise the sheep for Temple sacrifices. They were close enough to the Holy City to be convenient but far enough removed to avoid the mess and smell that accompanied raising animals. The shepherds themselves didn’t escape the reproach and were often looked down on by much of society.

In many ways the fact that shepherds were the first to receive the news of the birth of the King of the Jews seems strange. Yet viewed from God’s perspective it makes perfect sense. Shepherds were not the kind of people kings usually associated with, but Jesus was not a typical king. The ancient prophet declared that the Messiah would come, not in glory and pomp, but in humility. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9).

Beyond that, Jesus Himself used the metaphor of a shepherd repeatedly to describe His life and ministry. He said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Just like the lambs raised by the shepherds for sacrifices in the Temple, Jesus would one day lay down His life to purchase our salvation.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:10–14

Though the message that the Messiah had been born was delivered first to the shepherds, it was not meant just for them. The angel specifically told them that the news he was bringing was for “all people.” The message of Christmas is not the birth of a baby, although that is the start of the story. Instead the message of Christmas is the birth of a Saviour. The love, grace, and mercy of God provided for mankind what we most needed—a way to be reconciled with God.

There are many facets of the Christmas story, but this is the heart of everything. In the middle of shepherds, wise men, mangers, stars, and angels, we must never lose sight of what Jesus came to do. He is so much more than a good example, a wise teacher, and powerful healer. He is the Saviour. This is what lies behind everything He did—not just in His birth, but through His life, death, and resurrection. Jesus declared His purpose to be the salvation of men: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). If we truly follow Him, that will be our purpose as well.

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:15–16

I really love the response of the shepherds to the message they received from the angels that Jesus had been born. They didn’t sit around and debate the proper response to an angelic visitation. They didn’t appoint a committee to study the history of miraculous births. They got to their feet and took off for the city. The Greek word that is translated haste for us not only means to hurry, but it also carries the idea of wanting something very much, so that you do whatever it takes to get to where it is. No doubt it took a little arranging to make sure their sheep would be safe while they were gone, but they wanted to get to where Jesus was, and they hurried to do so.

How our hearts should long for the things of Christ—and how often we allow other things to be our true desire instead of Him. Jesus described this problem in His parable of the sower and the different kinds of ground on which the seed falls. He said, “And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful” (Mark 4:18–19). Nothing is more important than Jesus, and we are commanded to love, follow, and obey Him with all of our hearts. There should be nothing reluctant in our worship and service of the Lord.

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

Luke 2:17–20

Every Christian is commanded to be a witness to the world. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19–20). This is not an optional task—it is essential to our obedience to the Lord.

After the shepherds had gone to the manger in person and seen that everything had happened just as the angel had told them, they did not just go back to their sheep and keep the news to themselves. Instead they went across the countryside telling everyone they met what had happened. There are no people who do not need to hear the gospel message that a Saviour has been born, and God has no other plan for them to hear than for us to tell them.

Notice that the angels did not go from door to door announcing the birth of Jesus. After their initial announcement and song of praise, they went back into the heavens. The good news is not carried around the world by angels, but by men and women who are willing to tell what they have seen and heard. There is nothing more life-changing than meeting Jesus, and we must take the message to others while there is still time.

“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

Luke 2:21

There are nearly two hundred references, names, and titles given to Jesus in the Word of God. They reveal the different aspects of His character and nature, as well as the work that He did and continues to do in our lives. Among these names are:

The Alpha and Omega
The Bright and Morning Star
The Good Shepherd
The Bread of Life
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Emmanuel
Messiah
Son of God
Son of Man
King of kings
Lord of lords
Prince of Peace

The list goes on and on, but no other name so fully captures the life and purpose of the Saviour than the name that the angel gave to Him before He was born—Jesus. The very name means “one who saves or delivers,” and that is why Jesus left Heaven to come into the world to live among sinful men without the glory and honor that was rightfully His. That is why He was willing to go to the cross as an innocent sacrifice to pay for our sins. That is why He laid down His life so that we could be saved.

The name of Jesus is truly the sweetest name, because of all that it conveys. And God has decreed that all men will acknowledge Him either in this life or at the judgment: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9–11).

“And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Luke 2:22–24

Joseph and Mary had endured a great deal of upheaval in their lives before Jesus was born. When He arrived (right on God’s schedule) they were far from their home in Nazareth and removed from any kind of family help. Add to that the fact that because of the crowds of people staying in Bethlehem they were actually camped out with the animals, and the first bed Jesus had was a feeding trough they had repurposed for His use. It is safe to say that Joseph and Mary were not well off financially.

We see this confirmed in the offering that they took to the Temple for Jesus—it was the offering that was used by those who were too poor to be able to make the regular offering of a lamb for a firstborn son. Moses instructed, “And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean” (Leviticus 12:8).

There is a wonderful example for us in the obedience of Joseph and Mary. They had little in the way of financial resources, but they still did what God had commanded. Our obedience is not conditioned on having everything we need or think we need, but on our willingness to do what God says no matter what.