TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
Missiologist Peter Wagner tells the true story of a distressed woman who had watched an interview on The 700 Club. Pat Robertson had interviewed a man whose life had been turned around through prayer. The woman didn’t think to write down the man’s phone number as it was given out over the air.

On the brink of suicide several days later, she wanted to make contact with the man, but how? She couldn’t remember the man’s name, let alone the city where he lived. With no knowledge of how a person prays, she simply asked God to impress on her mind the man’s phone number. She called the number that came to mind. The exact man she was looking for answered! But that’s not all. He had answered a payphone at an Ohio highway rest stop...God had known exactly where he could be reached and answered the woman’s prayer.

Although such circumstances are not our everyday experience, as Christians we can certainly trust in the power of prayer. The ways God chooses to answer the sincere requests of His people are His domain, not ours. Sometimes even the timing of God’s answer is the result of activity that occurs in the spiritual realm.

In response to Daniel’s fervent prayer on behalf of his beloved Israel, God sent an angel with a specific word of knowledge. Because of satanic opposition, the angelic messenger whom God had assigned to Daniel was delayed and even required the assistance of another angel. Yet God used whatever was necessary to answer Daniel’s need for guidance. Imagine the calming effect God’s word had when it finally came: “Do not be afraid...Peace! Be strong” (v. 19).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s passage underline the words that would describe the way you often feel when circumstances leave you helpless. When the angel finally did reach Daniel, he commented on how the man of God had approached the Lord. Circle the words that describe Daniel’s manner.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
During the height of the San Francisco 49ers football dynasty, when they won the Super Bowl three times, the key to many of their victories was an individual who didn’t even wear a uniform or step on the gridiron.

Mike Holmgren, now head coach of the Green Bay Packers, was then offensive coordinator for San Francisco. From his perch in the press box high above the field, he could see the big picture. His knowledge of the opposite team’s strengths and weaknesses and his insights from previous plays qualified him to call the shots. Mike Holmgren, not star quarterbacks Joe Montana or Steve Young, determined what plays would be called in the huddle. On more than one occasion, with his team losing and time running out, Holmgren would master-mind a stunning series of plays to get the victory.

Angels are not out there on their own. Their allegiance is to their Creator. They exist to “execute the plays” that God calls from His eternal perspective high above “the playing field.”

When David sinned in numbering Israel and Judah, God sent an angel to smite Jerusalem with a pestilence as a punishment. The many judgments found in the book of Revelation are under the control of Christ, who opens the book that contains the judgments described in the seals, the trumpets, and the bowls. The angels involved in the administration of these, therefore, are subservient to Christ (Rev. 6-16).

Angelic power is bounded by God’s will. God limits what angels can do. When the angel would have completed the destruction of Jerusalem, God’s merciful will stopped him (2 Sam. 24:16). During the Great Tribulation to come, angelic messengers of judgment will withhold their destruction until the will of God is accomplished in protecting His own (Rev. 7:1-3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Even if you are not a professional football fan, turn on whatever game is being broadcast on television this afternoon. Count the number of non-players you see on the sidelines. See if the camera zooms in on members of the coaching staff that are in the press box. As you watch a few minutes of the game, remember that the players are only acting out what they have been instructed to do.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever wondered what “traveling mercies” are? Some people call them “journeying mercies.”

You normally hear these phrases when praying for safety before a long trip. As you might expect, they refer to the surrounding presence of God that protects those He loves from harm or danger while they are on the road. A simple prayer to our loving Father is far better than a “lucky rabbit’s foot” or even the latest advance in radial tires. One of the ways God protects us on our travels is through guardian angels.

Today’s passage from Matthew is familiar. This is the flight into Egypt—Jesus, Mary and Joseph fleeing from Herod’s murderous anger, fulfilling one of many prophecies about the Messiah. In these verses we observe God’s continuing provision and protection for the infant Jesus and His human parents.

