Prophecy Proclaimed: Habakkuk 1:13 and Zechariah 13:7
Prophecy Fulfilled: Matthew 26:31, 56 and 27:46
Reading His Story
Read Zechariah 13:7 and Habakkuk 1:13
Jesus was completely isolated when He went to the cross. After an evening of fellowship during the Passover meal, Jesus’ disciples progressively abandoned him. They failed to “watch and pray” in the Garden of Gethsemane, leaving Jesus to wrestle alone with the temptation to “let this cup pass.” At His arrest, the disciples departed and denied. Even those at the foot of the cross hopelessly mourned not only His death but also their own loss of hope. Jesus alone remained faithful; He alone accomplished salvation.
Read Matthew 26:31, 56 and 27:46
Finally, even the Father, with “purer eyes than to behold evil,” turned His face from Jesus. While David could proclaim in Psalm 23, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me,” Jesus claimed no such blessing, crying out instead, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” This was a rhetorical question; Jesus knew why His father could not look at Him—He had become sin “that we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Writing Your Story
Believer, you do not have to face this world, or the transition to the next, alone. Seeker, Jesus desires your fellowship. He has promised to be with His own “always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Thank Him for His sustaining presence.
Day 18 | Jesus—Christ Alone
December 18, 2020
Our Christmas Gift to You!
December 26, 2020
It’s been our pleasure to bring you the mini Bible study, “25 Days of Anticipation” from Love Worth Finding. If you’ve enjoyed the advent journey, we’d love to come alongside you with additional free resources. Here are some ideas to consider. 1) If you’re still unsure about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we invite you to listen to some messages from Pastor Adrian Rogers. We think you’ll find both comfort and hope in Pastor Rogers’ simply stated explanation of the Gospel. [Discover Jesus]http://(https://www.lwf.org/discover-jesus) 2) The holidays can be a difficult time for some people. If you’re struggling at this or any time of year, we have some dedicated resources just for you. [Biblical Guidance]http://(https://www.lwf.org/biblical-guidance/problems-troubles) 3) Perhaps you’re a new Christian. If so, welcome to the family! One of the best ways to get started in your new faith walk is to complete the series “What Every Christian Ought to Know,” from Pastor Adrian Rogers, offered free of charge from Love Worth Finding. [What Every Christian Ought to Know]http://(https://www.lwf.org/what-every-christian-ought-to-know-individual-study) 4) If you’ve been with Love Worth Finding for some time, you know that our heart is to bring people to Jesus Christ and mature them in the faith. Maybe God is calling you to support that mission. Find out how to partner with us. [Why LWF]http://(https://www.lwf.org/why-lwf) **Again, thanks so much for joining us. Be sure and check back with us soon at http://lwf.org for more encouragement from Love Worth Finding with Pastor Adrian Rogers.**
Day 25 | Jesus—Soon-Coming King
December 25, 2020
**Prophecy Proclaimed: Isaiah 9:7** **Prophecy Fulfilled: Revelation 19:11-16** # Reading His Story *Read Isaiah 9:7* The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” We have been studying the life of Jesus for the month of December in preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ first advent in Bethlehem. It is also a time to celebrate anew the advent of Jesus as Savior in our own lives and to anticipate His coming again. The fact is Christ has come. He is present in the world today. And He will come again in power. *Read Revelation 19:11-16* This passage should leave us breathless. Despite all the challenges we have faced this year—and in every other difficult year—when Jesus comes again, He will right every wrong. As Isaiah said, “Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end.” We do not know the day or the hour, but we can be certain that this prophecy, too, shall be fulfilled—perhaps in only a moment. # Writing Your Story Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Soon-Coming King have a privileged identity and unshakable confidence in this life and are forever safe in His realm. Where is your hope for the coming New Year? For the next decade? For eternity?
Day 24 | The Ascended One
December 24, 2020
**Prophecy Proclaimed: Psalm 68:18** **Prophecy Fulfilled: Mark 16:19** # Reading His Story *Read Psalm 68:18* Through His finished work on the cross, Jesus literally took sin as His prisoner for all time. During this beautiful Christmas season, we have beheld Him as a babe in Mary’s arms, looked Him in the eyes as a friend who walks alongside us, and seen Him through tears as the silent suffering servant on Calvary’s cross. Let’s take a wide-eyed look at Him today as the conquering warrior who defeated death, “led captivity captive,” and, victorious evermore, ascended on high. *Read Mark 16:19* Here are two things to ponder today about Jesus’ position at God’s right hand. 1) Ephesians 1:20-21 says that this position is, "… far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." 2) Romans 8:34 teaches, "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." # Writing Your Story Jesus Christ is the greatest authority of all time. Though He has every right to do so, He does not condemn His sin-ridden subjects. In fact, as believers face the difficulties of this life, He is actually praying for us. Could we have a more powerful prayer warrior than the Ascended One?