Our God, who loves all of humanity and indeed all of creation, is One who restores. After seeing the sufferings and sorrow of the Israelites, God promises them restoration. In exile,...

The prophecy of Zephaniah reveals God’s faithfulness to God’s people. The prophet had predicted the coming wrath of God upon the people because of their sin. But Zephaniah ends the dire...

John aims for his message to reach all people, putting no limits on who should hear him and carrying every expectation that his testimony will bear fruit. As he takes to...

There is something fascinating and inspiring about hearing words clearly and powerfully shared. Here John is without doubt as he cries out in the wilderness into that “region of the Jordan...

Imagine the difference between a life deeply rooted in prayer and such a life without prayer. One prayer after another and across the seasons of our lives, we grow in a...

God promised that salvation is ours, a gift that is completely available to God’s faithful people. Zechariah looks ahead to the coming of the Savior who would be proclaimed by Zechariah's...

Zechariah’s song of prophecy following the birth of his son, John the Baptist—who will prepare the way for Jesus—praises God for the deliverance from enemies that will allow God’s people to...

Many will come to know Christ in a way that is sudden, as if the messenger were coming for the very first time. Senses will be awakened. Awareness of the reality...

In this reading, "the Lord whom you are seeking" (CEB) is said to be like both the heavenly embodiment of the purifier as well as the agents of purification in and...

Luke is writing to Gentile believers. These were the followers of Jesus who, though not born into Judaism, nevertheless participated in synagogue worship. These “Godfearers” also represent the fact that faith...