Family Devotionals

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December 29

Mark 16:15-18. Christ promises to bestow miraculous gifts.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem an angel declared to the shepherds, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Those good tidings are called the Gospel. Before Jesus left this world he charged his apostles to preach the Gospel to all people. He did not send angels to preach it, but men. He said, "Go you into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." Then every creature ought to believe the Gospel. Have we believed it? We have heard it—but hearing it will not save the soul. The Lord has made this solemn declaration—"He who believes, and is baptized, shall be saved." There are many who have been baptized in their infancy who have not believed in Jesus. Shall they be saved? No! unless they believe, they cannot be saved; for it is written, "He who believes not shall be damned." Dreadful words! Whether he be baptized, or whether he be not baptized, he who does not believe shall perish. What is it to believe? It is to receive Christ into the heart. There is an instance recorded in the Acts of a wicked man called Simon Magus, who believed, and was baptized. But he did not believe with the heart. His faith was not of the right sort—his mind was convinced, but his heart was not changed. After his baptism, the apostle Peter, reproving him for a blasphemous request he had made, said, "You have neither part nor lot in this matter; for your heart is not right in the sight of God. I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." (Acts 8:21-23.) None can be saved who do not believe with the heart on the Son of God.

When Christ sent out his apostles to preach the Gospel, he knew that the world would be ready to say that he had not sent them. Therefore he made this wonderful promise—"These signs shall follow them that believe. In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17, 18.) It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that believers would perform these miracles. When the Spirit descended upon the apostles at the day of Pentecost, he enabled them to speak with other tongues. (Acts 2:4.) When he descended upon Cornelius and his friends, he caused them also to speak in the same wonderful manner. (Acts 10:45, 46.)

The apostles possessed a privilege beyond other believers. They could obtain the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit for other men by laying on their hands with prayer. When Peter and John visited Samaria, they laid their hands on the believers, and the Holy Spirit was given. Philip the deacon, who had first preached the Gospel in Samaria, had not been able to communicate the heavenly gift, though he himself possessed the power of doing miracles. (Acts 8:13-17.) As none but the apostles could by laying on of hands cause believers to receive the Holy Spirit—after their death the power of working miracles ceased. The Gospel had then been preached to the ends of the world, and sufficient miraculous evidence of its truth had been given. (Rom. 10:18.)

But the most valuable gift that Christ bestows may still be obtained. It is charity, or holy love. Tongues have ceased, but love has not failed, and shall never fail. By this we may know whether we have true faith. Do we love God? and do we love the children of God? The apostle John has declared, "He who loves not, knows not God, for God is love." (1 John 4:7, 8.) If unholy passions, such as envy, wrath, and malice, are nourished in our hearts, then we may be sure that we do not believe in Christ with the heart.

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December 30

Luke 24:44-49. Christ opens the understandings of his apostles.

The Lord Jesus remained forty days on the earth after his resurrection. During this time he often conversed with his disciples. It is written in the Acts, concerning the Lord and his apostles, "To whom he showed himself alive after his passion (or sufferings) by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." How much we would like to hear all that he said during these forty days! It is natural to inquire, "Where did the Lord abide when not present with his disciples, or was he always present with some of them?" But though we cannot ascertain these points, we may know on what subjects the Lord conversed with his beloved followers. He spoke to them of his own past sufferings. They had just witnessed his painful death at Jerusalem, and they could not understand how the righteous Father should give up his righteous Son into the hands of wicked men. But Jesus relieved their perplexity. He showed them from the Old Testament prophecies, that the Lord had laid on him the sins of men. What must the apostles have felt when they first understood that all the bitter pangs they had seen their Lord endure, had been inflicted for their sakes! He explained to them not only why he died, but also why he rose again. And why did he rise again? Because he had paid the ransom for our sins, even his own precious blood, and therefore he was set free from the prison of the tomb. Thus Daniel the prophet had declared that the Messiah should come "to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness." (Daniel 9:24.)

Were such conversations ever before held as these between the Lord and his disciples after his resurrection! How different from their conversation on the way to the garden of Gethsemane just before his crucifixion! Then sorrow had filled their hearts—but now joy. Then they could not understand many very simple truths. When the Lord said, "Where I go you know, and the way you know," Thomas replied, "We know not where you go, and how can we know the way?" But now the disciples understood his instructions. And why? Because he opened their understandings. No other teacher ever possessed the power of opening the understandings of his pupils.

Jesus still exercises this power. He bestows the Holy Spirit. The Bible perplexes those who are not taught by him. When they read the ceremonies of the law, they sometimes inquire, "Why was so much blood spilt?" When they read the histories of the saints, they wonder at their sins and at their sorrows. When they read the psalms and the prophets, they are astonished to find bitter complaints succeeded by rapturous songs. But the soul taught of God knows that Christ is hidden in every part of his holy word—that the ceremonies of the law point to his atoning blood—that the histories of the saints set forth the sins he bore, and the sorrows he sustained; and that the psalms and the prophets are filled with his mournful notes, and with his joyful strains.

