"All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
'What, then, will this child be?'
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."
LUKE 1:66
God is in control of everything that happens under the sun, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Our faith and destiny is in God's hands. He is our hope and our salvation, our joy and our satisfaction, our God and our King.
We don't know what the future holds but we know who holds it in His hands. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. We don't know how our lives will unfold but we know who has a purpose and a plan. He is the Creator and the Sustainer, the Author and the Finisher. We don't know when our trials will end but we know who will see us through them. He is the Refuge and the Strength, the Comforter and the Friend. We don't know how our stories will blend but we know who will make them beautiful. He is the Potter and the Painter, the Weaver and the Composer
One of the benefits of having faith and destiny in God’s hands is that we can have peace and joy in any situation, knowing that God is with us and for us. We can also have hope and courage to face the challenges and opportunities that come our way, knowing that God will guide us and provide for us. We can also have gratitude and praise for all that God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives, knowing that He is faithful and good.
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately, his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. (Luke 1:57-66)
The time of purification is here, to cleanse our hearts and minds, to repent and forsake our sins, to seek God's grace and mercy. The time of purification is now, to humble ourselves and pray, to confess and forgive, to restore our relationship with God. The time of purification is near, to prepare for His coming, to rejoice and worship, to celebrate His love and glory.
Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in days of old, as in years gone by. Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with doom. (Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24)
The ways and paths of the Lord are good that leads us to His perfect will, teaches us to obey His word, and shows us how to love and serve. The ways and paths of the Lord are true, revealing His character and nature, guiding us to His promises and plans, and inspiring us to trust and praise. The ways and paths of the Lord are right, they correct us when we go astray, they protect us from the enemy's snares, they empower us to do His works.
Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14)
Lord, Your hand is mighty and strong, holding the entire universe in Your palm. Your hand is gentle and kind, touching the broken with Your grace, lifting up the humble and heals, and guiding the lost and leads. Our faith and destiny is at the palm of Your hands. Let Your hand be upon us O Lord. We need You, Lord, we need You now. We cry out to You, we bow down, we ask You, Lord, to purify us. We trust in You and we follow You now and forever. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Infancy Narrative
THE BIRTH OF JOHN
Luke 1:57-66
The Book of Malachi
THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT
Malachi 3:1-24
First Book of Psalms 1-41
CONFIDENT PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS AND GUIDANCE
Psalm 25:1-22
Reflection Source:
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