And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home [for the census]. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
—Luke 2:4-5 NLT
Key Thought
Bethlehem may not have been much of a village in Jesus' day, but it was King David's village. More importantly, Luke helps us establish a link in Jesus' heritage to King David. Jesus, however, is not just any successor of David; he is THE successor. Jesus is the one who reigns on David's throne forever! Even before Jesus arrived on the scene, his identity and his role had been revealed for us: He would be King! The issue for you and me is whether we allow him to be King of our lives.
Today's Prayer
Almighty God and loving Father, I want Jesus to rule over my heart. I want him to be Lord of my passions. I want him to redeem the weak, broken, and unholy parts of my character. I want him to be Master of my future. Father, I don't want these flawed parts of my character to weigh me down in my pursuit of Christ-likeness. I know that my spiritual maturity will never be fully released until I truly let Jesus rule my life. Please shape me and mold me, Lord Jesus, so that just as you obeyed your Father's will, I can learn to do the same. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 2:4-5 NLT
Key Thought
Bethlehem may not have been much of a village in Jesus' day, but it was King David's village. More importantly, Luke helps us establish a link in Jesus' heritage to King David. Jesus, however, is not just any successor of David; he is THE successor. Jesus is the one who reigns on David's throne forever! Even before Jesus arrived on the scene, his identity and his role had been revealed for us: He would be King! The issue for you and me is whether we allow him to be King of our lives.
Today's Prayer
Almighty God and loving Father, I want Jesus to rule over my heart. I want him to be Lord of my passions. I want him to redeem the weak, broken, and unholy parts of my character. I want him to be Master of my future. Father, I don't want these flawed parts of my character to weigh me down in my pursuit of Christ-likeness. I know that my spiritual maturity will never be fully released until I truly let Jesus rule my life. Please shape me and mold me, Lord Jesus, so that just as you obeyed your Father's will, I can learn to do the same. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