The Lord conversed with his disciples not only about his own past sufferings, but also about their future labors. He told them what they were to preach, and where they were to preach.

What were they to preach? Not vengeance but mercy. The gifts that sinners need are repentance and pardon. To be pardoned without repentance would be no blessing; for an impenitent sinner could not be happy in heaven. To repent, and yet not to obtain pardon, how terrible this would be! But it cannot be; for no true penitent shall be sent to hell, though many a bruised reed has feared lest this should be his own case.

And where were the apostles to preach? Among all nations, but they were to BEGIN at Jerusalem. The murderers were to have the first offer of pardon. Those who, like strong bulls of Bashan, had beset him round, who had gaped upon him with their mouths as a ravening and roaring lion, were to be the first to obtain mercy from the silent, slaughtered Lamb. How can any sinner despair after hearing of this wonderful grace? Millions once covered with scarlet and crimson stains are now singing, "Unto him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, be glory and dominion forever and ever."

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December 31

Luke 24:50 to end. The Ascension.

The Lord Jesus had often walked with his disciples to Bethany. This was his last walk to that endeared spot. A last walk with a beloved friend is usually mournful; but though the disciples knew they were soon going to be separated from their Lord, they were not unhappy. Once when they had descended into the valley of Kedron, and crossed the narrow stream, they were much cast down. Then it was Jesus had said to them, "Let not your heart be troubled." On that occasion he stopped at the garden of Gethsemane to pray and suffer there; but now he passed beyond that sorrowful spot, and followed the path on the side of Mount Olivet which leads to the village of Bethany.

Have you ever passed by a place where you once endured great trials, and have you been able to say, as you looked at the spot, "God has been very gracious unto me; I was troubled, and he helped me; I sought him, and he delivered me from all my fears?" What gratitude the soul feels when it remembers the former anguish, and contrasts that anguish with the present joy! But who has ever suffered such pangs as Jesus endured in the garden of Gethsemane, while bearing the burden of our sins!

When he walked towards Bethany for the last time all his troubles were over. The Psalms record his thanksgivings to his Father—"Sing unto the Lord, O you saints of his; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness; for his anger endures but a moment; in his favor is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Ps. 30:4, 5.) Well may he call upon his saints to rejoice with him. All he suffered was for them. All he has obtained is for them. He needed nothing for himself—he had all things from everlasting—but he knew that we had lost all, and that he alone could recover all for us.

His last act on earth was an act of love to his people. "He lifted up his hands, and blessed them." "While he blessed them he was parted from them." It was a cloud that received him and carried him up to heaven. The apostles beheld him as he ascended, and continued to watch until they could see him no more. Two angels clothed in white apparel remained below to comfort them. And how did they comfort? By this promise—"This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven." The words of prophets and apostles agree with those of the angel. An apostle of the New Testament has declared, "Behold, he comes with clouds." (Rev. 1:7.) A prophet of the Old has said, "His feet shall stand in that day upon Mount Olives." (Zech. 14:4.)

How did the apostles feel now they had lost their Lord? We do not hear one word about their sorrow—we do not read of their shedding one tear; but we are told that after worshiping their ascended Savior, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Though still in the midst of their enemies, they rejoiced—though deprived of the personal presence of their Lord, they rejoiced—though they knew that in the world they should have much tribulation, they rejoiced. And why? Because they believed the promises. They knew that Jesus was gone to the Father to make intercession for them, and that he would return again to make them blessed forever.

The apostle Peter in his epistle speaks in a triumphant manner of his Lord's exaltation—"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels, and authorities, and powers, being made subject unto him." (1 Pet. 3:22.) And the apostle John, in the last page of the Bible, and almost the last verse, has recorded this prayer, "Even so, come Lord Jesus." Do we partake in the joy of these holy apostles? Jesus loves all who love him, whether they be the greatest of his apostles or the weakest of his lambs. "He ever lives to make intercession (not for apostles only, but) for all who come unto God by him." He will come again, not to bless apostles only, but all who have believed in him through their word, and He will say to them all, "Come, you blessed of my Father."

We have now traced the steps of the Son of God from his throne of glory into this dark world, and back again to the same bright throne. We, who have sat together day after day reading and hearing this affecting history, shall one day meet together before his dreadful tribunal. It is probable that circumstances will, sooner or later, part us in this life; we may move to other places, or we may be removed by death; but we shall meet again. It will then be known whether we truly loved this blessed Savior—whether we were washed in his blood, and whether we were sanctified by his Spirit. It will then be decided whether we shall live with him forever, or be forever banished from his presence. "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." (Isa. 45:6.)

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January 1

John 1:1-5. The Word.

Who is the Word spoken of in these verses? He is the Son of God. He is called the WORD, because he makes God his Father known to us. How is it that our thoughts are made known to our fellow creatures? By our words. Thus the unseen Father is made known to men by his Son Jesus Christ. No man can know the Father, but by the Son. The Son and the Father are distinct persons, for it is written in the first verse, "The Word was with God;" that is, the Son was with the Father. Yet the Son and the Father are one God, for it is added, "The Word was God."