We should not be surprised that an angel alerted the holy family to take a trip. From an angel’s announcement to Mary of Jesus’ imminent conception, to an angel’s message to Joseph validating Mary’s explanation, to an angel’s counsel to the magi to take a detour, heaven’s angels play a prominent role at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly journey.

When the dangerous situation in Israel had changed, an angel (of course) informed Joseph that it was time to return home (vv. 19-20). After being warned in a dream, they veered off and settled in Nazareth (another fulfillment of prophecy). God used what must have become a familiar means to communicate His direction to Mary and Joseph.

We may not have angels giving specific directions every step of the way. But we do have God’s Word, “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If your Bible has a map section in the back, find a map of Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth. Trace the route Joseph and Mary would have taken from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Then follow the possible routes they could have taken to and from Egypt. As you look at the map, what names and places do you recognize? Can you recall what biblical events happened in those places?

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
Fanny Crosby knew about suffering. In the last century this prolific poet wrote hundreds of gospel songs and Christian hymns. If you examine her lyrics closely, you can see the grid of personal experience through which her memorable words emerge.

Fanny Crosby was blind, but not from birth. Doctors had made a tragic mistake in prescribing the wrong eyedrops when she was an infant. She spent the rest of her life unable to see. Unlike many victims of loss, who may feel every right to be bitter, Fanny’s attitude (and fountain pen) articulated a spirit of mercy and love.

In one of her hymns we have a clue to her ability to face suffering with confidence: “Angels descending bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love.” Fanny Crosby knew a blessed assurance that originated in heaven.

One of the major themes of the gospel is the Incarnation. The Son of God took on flesh and blood. He was visited by unwelcome guests that still knock at our doors—loneliness, anger, hunger, grief, suffering. Our Savior prays for us in our predicaments because He identifies with our distress and fear. We have a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and who prays on our behalf at the right hand of God’s eternal throne (Heb. 4:14-16).

But even during His earthly pilgrimage, Jesus embraced hardship with folded hands. Prayer was a customary part of His life. As today’s reading implies, He even had a favorite place of prayer. At the base of the Mount of Olives, Jesus poured out His heart to the Father. On the eve of His death, Jesus prayed with unprecedented intensity and anxiety. After Jesus had prayed “not my will” (Matt. 22:42) and accepted the cross awaiting Him at Calvary, the Father dispatched an angel to strengthen Him (v. 43).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus had a favorite hideaway to which he would retreat to pray. Where’s yours? An easy chair in the family room? A rocking chair on the porch? An old bean bag cushion in the basement? In addition to your Bible and Today in the Word, do you also keep a notepad or journal nearby?

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
When you are driving in an unfamiliar part of a large city or on an open stretch of interstate highway, you might feel somewhat anxious when the needle points in the direction of E on the fuel gauge. Having sufficient gas provides you with a source of confidence and peace of mind. Having something in reserve is the key.

The same is true when an unexpected emergency occurs that requires immediate cash. If you don’t have money in the bank, you may be worried and preoccupied about what to do. If you have a small savings fund, on the other hand, such unpleasant surprises don’t seem nearly as bad as they otherwise might be.

Similarly, a high wire or trapeze artist can attempt a riskier acrobatic routine if a safety net is stretched below. The knowledge of an available resource, reserve or backup can enable us to face difficult challenges with more confidence and perhaps even a smile.

When Jesus was ambushed by a mean-spirited crowd in the Garden of Gethsemane, he had a “reserve” of 72ꯠ angels, but that wasn’t the point. The disciples were ready to fight, but He sternly reprimanded them. He knew that all the help He needed was waiting in the wings of Heaven: “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” (vv. 53-54).

Jesus knew that He was not alone, but He also knew that He must fulfill the mission to which He had been called by His Father. The Son of God willingly became a hostage to the sons of men.

