TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jude 5-10
He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah . . . and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly. - 2 Peter 2:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Even people who know little about the Bible still have clear associations with biblical concepts. Consider, for example, Sodom and Gomorrah. Most people associate these two names with wickedness, even if they don’t know that the story of these cities is found in Genesis 19. Indeed God intended that Sodom and Gomorrah would become an example of evil and judgment, as today’s verse from 2 Peter shows.

In His mercy, God gives many examples of sin’s consequences. Jude also uses examples to warn his readers about the evil individuals who slipped into their midst. As we saw yesterday, these individuals were immoral and faithless. In short, they refused to submit to God’s authority.

Three historical examples show that these kinds of people have been around for a long time and that God’s judgment awaits them. Jude begins with the early Israelites. Although the Lord redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, they refused to believe that God would bring them into the Promised Land because of the “giants” in the land (cf. Num. 13–14). Therefore, they perished in the wilderness. Next, Jude talks about angels who trespassed God-given positions of authority (v. 6). Again, this is a clear example of refusing to submit to God’s authority and the consequences of that rebellion.

Finally, Jude cites Sodom and Gomorrah as the example of transgressing God’s intent for sexuality. All three are examples of rebellion and all three suffered judgment accordingly. Verse 8 draws the clear link between these past examples and the current godless people in view here.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Let’s look at a few character flaws of these godless ones. First, they pollute their bodies because of their sin (v. . Second, they are like unthinking animals (v. 10), probably indicating their crass sexual behavior. Many people think that they can get away with sexual sin. If Christians, they may bank on God’s grace, believing that they can party on Saturday night and be forgiven on Sunday morning. But Jude 8 says that we pollute, or damage, our own bodies when we sin. And verse 10 says that this behavior will eventually destroy us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jude 11-16
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. - 1 John 3:12a
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared that the fourth Thursday of November should be a national day of “Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.” This day also commemorates the early Pilgrims’ gratitude to God for bringing them through the harsh winter of 1620–21.

It’s only right to celebrate the Pilgrims’ gratitude–this celebration helps us remember God’s grace. The three examples of evil that Jude presents in today’s passage also instruct us to remember, though they aren’t positive examples.

Like yesterday’s passage, Jude gives three brief examples from the past. Whereas Abel offered his best to the Lord, Cain selfishly offered “some” (not even the best) fruit (Gen. 4:1–13). Balaam was willing to disobey God and curse the Israelites in order to make a profit (Num. 22–24). Korah rebelled against Moses’ leadership while the Israelites were in the wilderness (Num. 16:1–40). Each did blatant evil.

Jude links these three evil men to the godless men among the believers to whom he is writing. Each image found in verses 12 and 13 describes something that should be beneficial but here is actually destructive. The first two are especially poignant. Shepherds’ first concern should be for the welfare of their sheep. Clouds bring the promise of rain for crops and drinking water, especially in arid Palestine.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage might not seem like the most appropriate one for Thanksgiving. But in some important respects, this passage is very fitting for this national day when we give thanks to God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jude 17-23
False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. - Matthew 24:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sometimes pithy little sayings contain a lot of truth. Here’s just one example: “Forewarned is forearmed.” When we know about a situation in advance, we’re able to prepare for it properly. This seems to be what Jude meant when he wrote “remember what the apostles of our Lord Christ foretold” (v. 17). The presence of the ungodly individuals who were infiltrating the church to which Jude was writing had already been predicted, therefore this congregation should not be caught off guard.

The exact quotation of verse 18 is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, although 2 Peter 3:3 is very close: “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” We also have the words of our Lord quoted in today’s verse, as well as a similar idea expressed by the apostle Paul (Acts 20:29–30; cf. 1 Tim. 4:1–3 and 2 Tim. 3:1–5). There were many warnings that godless individuals would appear in the midst of churches with the intent of deceiving and leading people astray. And Jude’s purpose in calling these words to remembrance is to warn believers again about these godless ones.