But even if we had not found this sentence, "The Word was God," we would have known that he was God, by the things that are said of him in the following verses.

First, it is declared that he was from the beginning with God. Now God is the First, and if the Son of God is from everlasting, then he is First, and he must be God.

Again it is declared that all things were made by him. Thus we know the Son is the Creator of the world. He cannot then be a creature; for no creature can "create." God alone can create.

Then again it is said, He is the "Life." He gives life. All the angels in heaven cannot give life to the smallest insect, or even to the lowest flower—but the Son can give life to the creatures he has made; not only natural life, but spiritual and eternal life.

Lastly, it is declared that he is the Light of men—a brighter light than the sun, a light which shines into the heart and enlightens the dark mind.

And what is MAN called? Observe the name that is given to him. He is called "Darkness." In verse the fifth it is written, "The light shines in darkness, and the darkness comprehends it not." Ever since Satan, the prince of darkness, tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, the minds of men have been dark; they have neither known what is right, nor loved what is good. Christ came into the world to bring light to the dark minds of men. But alas! how few receive him! Most people are so much pleased with the trifles of time, or so much taken up with the cares of the world, that they turn away from the Son of God. This blessed book which we hold in our hands tells us about Him. Does not each of us wish to be happy forever? Then let us listen attentively, and let us entreat God to give us faith that we may believe and be saved.

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January 2

John 1:6-11. The Witness.

Before the Lord Jesus came into the world, God sent a man called John to be a witness to him. He is called the Baptist, and was not the same John who wrote the history we are now reading.

John the Baptist was a faithful preacher, a burning and a shining light, but he was not that light; he was not the Son of God.

He was only a man; but he loved the Son of God, and he desired that all men through him, that is, "through his preaching," might believe in Jesus. It is the desire of every faithful minister, that through him men should believe in Christ. God does make men the instruments of turning the hearts of their fellow-creatures to God. Many of the children of Israel did John turn to the Lord their God. It is not ministers only who turn the hearts of sinners; but other Christians also. There is an account of a poor gipsy woman who, by her conversation, converted no less than twelve people. What an honor it would be to us if God should cause any one to believe in Jesus through us—through what we said or did! May our light so shine before men, that they, seeing our good works, may glorify our Father who is in heaven!

In the ninth verse it is said that Jesus lights every man that comes into the world. This means that Jesus is the only light—just as there is only one sun in the sky to give us light—so there is only one Savior to save us. But Jesus does not light those who never heard of him. The heathen sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Neither does he enlighten all who have heard of him. He shines around us—but if we are blind, he does not give light even to us.

How striking it is to read that his own world did not know him when he appeared, that his own nation the Jews, his brethren according to the flesh, did not receive him! "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." As if a mother were to appear among her children, and they should deny that she was their mother. How many people are there now who are not ashamed to say, "I do not pretend to be religious," which means, "I do not pretend to love God," as if they had nothing to do with God, as if he had not made them, and did not feed them, and watch over them continually. What would we think of a child who would say of an affectionate parent, "I do not pretend to care for him?" What would a parent feel, who heard a child speak thus? There is no parent who feels so tender an interest in his children, as Christ felt for his people the Jews. Remember the tears he shed over Jerusalem, when he uttered those touching words, "How often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!"

Are there any here who now refuse to receive the loving Savior into their hearts? Let me entreat you no longer to grieve him by treating him thus. You are the work of his hands. He longs to make you happy. Open your hearts to him, and receive him as your Lord.

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January 3

John 1:12-13. The sons of God.

We know that when the Lord Jesus came into the world, the greater part of men despised and rejected him; but there were a few who received him. They believed in him; that is, they received Jesus into their hearts. And now observe what a glorious privilege God bestowed upon these believers. He gave them "power to become the sons of God." He adopted them as his sons and heirs. It is written in Romans 8:15, "You have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father;" and again, "If children, then heirs." God will bestow upon his adopted children his riches in glory. "He who overcomes shall inherit all things. I will be his God, and he shall be my son."—Rev. 21:7.

But what is the reason that some believed in Jesus? Were they by nature better than others? Were their hearts softer, so that they could not reject their dying Savior? No—they were by nature like others—but they were born of God. As it is written in the thirteenth verse, "Who were born of God;" that is, of the Spirit of God.

We are also told what they were NOT born of. Let us consider each of the expressions—

"Not of blood," that is, they did not believe because they were of the blood of any good man, such as Abraham. Many who were of the blood of Abraham did not believe in Christ! Neither were they born of the will of the flesh. They did not believe, because it was the will of their flesh, or of their nature to believe. They did not choose Christ from their own power. If they had been left to themselves, they would have refused him; for the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God. 1 Cor. 2:14. Neither were they born of the will of man. They did not believe because it was the will of any man that they should believe. Such people are not converted as a minister most desires to convert, or as he thinks it most likely will be converted. It is the will of God that makes a man believe.