What we are called to do by our Father is not always easy. Who hasn’t been tempted by compromise, divorce, a one-night stand, lying or cheating? Sometimes dulling the inner ache of suffering with drugs or alcohol seems an attractive option, especially when we think we are “running on empty.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus found confidence and strength in the knowledge that His Father was on His side. And although they acted misguidedly, His disciples were also ready to help their friend.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
On September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, the treaty officially ending World War II was signed. Gathered on the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri were dignitaries from both the Allied forces and Japan. When it came time for General Douglas MacArthur to sign on behalf of the United States, he signed only his first name, then passed his fountain pen to two of his colleagues who had been held as prisoners of war by the Japanese.

As several hundred servicemen, distinguished guests, and members of the press looked on, General Wainwright signed “Mac” and General Percival signed “Arthur.” Before the eyes of the world, MacArthur chose to honor the patriotism and courage displayed by these two generals in the obscurity of a prison camp. Although they had been unable to fight battles, they nonetheless received a reward for their faithful service.

Today’s reading addresses the issue of judgment following Christ’s return to earth. Jesus paints a verbal picture of what it will be like at the end of the Great Tribulation when Gentile believers and non-believers are brought before Christ. An entourage of angels will surround the King of Kings as He comes in His glory (v. 31). There will be a public ceremony unlike any humankind has ever known. The King’s throne will double as a judge’s bench as Jesus separates the sheep from the goats, or the faithful from the faithless.

As the angels watch the culmination of salvation’s drama, the fruit of each person’s life will be sorted, inspected and identified. For the believer, there will be evidence of having responded to human hurt as if that help had been given to Jesus Himself (vv. 35-36, 40). The ultimate reward for a life of faithful service that grows out of a heart of obedience is the joy of hearing the Lord of life invite us to share in His Kingdom (v. 34).

For non-believers, there will not be observable fruit or an invitation to share in the spoils of Jesus’ victory. They will instead be commanded to depart into eternal punishment (v. 41). The ceremony will draw to a close with celebration and despair (v. 46), much like the ceremony on that American battleship fifty-one years ago.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
List the names of individuals you know who are hungry, jailed, alone, sick or poor. Next to their names, write their condition, using the words from today’s text. If you can’t think of a person in each category, scan the newspaper for a story about such a person.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
This is the season when die-hard baseball fans are joined by merely nominal enthusiasts in watching broadcasts of baseball’s World Series. The “Fall Classic,” as it has become known, is shown in the United States and Canada, as well as in scores of nations around the globe.

For many years the radio play-by-play announcer has been the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Vince Sculley. That familiar voice is as much a part of the World Series as hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and the “seventh inning stretch.” But in over forty years as a baseball commentator, Vince Sculley has never been credited with a win or a loss. His job is to announce what has happened so that those who hear his voice respond with appropriate emotion.

If the first Easter were to be compared to a baseball game, it would look like a come-from-behind win in the bottom of the ninth inning. After Friday’s tragic developments, the home team seemed headed for sure defeat. But then came Sunday morning when Jesus hit the game-winner in His resurrection.

While baseball is comparatively trivial and Christ’s resurrection changed the universe, this miracle demonstrated with convincing power that His death on the cross had accomplished what the Father intended. Victory!

But what role did the angel have? The angel rolled away the stone from the door of the tomb—not to release Jesus, who was already gone, but to show that Jesus was no longer inside. The resurrection was God’s doing: “God has raised this Jesus to life” (Acts 2:32). The angel’s job was to announce what had happened. His task could be compared to that of a sports commentator’s, who articulates the facts to get the attention of the audience.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sports commentators have a catalogue of pertinent facts at their disposal. They study the players, the teams, and the statistics prior to broadcasting the game.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
Among the youth of our society, one sports celebrity has achieved unparalleled popularity: Michael Jordan. He has been called the greatest basketball player of all time. Thousands of boys born in the last ten years have been named “Michael” in honor of this basketball hero. In the minds of his fans, Michael Jordan is like a god.

Interestingly enough, the name “Michael” is of Hebrew origin and means, “Who is like God?”. It is a name that by definition ought to humble those who bear it. It is a name that calls for a proper estimation of our worth before God.

