GPS-Via Jerusalem

DEC 08 / Sunday – Read Luke 1:5-25 / 2 Peter 3:9 / Isaiah 40:31 (NRSVUE)

Overview: Part of living is to trust that God is at work, even in the waiting, and that, when we might least expect it, God shows up in our lives.

09 / Mon – 2nd stop: Jerusalem  |  Read Luke 1:5-25 / Malachi 4:5-6a

The temple in Jerusalem was the center of the Jewish nation. It’s where people went to pray and worship. On this particular day, Zechariah was chosen by lot to go into the temple to burn incense. What shocking thing occurred? What did the angel say and what was Zechariah’s response? Are you waiting for the answer to a long-standing prayer? Do you feel, like Zechariah did, that it may be too late? God always answers prayer. Sometimes it’s yes, other times it’s no, and, on some occasions, He says wait. Waiting is hard but don’t give up. God knows what He is doing.

10 / Tue – History repeats itself  |  Read Genesis 18:9-14 / Genesis 21:1-2

Hundreds of years before Zechariah went into the temple in Jerusalem, two of his ancestors were also promised a son. Yet he was not born until his parents were 100 and 90 years old. When you read their whole story in Gen 11-25, you’ll see how their character changed over the 25 years they waited. They became the people God wanted them to be, so much so that He changed their names from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. Have you seen changes in yourself as you’ve had to wait for God’s answers? What might He want to do in you even now?

11 / Wed – God’s timing   |  Read Genesis 3:14-15 / Romans 5:6 / 2nd Peter 3:8

God’s first hint of a Savior came in the Garden of Eden right after Adam and Eve’s choice opened the door to sin and death. Isaiah’s words in 9:6-7 describe the coming Messiah and were written about 700 years before Jesus was born. Do you ever wonder why God waited so long? Peter gives us some perspective. Our Sovereign God – with His all-encompassing eternal point of view – has a plan. The human mind can only see bits and pieces but someday it will all make sense. Will you choose to trust Him in the meantime?

12 / Thu – Discouraged in the waiting?  |  Read Isaiah 49:4 / Isaiah 40:27-31 (v31 in NKJV)

Isaiah spoke God’s words to his people for 40 years. At times, he was discouraged. Have you ever felt your work in vain? That all you have done at God’s prompting has produced little result? Are you still waiting for prayers to be answered, waiting for those you love to turn to the Lord, waiting for justice, waiting for needed resources to arrive, for some kind of answer from God? Pause, and focus on who He is (v28). Put your hope in Him and wait for Him to act. Can you do that right now?

13 / Fri – Seasons  |  Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 / Psalm 1:3

The writer of Ecclesiastes speaks about different seasons of life to which most of us can relate. How many of these have you experienced? Can you identify some that you are in right now? The good times rush by while the hard times seem to last forever. How do you survive as you wait for better days? Psalm 1:3 compares us to a tree that produces fruit in season. What keys do you find in Ps 1:1-2 that encourage you to have hope while you wait for a better season?

14 / Sat – While you wait…  |  Read John 14:3 / Matt 24:3, 30-31 and 26:63-64 / 2nd Pet 3:9 

The people of the Old Testament waited a long time for the Savior to be born. We too are waiting- for Jesus to come back again as he promised repeatedly. It’s been nearly 2000 years since he left, but Peter reminds us why there is a delay. As you wait expectantly, what does the Lord ask you to do? Who are you praying for and talking to about God’s true nature, His good heart, and His great love for them? Will you listen carefully and then do as He prompts you?