If we have been born of God, we see that it was not because we were of the blood of any pious parents or ancestors; it was not because it was the will of our flesh to believe, for we were dead in sins. It was not because it was the will of man. No pious minister or friend could have made us believe. But if we have been raised from the death of sin, it was the power of God that raised us. Therefore to God be all the glory!

If we have not been born again, then let us go to God, who alone can convert us, and entreat him to put forth his great power to make us believe that we may become the children of God and heirs of the kingdom of glory. For it is dreadfully true, that until we believe in Christ, we are the children of satan, and not the children of God. Who can bear the thought of being the child of the devil, and an heir of wrath! Yet what does the Apostle Paul say to the Ephesians? He says of himself and of them, "We were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." But we may be born again; we must be born again. Then we shall belong to the family of God, and be the heirs of heaven.

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January 4

John 1:14-18. The testimony of John.

In the beginning of this chapter we read of a great wonder, that the Word was with God, and yet was God. We cannot understand how this could be. In this passage we read of another wonder, yet we are so much accustomed to hear it, that we almost forget to consider the greatness of the wonder, "The Word was made flesh." God became man; he "dwelt among us."

When we look around us at this great world, and at the heavens spangled with stars, and think that He who made all these things became a weak man, who ate, drank, and slept like ourselves—do we not feel amazed? We may well inquire why God became a man, and dwelt among us?

It was to save us from everlasting misery. We are told in verse 14, "He was full of grace and truth." He came to bring grace to sinners, to pardon their sins by his free grace. He came to suffer all he had said he would suffer. He had said he would suffer our punishment, and he was full of truth, and suffered it all, showing that God hated sin, and that he would punish it with death.

Now, John the Evangelist, when he speaks of Jesus, breaks out into an exclamation at the remembrance of his glory. He says in verse 14, "We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father." John had really seen Jesus. As he says in his First Epistle, speaking of Jesus, "that which our eyes have seen, which we have looked upon."

"We beheld his glory." What glory does he here refer to? Does he refer to the glory which shone on the mount, when "his face shone as the sun, and his clothing was white as the light?"—Matt. 17:2. Perhaps it is to this glory he refers, or perhaps it is to the glory of holiness which always shone in Jesus, and which the world could not see; for they saw "no beauty in him, that they should desire him."—Isaiah 53:2. But those who believed in him saw this glory. Do we see it? Has the Spirit opened our inward eyes, so that we see Christ to be worthy of all our love?

There was a man who saw this glory, and pointed Jesus out to others. His name was John the Baptist.

He spoke of Jesus long before he saw him. At last he saw him, and said to the people, "This is he of whom I spoke. He who comes after me existed before me; for he was before me." Jesus was six months younger than John the Baptist, therefore John said he came after him. Yet he was before him, because he was with his Father before he came into the world.

Who is speaking in verse 16? Not John the Baptist, but John the writer of this history. He speaks in the highest terms of love and praise of our great Savior. How happy are they who can say with John, "Of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." In Jesus there is a full store of grace, sufficient for every believer. And do we not need these graces? Do we not often lament our lack of patience, meekness, kindness, and charity? Jesus is willing to bestow them all upon us. Moses was a great lawgiver; but he could not bestow grace. Moses appointed many forms and ceremonies, to represent the way of salvation, but Jesus brought salvation. Therefore it is written, "Truth came by Jesus Christ."

The Father dwells in light which no man can approach unto; but he spared his Son from his bosom that we might behold him. Though we have not seen him ourselves, we have heard enough about him to make us love him. If our hearts were not like stones by nature, we would have loved him from the first moment we heard of him; and yet perhaps there may be some here who had lived twenty or thirty years in the world before they began to love him; and there may be others who do not love him yet. May the Lord soften their hearts.

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January 5

Luke 1:1-4. The Preface to Luke.

The holy Evangelist Luke writes a short preface before his history of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This preface is a kind of letter to Theophilus, for whose use especially he wrote the history. Let us inquire who Luke was, and who Theophilus was. Luke is not mentioned in any of the Gospels; but Paul speaks of him in his epistle to the Colossians, as, "the beloved physician," 4:14. There is reason also to suppose he was not a Jew, but a converted heathen; yet he had the honor of writing a part of the holy Word of God. Theophilus was probably a governor; therefore he was called "most excellent," as dukes are now styled "your grace," and kings "your majesty." Theophilus, though a nobleman, had been instructed in religion by some of God's servants; but Luke wished him to know the history of the Lord still more perfectly. He says in the fourth verse, that he had written this account that "you (Theophilus) might know the certainty of those things wherein you have been instructed."

It appears that other people had written histories of Christ. These people had not been directed by the Holy Spirit, as the Evangelists had; neither had they themselves witnessed the events they had related. They had written from "report," and their accounts contained errors. It is happy for us that these erroneous accounts have not been handed down to us, but only the inspired histories of the four Evangelists.

