Welcome to Lutheran Daily Devotional 30th November 2022 Wednesday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Why?
[Zechariah and Elizabeth] were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:6-7)
I feel for Zechariah and Elizabeth—two faithful people who loved God and served Him with all their hearts. And yet, they had no children, though they wanted them very much.
No doubt their neighbors had a lot to say about that. “You must have sinned,” they said. “God is punishing you.” As if this family didn’t have enough grief to carry already!
But this was not a punishment from God. The Bible shows us that God doesn’t play mind games. When He disciplines people, He makes the connection between the sin and the result very clear!
No, the fact is, we live in a broken world, and bad things happen, even to the people God loves. And we may go for years, even a lifetime, with no explanation for why God allowed it.
You, too, may be suffering and wondering why. If so, put your trust in the God who saw and loved these two—and you as well. He may not explain Himself, but He sees you and He cares. So much, in fact, that He came into this unfair, broken world to take your suffering on Himself—to mend you, and all creation, with His own blood on the cross. And when He rose from the dead, He gave us the sure and certain hope that some day, He will put all things right.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, help me trust You as I wait for the day when You make all things new. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Why do people blame others for their own troubles?
* When have you asked God “Why?” about some evil?
* How has Jesus helped you carry a heavy burden in your life?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Ezekiel 37-39 2 Peter 2
God bless you for reading Lutheran Daily Devotional 30th November 2022 Message. Encourage someone today by sharing this Gospel