Notice that the quote used by Jude calls these people “scoffers.” Instead of upholding the truth, these false teachers mock and twist it. Most likely, these individuals were mocking God’s moral requirements. Remember, these people followed their base instincts, not acting according to the Spirit.

So what should believers do in the presence of such individuals? Jude offers some very practical advice. First, we are to build ourselves up in “the most holy faith” (v. 20). Recall that “the faith” refers to the core beliefs of Christianity. Here Jude is saying that we need to be grounded in these essential doctrines.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here’s a way to build yourself up in “the most holy faith.” Most churches have a doctrinal statement outlining essential tenets of the Christian faith. This week, locate a copy of your church’s doctrinal statement and take some time to read through each point. Do you understand the nature of each point, and why it’s essential for the faith? For example, one point may be that Jesus is both fully human and fully God. Look up any Scripture verses that might be listed in support of each point.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jude 24-25
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
The crowning masterpiece of Ludwig van Beethoven was his ninth symphony, called the “Choral Symphony.” After three grand, sweeping movements, the fourth movement seems to explode with exuberant joy. In a brilliant stroke, Beethoven brought in a choir for this final movement and incorporated Friedrich Schiller’s moving “Ode to Joy.” Music critics describe this final movement as an invitation to humanity to join together in joy to seek God.

Perhaps we could liken the short letter of Jude to a symphony that passes through slow, deep movements before it explodes into joy . . . for certainly the final two verses of Jude can only be described as overflowing, joyous praise of the triune God!

The majority of the letter focuses on false teaching and uses challenging warnings and examples from the past. Maybe for this reason this short letter is frequently overlooked. As we’ve seen, however, Jude was deeply burdened by the presence of false teachers in the midst of a group of believers whom he loved. And one thing that we also should take away from Jude is a profound concern for guarding the truth and exposing false teaching.

But like Jude, our focus must finally turn toward the One in whom there is no deceit, no darkness, and no defilement. As we contemplate the One True Sovereign God, our hearts will also explode with joy.

Notice that Jude picks up a theme from the beginning of his letter, namely, the idea of being kept by God (v. 24; cf. v. 1). Here he stresses that God keeps us from falling, which is why he warned against the false teachers and exhorted believers to build themselves up in the faith. Moreover, God keeps us from falling so that we might appear before Him “without fault and with great joy.” Jude wants to assure his readers that God is able to preserve believers until the final day of judgment.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This closing doxology of Jude is perhaps the best-known in the New Testament. There are other doxologies in the New Testament, such as Romans 16:25–27; Ephesians 3:20–21; Philippians 4:20; 1 Timothy 6:15–16; 1 Peter 5:11; and 2 Peter 3:18. You might even consider writing your own doxology, using the following pattern: identify the person praised, incorporate words of praise (glory, majesty, power, etc.), indicate the duration (for ever, evermore, etc), and conclude with “Amen.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 1:1-31; John 1:1-5
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” - John 8:58
TODAY IN THE WORD
Both Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1 start with the words, “In the beginning.” As we begin a study on the birth of Christ, it’s important to recognize that His life didn’t begin when He was born as a baby. Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning (John 1:2).

Our study this month will start with John 1 and Genesis 1 and then move into some of the passages prophesying the coming of Jesus in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, and Malachi. We’ll also look at John the Baptist before covering the birth and early life of Jesus in the Gospels. We’ll conclude by looking at His Second Coming.

Genesis 1 is clearly Trinitarian--each member of the Godhead is present and active at Creation. The Holy Spirit is described as “hovering over the waters” (Gen. 1:2). In verse 26, we find another indicator that God the Father and God the Son are both involved: “Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image . . .’ ” (emphasis added). Jesus is eternal, and as part of the Trinity He created everything--including humanity, the form He would one day take for our salvation (cf. Phil. 2:6–8).

In John’s gospel, we see an interesting parallel to the opening words of Genesis. Why would John begin his narrative of the life of Christ this way?