Luke himself had not been an eye-witness of the events he records; yet we cannot say he wrote from "report," for he was directed by the Spirit of God. He had enjoyed great opportunities of knowing about Jesus—he declares in v. 3, that he had had perfect understanding of all things from the "very first," or from the very earliest part of our Savior's life. Still his history would not have been reckoned a part of the holy Bible, if the Holy Spirit had not directed him what to write. This book has always been read in the assemblies of Christians, and called the word of God.

Let us thank God for this part of his word. How many interesting events and parables are related by Luke, which we would never have known, had he not written! How we ought to value everything that concerns the Lord Jesus! When we love a friend, we desire to know everything about him, and to hear what he did even when he was a child! When we have lost him, we think over his dying words, and lay them up in our hearts! How much more should we delight in knowing all that concerns the best of friends! When we consider who he was—the Lord of Glory, we can compare no earthly friend to him; all which relates to him is wonderful.

It is affecting to hear how the poor heathen, when first converted, value the word of God! Before the missionaries in the South Sea Islands could print the Bible in the language of the people, the poor natives eagerly listened to all that was read aloud on the Sabbath, and many wrote down upon the leaves of trees the texts they had heard, and studied them wherever they went until they knew them by heart. We are without excuse if we remain ignorant of the history of our Lord. Let us not, however, forget for what purpose we read—that we may learn to love Jesus. We are apt to become fond of human creatures whom we know intimately. How much more might it be expected that hearing of Jesus would make us love him; for he is far more excellent than any creature, and far more full of love to us than our dearest friend. Yet our hearts are naturally so much hardened against God, that unless the Holy Spirit soften them, we shall not love him. May that Spirit be with us, while we read day after day the history of our blessed Lord.

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January 6

Luke 1:5-14. The Angel's visit to Zacharias.

Luke said in his preface, that he had perfect understanding of all things from the very first; so we find that his history begins very early indeed, and describes events that happened before the birth of Jesus.

John the Baptist was born six months before Jesus. In this chapter we have an account of his parents. His father was a priest named Zacharias. His mother Elizabeth also was of the family of the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

Zacharias and Elizabeth "were righteous before God." How could they be righteous? Is it not written, "There is none righteous; no, not one?" God, who knows all hearts, has made this declaration. But when a man believes in Christ, he becomes righteous, for the righteousness of Christ becomes his. Jesus bore our sins that we might obtain his righteousness. But it may be said, "How could Zacharias and Elizabeth believe in Christ? Did they not live before he came into the world?" They did. But they believed in the promise of a Savior; and thus they became partakers of his righteousness. It was in this way Abraham was righteous. It is written, "He believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness."

Faith is the means by which sinners receive the righteousness of Christ. It has often been compared to the hand; and righteousness to a treasure. As the hand grasps the treasure, so faith lays hold of Christ's righteousness.

Zacharias and Elizabeth were pardoned sinners. Therefore they were sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Though still subject to sin, they indulged in no sinful habits. They were not satisfied (as hypocrites are) with observing those commandments that it was convenient to obey, while they neglected those that were more difficult—but they walked in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. We shall soon have a proof that they were still subject to sin; for we shall soon read how Zacharias was overtaken by unbelief.

Zacharias and Elizabeth had no child; and the lack of children was considered by the Jews as a heavy affliction. Yet at length they became the parents of one of the greatest prophets that ever appeared in the world. All the circumstances connected with this event were very remarkable.

As Zacharias was a priest, it was his office at certain times to burn incense in the temple. The priests were so numerous, that they could not all live at Jerusalem. They were divided into twenty-four courses; and each course came up to Jerusalem in its turn, to serve for one week in the temple. It was determined by lot every morning who was to enjoy the privilege of burning incense that day at the golden altar. The priest, on whom the lot fell, went alone into the temple both morning and evening, to burn sweet spices as an offering to God, while the people remained in the court repeating public prayers for a blessing upon all nations.

On the day when God purposed to speak to Zacharias, he caused the lot to fall upon him. The most minute circumstances are under his control, and are often the beginnings of very great events.

When Zacharias beheld the angel standing by the altar, he was troubled. We always find that men are troubled at the presence of angels. Yet Zacharias had no reason to fear, for the heavenly messenger came not to destroy him, but to bless. He said, "Your prayer is heard." What prayer? Was it for a son that Zacharias had prayed? Or was it that the Savior might soon come into the world? Both these blessings were soon to be bestowed. A son was to be born to Zacharias, to prepare the way for the Savior that was to be given to men. Well might a father rejoice at the birth of such a son! His very name showed that God would bless him and make him a blessing. The word "John" signifies "the grace or favor of God."

When a child has been born, it has very seldom been known whether he would become a curse or a blessing. There has often been joy at the birth of children, who have lived to do great harm, and even to break their parents' hearts. When Cain was born, Eve rejoiced; saying, "I have gotten a son from the Lord," little thinking how wicked a man he would be. Other children have been born undesired; perhaps the family was already numerous and badly provided for; yet some of those unwelcome little strangers have lived, not only to rejoice their parents' hearts, but to save souls from eternal death. Did Christians know when a faithful minister was born into the world, how much they would rejoice! We cannot tell, when we look upon a helpless baby, what it will become; but we may offer up our earnest prayers that it may be a blessing and not a curse.

