January 1, 2020
Luke 1:5-7
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
New International Version (NIV)
“Happy New Year!”  Oh and also “Happy New Decade!”  Like a river, the years of time keep rolling along.   Do you wonder?  Because I do.  I wonder what this decade will bring.  How will the world change?  Will Matt Rhule remain as coach of Baylor?  He has a contract through 2027, but the NFL keeps calling his cell phone.  Who will be President of the U. S. A. in 2030?  Do we even know their name yet?  How will things change over time? 

Paul wrote to the Galatians in 4:4:  “In the fullness of time God sent forth his Son, born of a woman . . .”  Not only was Mary pregnant, but so was history.  Caesar Augustus reigned in Rome, having established the Pax Romana, “the Roman Peace.”  His client King Herod I, the Great, ruled at Augustus’ pleasure in Judea.  So the positions of “being in charge” looked like they were filled. 

Normal life was happening.  Zechariah was required to go up to Jerusalem to serve in the temple.  Historians tell us Herod did some good in Israel.  He rebuilt Solomon’s temple, for example.  On the other hand, he tried to kill the Magi and Jesus.  Carl Sandberg was right:  “Inside me lives an eagle that wants to soar, and a hippopotamus that wants to wallow in the mud.”  Which one will win?          

In the fullness of time, Zechariah went to worship.  He was supposed to go for temple duty periodically.  But this was the chance of a lifetime.  He was chosen to go inside the Holy area to burn incense.  As he went inside, the rest of the people were praying outside.  Things happen when people pray!  Did he have any idea that God would send Gabriel to him that day?  I think not.  It was as unlikely as Elizabeth getting pregnant.  But right on God’s Standard Time, Gabriel shows up and Elizabeth conceives. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son John will be anything but ordinary.

So, what are you expecting to happen this year?  Let’s take a cue from Zechariah and be “in position.”  With God’s people in worship, there is a chance that God just might show up and change our lives.  Last year I answered God’s question, “What do you want me to do for you?”  This year I ponder a different question.  “What does God want to do for me in this new year?”  Will I let him do what he wants to do in my life?  Am I ready? 

So I don’t know who will coach our colleges in 2030.  I don’t know who will be President.  But I know for sure that God will be on his throne.  When we least expect it, he may show up and change everything.  Ready or not, here God comes.  Eagle or hippopotamus?  “Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles . . .”
Pray with me:       
Father, you know exactly what you want for our lives this year.  Please reveal your purpose and plan.  Help us to want what you want, we pray.  Use our reading of your word to transform us as disciples into Christ-likeness this year.  “Yes.”  This is our answer God.  Show us what you want us to do.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
In 2020 our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan.  Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG 
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. Every other week after this one you have seven days to read five chapters.  This week I will do two bonus devotionals for Saturday and Sunday so that on Monday we are on track with the plan and begin week two in Luke 6.  After this week you will have seven days to read five chapters.  In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year.  Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter. Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.  See you tomorrow through Sunday with chapters 2-5. 
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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