First, John wants his readers to understand that Jesus is God (John 1:1). Second, he uses “The Word” to refer to Jesus. The Greek word logos is translated “Word,” meaning the spoken word that communicates a message. Jesus communicates to us what God is like: His actions, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes (cf. John 14:8–10).

Finally, the opening verses of John describe why Jesus--who is God and who communicates God to us--came to earth: so that we who believe in Him could be the children of God (John 1:12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This is the season of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Christ.

As you are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ with shopping, baking, writing Christmas cards, and all the other activities of this season, are you prepared for the return of Christ?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. - Isaiah 9:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most of us are familiar with Handel’s use of Isaiah 9 in his famous work, the Messiah. One of the most thrilling moments is when the choir sings, “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

The list of names in Isaiah 9:6 is quite impressive, and can fully describe only Jesus. This prophecy of His birth can give us great encouragement today.

Isaiah has been called the “Messianic Prophet.” God gave him the challenge of speaking for Him to the nation of Judah. Ahaz, one of the kings to whom Isaiah spoke, was so evil that he even sacrificed his own son to idols (see 2 Kings 16:1–3).

Isaiah called his people to repent and warned what would happen if they didn’t. He also prophesied of the coming of a Child, a Child who would bring peace. In case there is any doubt who this Child is, Matthew’s gospel tells us clearly that Jesus is the one who brings light in the darkness (Matt. 4:15–16, cf. Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:22–23).

It’s worth reflecting on what Isaiah 9 tells us about Jesus. Have you ever thought of Jesus as your Wonderful Counselor? In these days of self-help books and TV therapists, we have access to the wisdom of God through Jesus.

When Jesus was born, there weren’t many people who saw Him as the Mighty God–all they saw was a helpless baby. Sadly, there are still many people today who think Jesus was just a good man. Isaiah, though, is clear: He is the Mighty God.

As we saw yesterday, Jesus was present and active in Creation with the Father. The title of Everlasting Father addresses both Jesus’ eternal deity as well as His compassionate care and protection of His people, like a loving father.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Handel’s Messiah is probably performed by choirs most often at this season.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 32:1-8
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. - Isaiah 26:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
The office of prophet was instituted during the days of Samuel, the last of the judges around 700 b.c. Prophets were God’s special representatives, called to speak for God. They warned the people to turn from lives of sin or face God’s judgment and punishment. Although Isaiah is often considered to be the greatest prophet, his message went unheeded by most who heard it in his day.

Certainly the people of Isaiah’s day longed for rulers who were righteous and just--they had suffered under so many immoral and corrupt kings. We can understand this; in recent months our news headlines have been filled with stories of leaders-–business, political, and religious–who have betrayed trust and acted immorally. We can see the pain and devastation that bad leaders bring, and we, too, long for righteous and just leadership.

Because Jesus came, we can find a shelter in the storms of life (v. 2). And as He reigns in our lives, we are able to provide a refuge for others, and we can see the righteousness that we were once unable to grasp (v. 3).

Those of us who have believed in the saving work Christ accomplished on earth can see how Jesus transforms the blind into seeing, the rash into reasonable, the stammerers into fluent speakers. We may even have experienced such a dramatic transformation at our own conversion. But as we look around our world, we don’t see these characteristics everywhere as Isaiah seems to indicate we should.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As the overhanging rock offers refreshing shade and shelter to the weary desert traveler, the power, truth, and love of Jesus offers us today, as believers, protection and refreshment during the difficult journey we walk.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 42:1-9; Matthew 12:1-21
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Matthew 20:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many early American folk songs describe what life is like when you are poor--and in the case of spirituals, when you are a slave. As one spiritual puts it, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, Nobody knows but Jesus.” These songs give us a sense of despair of those conditions.

Isaiah 42 is one of the Servant Songs of Isaiah, named so because here God describes someone who is His Servant and pleases Him (v. 1). As we think about the birth of our Lord, we can learn much from this passage about His coming to earth.

First, how do we know who this Servant is in Isaiah 42? We find the answer in Matthew 12. The Pharisees were plotting to kill Jesus, so He left that place and continued to heal the sick. Then Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1–4 to confirm that Jesus is indeed the Servant in whom God delights.