In the last half of the book of Daniel the prophet is given a glimpse of the end times. In today’s reading, he is told by the Lord that the angel Michael will appear in defense of the people of God. His assigned task is to protect those whom God loves. As the specially appointed guardian of Israel, Michael will defend them in the time of Jacob’s distress, when Israel will be persecuted by the kingdoms of the world (v. 1; cf. Jer. 30:7). In the end, Michael and his angelic army will be victorious over Satan (Rev. 12:7-9).

Such an end will be poetic as well as divine justice since Satan is the one who had pridefully declared, “I will make myself like the Most High” (Is. 14:14). Michael’s name, identity and purpose, by contrast, represent exactly the opposite attitude.

As we read the drama of Daniel’s vision, we can’t help but admit wonder and ignorance anticipating how it all will fall into place. Even Daniel struggled with the ability to understand. Notice what the Lord instructed him to do in chapter 12, verse 13: “As for you, go your way until the end.”

In other words, since it’s God’s script, let Him worry about the details. After all, who is like the Lord?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you know what your name means? If you have a book of baby names around the house, why not look it up? Many Christian bookstores have bookmarks of the most common names and their meanings. Try and discover what character quality your name has historically been associated with.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
We have already mentioned this month how handy a hymnal can be in a person’s daily devotions. We might even call it a one-volume encyclopedia of practical theology! By reading through the verses of several hymns at one sitting, we can begin to visualize the various dimensions of what it means to work out our salvation (Phil. 2:12).

One old hymn begins with the daring question: “‘Are ye able,’” said the Master, “‘to be crucified with me?’” And the refrain has us sing: “Lord, we are able!” But singing these words doesn’t make it so. How can we become able?

Another classic gospel song, “Near to the Heart of God,” has the answer. It speaks of a place of quiet rest where sin cannot molest us. The writer of this hymn believes that the key to identifying with Christ and dying daily to our selfish desires is to draw near to the presence of God in prayer.

The angel we meet today is Gabriel. His name means “mighty one of God.” But notice what he says of himself in verse 19: “I stand in the presence of God.” Gabriel stands in God’s presence, ready to do His bidding, and he quickly obeys to accomplish God’s purposes (cf. Dan. 9:21). In short, this most famous of angelic ambassadors is a “mighty one of God” because he has permanent access to the Almighty One.

This principle is true not only of angels in heaven. It applies to all those with whom the Lord desires a relationship. The baby promised by Gabriel to Zechariah in today’s reading grew up to be John the Baptist. But before his ministry of power began, he spent years in the wilderness, near to the heart of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Take your hymnal to your special meeting place with the Father. Identify hymns of devotion or prayer from the index. Read through five or six of these songs slowly and thoughtfully, circling words or phrases that describe what it means to linger in the presence of the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
“I never do this!” Crawford Lorritz [sp?] insisted as he looked into the faces of 65ꯠ men gathered last June in Chicago’s Soldier Field. “I never speak off the cuff. But today I must. Even though I spent a great deal of time researching my message for today, I feel strongly that I should abandon my prepared remarks and share with you what God has just impressed upon my heart.”

The response to his impromptu sermon struck a responsive chord among the Promise Keepers crowd. As prayer huddles linked men confessing their sins, tears flowed. The Spirit of God had orchestrated a sacred moment as the conference ended. The speaker had clearly been moved by God to go in a direction different from his original plan.

The apocalyptic vision given to Ezekiel in today’s reading would challenge any artist. In it we see a description of a type of angelic messenger called “cherubim.” Similar to the living beings we found in Revelation 4 earlier this month, cherubim are winged creatures with eyes covering their wings. But as they appear to the wide-eyed prophet, he notices a wheeled, gyroscopic apparatus. Their “wheel within a wheel” allows them to move without interruption in whatever direction they are told to go.