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January 7

Luke 1:15-17. The Prophecy concerning John the Baptist.

How happy was Zacharias to hear such a character of his promised son from the lips of an angel! His son was to be "great in the sight of the Lord." It would not be a blessing to have a son great in the sight of the world. Those who are great in the sight of the Lord are despised by the world. Men said of John the Baptist, "He has a devil," and they counted the apostles as the offscouring of all things.

The angel said that John was to drink neither wine nor strong drink. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit, and many of the children of Israel he would turn to the Lord their God. Why then was John to drink no wine? Because he was a Nazarite. A Nazarite was a person separated unto the Lord in a very singular manner. Sometimes the Israelites made vows thus to separate themselves for a week, or a month, or a longer space of time. During that time they tasted neither wine nor grapes; and they allowed the locks of hair on their heads to grow long. Some children were made Nazarites from their birth. Samuel was thus devoted to the Lord by his praying mother; and Samson by the appointment of an angel. John the Baptist was also a Nazarite from his birth. Jewish ceremonies have ceased since the Lord Jesus has made known his Gospel. But though we ought not to become Nazarites, we ought, like them, to be devoted to the service of God, and separated from the sinful pleasures of an ungodly world.

The angel also declared that the child soon to be born would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah. If we read the history of the prophet Elijah, we shall see a great resemblance between him and John the Baptist.

They were like each other in spirit. Both were faithful and courageous. Elijah prophesied in the court of the wicked king Ahab, and his more wicked queen; and by his boldness endangered his life. John reproved King Herod so faithfully for his sins, that he was imprisoned, and at length murdered at the request of the cruel Herodias. In spirit therefore John resembled Elijah.

He came also in the power of that great prophet; and, like him, he had great success. At one time Elijah thought there was not a single pious prophet in all Israel; and he complained to God, saying, "I, even I, only am left," but such power accompanied his instructions, that before he was taken up to heaven, there were numerous young men, called sons of the prophets, all over the land, training up for the ministry. John the Baptist also had great success; and some of his disciples were numbered among the apostles of the Lamb.

But the most delightful part of the angel's message to Zacharias was the promise that the Savior should soon come. He spoke of the Savior as the Lord God of Israel; for he said, "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God; and he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah."

The Son of God was coming into the world to shed his blood to save sinners; yet it was necessary that one should go before him to turn the hearts of men towards him. What a proof this is of the wickedness of the human heart! It is turned against God! satan, in the garden of Eden, turned the heart of Eve against her best friend. Now everyone is an enemy of God, until he is converted. God sends his faithful preachers to turn our hearts towards himself. Have not some tried to persuade us to turn to the Lord? Have they succeeded in persuading us? It is an dreadful thing to hear sermons, and to disregard what we hear. Time is passing swiftly away—Jesus will come again in power and great glory. If, when he comes, he finds us unprepared, we shall be shut out of his presence forever!

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January 8

Luke 1:18-23. The Unbelief of Zacharias.

Zacharias was so much astonished at the message of the angel, that he wanted to see some sign or miracle to prove that the angel came from God. Why was it wrong in Zacharias to desire a sign? Because he had already had one. The glorious appearance of the angel, which had filled him with fear, was a sufficient sign. God does not wish us to believe things without any proof. If he were to send a prophet to speak to us, he would give us some sign to show us that the prophet really came from him. When Moses spoke to the Israelites in Egypt, he gave them two signs; his rod was turned into a serpent, and his hand was made white with the leprosy, (Exod. 4) God is angry when men will not believe, after he has given them a sign. It was sinful in Zacharias not to believe after he had seen the glorious angel. Thus we find that though he was righteous before God, he was still subject to sin.

Unbelief is a great sin; for it is an insult to the truth of God. The angel rebuked the unbelieving priest, saying, "You shall be speechless." This gentle chastisement would at once remove the doubts of Zacharias, and remind him of his sin. In this way, God deals with his own people, when they forget what a great God He is.

Zacharias at length came out of the temple. It was now expected that he should bless the people in those beautiful words recorded in Numbers 6:24-27, beginning, "May the Lord bless you and keep you;" but he could not speak, and he made signs to show the people what he had seen in the temple.

Each division of priests remained to serve in the temple from one Sabbath to the next; in a few days, therefore, Zacharias returned to his own house among the hills. What a history he had to unfold to Elizabeth! For he was able to inform her in writing. What a proof she beheld of the power of God in the silence of her husband! We should take notice of God's dealings with others. "Whoever is wise, and will observe these things, even he shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord."—Psalm 107:43.

How humbly and gratefully Elizabeth behaved on this occasion! She acknowledged the goodness of the Lord in having condescended to look upon her affliction; for she had been exposed to much reproach on account of having no child. When troubles are removed, we are apt to overlook the Lord's merciful hand! Perhaps we have been suffering under some trial; the unkindness of a relative, the dread of sickness, or the pressure of poverty—God removes the trial, and we forget how much it weighed us down before, and so we omit to thank the Lord heartily.