Second, don’t you find it striking that the Son of God, the Lord of the universe, would choose to be described as a Servant? As we ponder our response to the birth of Christ, it’s appropriate to remember that we should have the same attitude and willingness to be a servant (cf. Phil. 2:5–8).

Isaiah 42 describes Jesus as both gentle and just. The word justice is mentioned three times in four verses. Although the perfectly just rule of Christ over all the earth is still to come, we can and should value and promote justice as His followers. And we can have confidence that He will one day return to rule with perfect, faithful justice (Isa. 42:4).

The Lord of justice is also our gentle Savior who promises to be patient with the downtrodden--“the bruised reeds” (v. 3). Our culture promotes survival of the fittest, instructing us to “Clear out the dead weight!” and “Step or be stepped on!” But Jesus gently cares for us when we are desperately hurting, when we are like candles struggling to stay lit.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God calls Jesus “My chosen one in whom I delight” (v. 1). What a special honor that is! Wouldn’t we, too, like to hear God say that of us?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 49:1-13
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. - John 9:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Keeping the Spirit of Christmas, Handel H. Brown writes, “There is a beautiful contrast between light and noise. You watch the sun rising in the east, quietly stealing into the sky, dispelling the night, and gently waking all nature to life. It does not shout. . . . It moves silently across the world, transforming it. And so it is with Jesus. . . . He is the Light that enables us to see things more clearly.”

We celebrate Christmas on December 25, just three or four days after the day with the fewest hours of daylight. It seems appropriate that each year our days grow increasingly dark until just before Christmas--when Jesus was born to bring light into the world.

Before Jesus was born on earth, Isaiah 49 tells us that God chose Him to bring light into a dark world (v. 1). The birth of Jesus was an act of love that God had planned from the beginning of time. God was willing to send His only Son to earth for us.

Christ’s mouth is “like a sharpened sword” (v. 2), an image that recurs in Scripture several times. In Revelation 19:15 we see a similar description of Jesus with a sharp sword. This should remind us that although God does love us, the truth of God also brings judgment on those who do not accept Christ. Jesus is both gentle and just.

Although the nation of Israel did not accept Jesus when He first came (Isa. 49:7), God in His mercy made salvation through Christ available to all people (v. 6). God promises to restore Israel (v. , and all people who have been freed from the bondage of sin can feel the excitement in the words, “Come out . . . and be free!” (v. 9).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christmas is a season of music--and we have so much to rejoice over.

If your church offers a Christmas carol sing-along, consider participating for the opportunity to sing out with others. You could also organize some Christmas caroling with your friends or family members.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 52:1-15
Therefore my people will know my name. - Isaiah 52:6a
TODAY IN THE WORD
Isaiah’s entire life was spent under the shadow of threatening Assyrian power, and he witnessed the ruin of his nation at their hands. When Isaiah was a young man, all of northern Israel was taken captive (734 b.c.). Thirteen years later Samaria fell, and the rest of Israel was carried away. Then the Assyrians came into Judah and carried away 200,000 captives. When Isaiah was an old man, the Assyrians finally were stopped before the walls of Jerusalem (cf. 2 Kings 19).

This passage starts out, “Awake, awake, O Zion.” Zion is one of the hills on which Jerusalem stands, so Jerusalem is often referred to as “Zion.” Isaiah predicted that Jerusalem wouldn’t fall into defiled hands again (v. 1) King Hezekiah repaired the temple and reestablished the services there. He was a king who was dedicated to God and to the spiritual rebirth of the nation.

Often the passages in Isaiah have meanings that extend beyond their immediate context, and that may be the case here, since the total redemption of Jerusalem won’t occur until the return of Christ to earth.

In the first verses of this chapter, we see God’s promises to restore His people (vv. 4–6). Then, in verse 7 Isaiah tells us the good news: peace and salvation are found in God. The people will be comforted and will burst into “songs of joy” because the Lord “has redeemed Jerusalem” (v. 9).