God didn’t create us with such a complex physical mechanism. But He did give us a sensitivity to His voice and a free will that allows for the same sort of spontaneous obedience. Although we are not creatures of heaven, we are prone to become creatures of habit if we do not act on what we sense the Lord telling us to do. The results, as in today’s illustration, will speak for themselves.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever felt inwardly prompted by God to change at the last moment something you had planned to do or say? How did you respond? Were you instantly obedient? What does it mean to be “restfully available” to God? How can we cultivate the spiritual ability to listen for God’s guidance?

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
Where were you when you heard that President John F. Kennedy had been gunned down in Dallas? If you are forty years old or older, you can probably answer in great detail. The assassination of JFK left our nation stunned. Somber music was all that could be found on the radio for three days. An invisible cloud of sorrow hung heavy over all fifty states.

Apart from his political views or moral values, Kennedy was the leader of the free world who represented a new day of optimism and courage for democratic nations such as our own. When he died, so did some of our hopes for exploring “new frontiers” of national unity.

The sixth chapter of Isaiah begins with the brief phrase, “In the year that King Uzziah died” (v. 1). For Isaiah, that event represented the same kind of national sorrow and emotional paralysis that Americans experienced on November 22, 1963. A good young king who was responsive to God and the people was gone.

In response to his grief, Isaiah headed to the temple where he fell into a trance-like state. There, the Lord gave him a powerful vision. Angelic creatures called “seraphim” flew through a smoke-filled sanctuary calling in loud voices to one another: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory” (v.3).

Isaiah’s sense of sorrow is dwarfed by a seraphim-prompted awareness of God’s holy presence. In response to his vision, the prophet confesses his sin, embraces God’s searing cleansing, and surrenders his will to God’s sovereign assignment.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Can you sing Reginald Heber’s immortal hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” from memory? Pull out your hymnal and refresh your memory.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
Radio commentator Paul Harvey tells a story of a man who struggled with the concept of God becoming a human being. To him the Incarnation defied reason and must have been invented by the church.

One winter night the man began to doubt his doubts. When an unexpected snow storm stranded a flock of birds flying south for the winter, he tried to guide them into his barn by dropping a trail of bread crumbs. He tried shooing the birds in the barn’s direction by waving his hands. The birds seemed frightened. While the man grew increasingly more frustrated at his inability to help, the birds flapped around helplessly in the fast-falling snow. Then it dawned on him how ingenious it would be if he could transform himself into a bird to communicate on their level that he was trying to help them. And the faith in the Incarnation began to flicker within him.

God’s personal disclosure of Himself is celebrated in the life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The earthly pilgrimage of Bethlehem’s baby is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s name for Messiah: Immanuel, “God with us.” But did Jesus ever make appearances prior to the history chronicled in the New Testament? The answer seems to be “yes.”

For example, we see in the call of Moses more than a voice in a burning bush. The account in Exodus refers to “the angel of the Lord” (v. 2). This “angel” appears several times in the Old Testament (Genesis 16:7, 13; Judges 6:12, 13:21-22; Psalm 34:7; Zechariah 1:9-11). He is equal in essence with God and yet distinct from Him. The only answer to this seeming contradiction is that the “angel” is a preincarnate appearance of Jesus Himself. Some of his ministries are those that only God can do and so extensively parallel Christ’s ministry among believers that there seems to be no other conclusion.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Review the angel of the Lord’s words to Moses in verses 7-8 of today’s reading. What connection do you see between what the Lord saw and His choice to get personally involved?

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
Legend claims that when Queen Elizabeth was a small girl, the royal family journeyed to the English countryside for a summer holiday. Curiosity and an adventuresome spirit led Elizabeth into the forest. After a while, she realized that she was lost and disoriented. Where were her parents? Young Elizabeth became frightened and began to cry.

A neighbor who lived in a nearby cottage was walking in the forest. Finding the frightened little girl, he asked her what was wrong. When he discovered she was lost, he inquired as to her identity. Elizabeth responded, “Oh, I’m nobody special. But my father’s the king!”