A holy minister named Rutherford, in one of his letters, written two hundred years ago, says, that one of the things which most showed him his own wickedness by nature, was his feeling more disposed to call upon the Lord in trouble, than to thank him when delivered. Let us think over the things that troubled us a few years ago, and bless the hand which has lightened our load.

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January 9

Luke 1:26-33. The Angel's visit to Mary.

God appointed that his Son should be born six months after John. So six months after the angel had spoken to Zacharias, he came to Mary. She was a poor woman, of a low, poor city, called Nazareth. She was indeed descended from King David, who had lived more than a thousand years before, and she was engaged to be married to a man called Joseph, also descended from King David. It had been prophesied that the Son of God would be born among David's family. Isaiah calls the Savior "A branch out of the stem of Jesse," (Isaiah 11:1,) for Jesse was the father of David. Jesse was like a tree, of which Jesus was a branch.

It seems probable that the angel visited Mary when she was alone. He said, "Greetings!" bidding her rejoice because a wonderful favor was about to be conferred on her.

The Roman Catholics pretend that the words "highly favored" mean "full of grace;" and say, that Mary can now impart grace, and that the angel worshiped her. But we know that Mary was but a creature, and even a sinful creature, and that it is idolatry to treat her as the Lord.

Mary was full of humility; and God loves to honor the humble. She was alarmed at the greeting of the angel; but she was told not to fear, and was informed of the wonderful event about to happen.

The Savior so long expected was to be her son. He was to be called "Jesus," which signifies Savior, and is the same name as Joshua. The angel said this Savior would be a great king. Perhaps you will inquire, Was he not equal with God? was he not King of kings from everlasting? Yes—but the angel spoke of his greatness in his human nature. As a man, he was to be king; therefore it was said that "the Lord would give unto him the throne of his father David." He was to be King over the house of Jacob, that is, over the Jews, the descendants of Jacob. The words that were afterwards written over the cross were true, "The King of the Jews." But is he not King of the Gentiles also? Yes; he is—and the day shall come when every tongue will confess that he is Lord; and when every knee will bow to him. (Phil. 2.)

Of his kingdom there shall be no end. Other kingdoms have come to an end. Nebuchadnezzar saw in a dream an image which represented all the kingdoms of the world—and he saw a little stone overthrow this image, and this stone become a mountain. (Dan. 2.) The stone represented Christ. He will bring all kingdoms to an end; and then he will be King over all the earth. (Zec. 14:9.) Then there will be no more war, nor famine, nor misery; men will obey Christ's laws, and live in holiness and peace.

That day has not come yet. Very few people have submitted to Christ; very few seek to do his will. Christ is a king against whom his subjects have rebelled. But do you not think that a king loves his faithful subjects at such a time? How dear to him is their obedience, when others scorn him! Does our King and Savior count us among his faithful subjects? Then he will acknowledge us when he comes in glory. This song shall soon be sung in heaven by believers—"We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who is, and was, and is to come; because you have taken to you your great power and have reigned." (Rev. 11.) Then He will give reward to those who fear his name, small and great.

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January 10

Luke 1:34-45. Mary's visit to Elizabeth.

The angel had told Mary of the great power and glory of the Son she should have. He next told her of the holiness of his nature. His body was to be miraculously formed by the power of the Holy Spirit; though born of a human mother. Jesus had flesh and blood like ourselves, (Hebrews 2:14;) and he was subject to all our bodily weaknesses; he needed food and sleep; he suffered pain; he shed tears and sweat drops of blood; but he was without sin; (Heb. 4:15:) he was "holy, harmless, undefiled." (Heb. 7:26.) Such was the child of whom Mary was to be the mother! Were such wonderful tidings ever delivered to any human creature, as were then spoken to Mary? Yet she believed. Her faith was greater than that of Zacharias; and she received no rebuke from the angel.

What a prospect lay before her! Many would disbelieve her story, and treat her with contempt. Yet Mary was willing to bear the trial. She said, "Be it unto me according to your word." God often makes those suffer most deeply whom he designs to honor most highly. When God intends that people should do much good to souls, (and this is one of the highest honors,) he often permits suspicion to be cast upon their characters; but at length he clears their innocence.

Mary had heard from the angel of the mercy shown to Elizabeth; and she went immediately to see her.

How interesting it is to hear what happened when these two holy women met! There was a great difference between their ages. Elizabeth was very old—Mary was not old—it is probable she was very young. Yet she was far more highly honored than her aged relative. The old are often envious of the young; but the pious Elizabeth was ready to do honor to Mary. When she saw her, she spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit, and acknowledged her as the mother of the Lord.

It must have comforted Mary to find that Elizabeth also believed in the things that were coming to pass. How it must have rejoiced her, to hear her say, "Blessed is she who has believed."

These words do not apply to Mary alone; but to everyone that believes. What ought we to believe? All the promises of God.

