How Shall I Know This?
Read Luke 1:18-25
Today’s Truth
The announcement of John’s birth was extraordinary. God chose two people, Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth, to raise His messenger, John. Zachariah asked for a sign and a sign was given that stayed with him for nine months. He became mute, until the birth of his son. Meanwhile, Elizabeth ‘kept herself hidden’ for five months, most likely until it was clear that she was expecting. Both of them became living signs of God’s pressing, yet seemingly unbelievable, reality. The miraculous birth of a son to two people well advanced in age.
Similarly, we might be tempted to doubt the reality of Jesus’ second coming, and the unfolding of His Kingdom. We live in this tension of the Kingdom already and not yet. There are markers in our lives that point us to know: Yes the Kingdom is here and there are those things that tempt us to doubt and ask ourselves, like Zachariah: “how shall I know this?”
The words of Jesus in John 14:3 stand true, “I am preparing a place for you, I am coming again and I surely will receive you to Myself”. The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel. His return is certain, and there are still people in need of hearing His story. We have the chance to help tell that story to a watching world. Let Advent be a reminder to each of us of the King that came into the world and who will come again.
Discussion Questions
- How is God calling us to move this Advent season in faith and anticipation of the pressing reality of the Kingdom?
- How can we live our lives this Advent season in anticipation?
- Is there someone in our life who we can share the good news of Jesus with?
Application
Lord... Let me be ready to receive you when you come again. Let me receive your words and life with faith. I pray that today I may be reminded of those markers you have given me – Your Holy Spirit and your Church. May they strengthen me and stir me to walk out all that you have commanded. It’s all for your Glory.