The last verses of Isaiah 52 introduce the theme that will extend into our discussion tomorrow of Isaiah 53. Again we see God refer to Jesus as “my servant” (v. 13).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Repeatedly in Isaiah we have seen Jesus referrred to as “the servant.”

How is your aptitude for service? Since we are followers of Christ, this is an important question.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 53:1-12
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. - John 12:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
Yesterday we mentioned the divine irony of the Servant being the most highly exalted. Today we see another divine irony: the Cross. What appeared to be a terrible defeat, is really the dramatic victory of God.

It might be tempting for some people to see the crucifixion of Jesus as an accident. How could God let His Son be put to death so cruelly? But Isaiah 53 predicts the suffering of Jesus and gives us a vivid account of His crucifixion, assuring us that the Cross was no surprise or accident for God.

We’re looking at this passage during the Christmas season because it is central to why Jesus was born. Isaiah 53 is also one of the most personal chapters--notice how many times the pronouns our, us, and we appear. There is no doubt that the suffering and death of Jesus is related to us and our sinful condition. It is not some event that we can dissect analytically without getting involved.

What is the connection between the Cross and us? Jesus bore our sins, our transgressions and iniquities. And His punishment brought us peace and healing (vv. 5–6). As we read the description of our sin and Jesus’ pain, we feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that He would love us enough to pay this price.

Each one of us has sinned, and Isaiah made it clear that when Christ died on the Cross, He willingly took our place. He died alone with our sins upon Him.

The first nine verses tell of the suffering of the Savior, but the remaining verses tell of His glory. God had foreordained the Cross to accomplish our redemption (v. 10). Jesus not only died, but He rose again from the grave in victory (v. 11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
At first glance, it might be easy to miss the intensely personal words in Isaiah 53.

As you reflect on Christ’s work for you, read through this chapter of Isaiah again. This time, use pronouns I, my, and mine. Insert your own name where it says “for many.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:14-22
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. - Isaiah 61:1a
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Luke 4:18–19 Jesus quoted the words of Isaiah 61:1–2 as He read from the scroll to the people in the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth. Jesus ended His reading with the words, “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Isa. 61:2).

With all eyes fastened on Jesus, He rolled up the scroll and said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). In His hometown synagogue Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One who would bring this to pass.

When Isaiah originally wrote these words, his people faced desolation at the hand of Babylon. Therefore, Isaiah was probably referring to Christ’s first coming to earth. This passage speaks of the second coming of Christ as well as the first, and the two are only separated by a little and in verse 2. Today, however, we realize the time between the two is at least two thousand years.

Let’s look at the first and second comings of Christ as tall mountains, and the time between as a valley where we presently stand. We can look back at the first mountain to the birth, death on the cross, and resurrection of Christ, but we can’t see the top of the second mountain. When Jesus comes again, He will put down the rebellion here on earth with righteous wrath, and it won’t be a pretty scene.

Yet immediately following the day of vengeance, Jesus will “comfort all who mourn” (v. 2). Those who mourn over their sin and are obedient to Him will be comforted with a “crown of beauty,” “oil of gladness,” and a “garment of praise” (v. 3).

As Isaiah 61 continues, we see how thoroughly God restores what is broken (vv. 4-9). We also see how we should respond: “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness” (v. 10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Isaiah 61:10 reminds us to rejoice in our salvation. One way to do that is to share the joy of salvation with others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 23:1-8; Isaiah 4:2-6
I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just. - Jeremiah 23:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
During dark, difficult moments for a nation, it’s important to have a leader who can see the hope on the horizon and communicate that to a weary people. Prime Minister Winston Churchill played that role for Great Britain during World War II, reminding the exhausted, attacked, and grieving that although the price was heavy, they could defeat the Nazis and repel an invasion. The strength of his hope gave millions of people the encouragement to fight on against Nazi aggression.

Dark clouds of invasion, persecution, and exile swirled around the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah. Even though their people often rejected their message, it never became so dark that the prophets couldn’t see the light, as God gave them visions of future glory and redemption.