The angel in today’s reading responded in a similar way to John. The elderly apostle is in exile on an island in the Mediterranean. Enter a celestial envoy from the Eternal City. John is so overwhelmed by the multidimensional preview of heaven through which the angel guides him, he doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry or both. Instead, he falls on his face before the angel and begins to worship (v. . But the angel resists John’s posture of praise: “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you...Worship God!” (v. 9). Or in other words, “I’m nobody special. But my father’s the King!”

With John, we might struggle with the temptation to worship symbols of God’s glory or the gifts He has given instead of God Himself. At times we place the Bible or the church or a favorite Bible teacher or a significant memory ahead of the God who stands behind those treasures. Like John, we sometimes want to worship the instrument God uses rather than the Giver Himself. But the Lord shares His glory with nothing and no one!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As Corrie ten Boon gained popularity from her books and speaking engagements, she would receive countless compliments. Seeing the temptation to pride, she devised a system for consciously giving the glory to God. She would collect each word of praise as though picking flowers. That night she would consciously offer the day’s bouquet to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
When Jimmy Carter was President of the United States, he took great delight in bringing a refreshing informality to the First Family.

Frequently you would see our nation’s chief executive in a sport shirt and a cardigan sweater instead of the usual suit and tie. He liked being called “Jimmy.” He played softball. He attended church, and even insisted on continuing to teach his adult Bible class whenever he retreated to Georgia for the weekend. He broke with convention when he vulnerably acknowledged having lusted in his heart after someone other than his wife. But despite the casual flavor Carter brought to the White House, he insisted on the respect due the office of the Presidency.

Yesterday we were reminded that angels are not worthy of worship any more than we are. Still, as created beings of a realm beyond the one in which we live, angelic messengers are worthy of respect.

In the final verses of Ephesians chapter one we see the position to which Christ has been elevated. All living things are subject to him. As you visualize Christ at the right hand of the throne of the Father surrounded by the heavenly hosts, you catch a glimpse of the breathtaking glory of the scene. As we have already seen this month, the angels are there, too, praising God with their whole beings.

The poet Lord Byron once mused, “The angels were singing out of tune and hoarse with having little else to do, excepting to wind up the sun and moon or curb a runaway young star or two!” Such a flighty view of those who serve continually in the presence of the Lord is entirely out of place and clearly inadequate. Instead, we should be humbled by the those who outrank us this side of heaven.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Read Psalm 8 to yourself. If you feel adventuresome, chant it aloud as a song of praise. Pay special attention to verse 5. As you go to the Lord in prayer for the concerns you have today, thank Him for the activity of angels that glorify Him. If you have not taken the ministry of angels seriously up until recently, ask forgiveness for denying them the respect they deserve.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
A little boy staying with his grandmother attended her church. He was impressed by the grand building, quite different from the school auditorium in which his family worshipped at home. As the two exited church through the dark stone narthex, the boy noticed a large plaque on the wall with a long list of names. He asked his grandmother what it was.

“Oh, those are the names of the people who died in the service,” she replied. To which the boy responded, his eyes as wide as saucers, “They died in the sanctuary?!”

Sometimes it seems as though people are so unresponsive or inattentive in worship that you’d think they had expired! They know the hymns by heart. They have the order of service memorized. They keep track of the number of times the preacher says “um” in between thoughts. They clock the length of time the service lasts. If it was a late Saturday night, they may even count on catching forty winks.

This is not worship! How can we get back on track?

With pen in hand, the apostle Peter ponders the incredible wonder of our salvation and invites us to wonder with him. What we celebrate in worship is the absolute greatest accomplishment in the entire cosmos. We of all people have access to the plan of redemption because we are included in it.

Yet, says Peter, for centuries before Christ godly people longed to understand what we too often take for granted (vv. 10-11). Even the angels who serve in the presence of the Father long to understand the redemption (v. 12) that (to our shame) sometimes bores us on Sunday mornings.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you anticipate worship in God’s house tomorrow, plan to get a good night’s sleep. If you know the text from which your pastor will be preaching, read it through once or twice. Spend some moments praying for the preacher. Ask the Lord to fill his heart with enthusiasm for the message.