He has promised to cast out none who come to him, but to give them everlasting life. If we believe this promise, we shall come to him. If we have come to him, how many precious promises belong to us! God has promised to hear our prayers, to make all things work together for our good, to deliver us out of every temptation, and to give us, even in this life, peace which passes all understanding. Those who trust in these promises find there is a performance of the things that were told them. It was a good answer that was once given by a poor woman to a minister who asked her, "What is faith?" She replied, "I am ignorant—I cannot answer well—but I think faith is taking God at his word."

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January 11

Luke 1:46-56. The Song of Mary.

This beautiful song shows us what was Mary's state of mind at this time. We must remember that there was much to try her in her present circumstances, for many people would not believe her account of the angel's visit, and would treat her with scorn. Yet she was filled with joy, because she enjoyed the favor of the Lord. She said, "My soul magnifies the Lord—and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." How great was Mary's faith! Faith enables us to rejoice in the midst of trials. Paul had this faith when he said, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed."

Mary knew that whatever men thought of her then, that all generations would "call her blessed," as the mother of the Savior. Do we not think her blessed? Surely we do. Let us not forget that we may be blessed also; for Jesus said that "Whoever shall do the will of my Father, which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Matt. 12:50.) And at another time, when a woman said how blessed his mother was, Jesus answered, "Rather blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28.)

It is sad to think what a wrong use the Roman Catholics have made of the words of Mary. They not only call her "blessed," (and she is blessed,) but they worship her, as if she were equal to him, "who is over all, God blessed forever." (Rom. 9:5.) No—Mary was but a creature like ourselves; though she was made, by the grace of God, a holy creature, and was honored in so remarkable a manner.

We see in her song how great a value she set upon the blessings of redemption. She would not have done so, if she had not felt her need of a Savior. How she delights in praising God! She calls him mighty—"He who is mighty." She calls him holy—"Holy is his name." She speaks of his mercy—"His mercy is on those who fear him."

What does she mean in verse 51, when she says, "He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts?" Pharaoh and his proud captains once desired to destroy Israel—this was "the imagination of their hearts," but God drowned them in the Red Sea. Thus God at last will destroy all the enemies of Christ and his people.

From this song we may learn to what people the Lord is merciful; "He fills the hungry with good things." He fed the poor Israelites, when they were hungry, with manna. But it is another sort of hunger which Jesus delights to satisfy. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness." Such hungry souls shall never be sent empty away. If a beggar is sent empty away from one house, he can go to another; but if God were to send us empty away, and refuse to give us everlasting life, there is no other being to whom we could go. Will  he send us empty away? No—he will not, if we feel our need of pardon; but if we imagine ourselves rich in goodness, He will give us none of His goodness or righteousness. Only those who know they are poor blind miserable sinners, will obtain anything from the Savior. Let us go  now to his throne of grace to ask for mercy, and to obtain help in this our time of need; let us go with lowly hearts, feeling our unworthiness and confessing our sins, and He will not send us "empty away."

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January 12

Luke 1:57-66. The birth of John.

When Elizabeth's son was born, her relations and friends came to rejoice with her. Worldly people, when they are prosperous, are often envied by their friends—but pious people, when they have received any great mercy, generally have friends who really rejoice with them.

How richly were Elizabeth's friends rewarded for their sympathy! During their visit they witnessed a wonderful proof of God's power.

It appears that Elizabeth knew what the angel had told Zacharias; for she said that the child was to be called "John," or "the grace of God." The friends, by signs, asked the father what the child should be called. We see by their making signs to him that he was deaf as well as mute. He asked for a writing tablet. These tablets were often spread with wax, and written upon with a piece of steel. Zacharias wrote, "His name is John," not "he shall be called John;" but his name is John, for the angel had already given the child that name. As soon as he had written these words, his tongue was loosed; and he made that use of it for which it had first been given him—he praised God.

The angel had sentenced him to be mute until the day that the things he had told him of, would be performed, (verse 20.) That day was now come.

We perceive in this event how God can bring good out of evil—Zacharias by unbelief had become mute; but his gaining his speech again, must have helped others to believe.

His friends related the things they had seen; so that people all around wondered what sort of a man John would become. Thus many were prepared to pay attention to his preaching when he grew up. We shall hear little of the childhood of John; but we know that he was holy from his birth. How acceptable to God is the offering up of our early years! as the poet says—"A flower, when offered in the bud, is no small sacrifice."

How bitter is the remembrance of a childhood and youth of wickedness! Paul could never remember without grief that he had once persecuted God's people.

Let not those who are young imagine that if they are at length converted, it will be of no consequence having long resisted the gracious offers of God. It is delightful to be able to sing with David, "You are my trust from my youth." Those who have not turned to God until their youth was past, often think within themselves, "O that I could pass my time over again! Had I loved God sooner, what sins I would have avoided! what sorrows I should have escaped! how much good I might have done! how much glory I might have brought to God!"

It is wicked, because we know that God is willing to receive the returning prodigal, to go far from him, not intending to return until all worldly pleasures are exhausted. Yet many who would be ashamed to treat an earthly friend in this manner, act thus towards their best, their heavenly Friend.

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