In Jeremiah 23 God warned those who persecuted the Jews, as well as those who were false prophets (vv. 1–2), warnings we should heed even today. Jeremiah also prophesied of a King that would come in David’s line to “reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land” (v. 5). Jesus was a descendant of David; both His mother Mary and His legal father Joseph were descendants in the line of David.

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is called the Righteous Branch (v. 5). Jesus deserves this interesting title not only because He is righteous, but also because He makes His people righteous by taking their sins upon Himself and placing them on the Cross. Bible commentator Matthew Henry said it this way, “His obedience unto death is the justifying righteousness of believers, and their title to heavenly happiness.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have discussed many names for Jesus--here we see Him called “the righteous Branch.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 5:1-15
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, / Born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us; / Let us find our rest in Thee. Born Thy people to deliver, / Born a child and yet a King. Born to reign in us forever, / Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.”

These words, based on Micah 5:1–5, were penned by Charles Wesley, the famous evangelist and composer of over 6,000 hymns. Many theologians think this Scripture passage is the most important prophecy in the Old Testament since it distinguishes Christ’s human birth from His eternal existence (v. 2). The words “from ancient times” could also be translated “from days of eternity.” Jesus was born as a baby in Bethlehem, but He had existed throughout all time.

The sentence, “They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod” (v. 1) probably refers to Zedekiah, the last king in the line of David to rule in Judah. King Zedekiah was captured by the Babylonians and hauled off in bronze shackles after seeing his sons murdered just before his eyes were put out (2 Kings 25:7). Many Jews feared that the line of David had come to an end with the Babylonian captivity and wondered how the promise God made to David, that one was to come in his line and reign forever, could ever be fulfilled.

Since there were two Bethlehems, “Bethlehem Ephrathah” (v. 2) is used to distinguish between them. The word ephrathah means “fruitful.”

King David and his line had come from Bethlehem, so it was well respected. Yet, after the dispersion of the Jews, no descendants of David lived in Bethlehem. One family in the line of David, however, did live in the town of Nazareth, about 80 miles away. And a decree issued by Augustus Caesar, one that fit perfectly into God’s plan, brought Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her husband, Joseph, to Bethlehem.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the midst of foretelling of death and destruction, God encouraged His people through the prophet, Micah, by offering the hope of a Savior and the promise of peace.

Because of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and His death on the Cross we, too, have the opportunity to experience peace with God with no fear of retribution. Our sins are forgiven; our slate is wiped clean.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Malachi 3:1-18
Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son. - John 5:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
People consider with great care whom they choose as a messenger for important information. If the President wants to communicate an important policy, he will select a trusted member of his staff. Companies like United Parcel Service and FedEx spend millions of dollars each year to convince customers that they can be trusted to deliver messages.

Two messengers are mentioned in verse 1 of today’s passage. The first messenger, who is to prepare the way, is John the Baptist (cf. Mark 1:2). The second is “the messenger of the covenant,” the Lord Jesus Christ. This prophecy doesn’t refer to Jesus’ first coming, but rather to the Second Coming. At that time Jesus will return as a Judge, as One who will establish His kingdom and put down rebellion against God on the earth.

Jesus is compared to a refiner’s fire (v. 2). When metals such as silver and gold are originally mined, they are filled with impurities. To remove these, the ore is crushed and washed with pressurized water, and the dirt and some of the waste materials are washed away. Then the ore is heated and refined in a blast furnace at a high temperature. As the gold or silver melts, the impurities rise to the top and are skimmed off, leaving behind the pure metal.

God is quite clear about what sorts of actions will be judged (v. 5). At first glance we may feel tempted to think that we’re exempt from the rebuke; after all, we wouldn’t think of practicing sorcery. But it becomes clear that we should examine ourselves more carefully--lying, injustice, and a lack of mercy also displease God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Someday we will all stand before Christ and will give an account for our lives. Are there areas of your life that need to experience the Refiner’s fire?