Daily Worship

Bible readings and resources for your time with God

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"They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know they were there because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him and after three days He will rise.” But they did not understand what He meant and were afraid to ask Him about it." (Mark 9:30-32)

Have you ever needed to have an important conversation with someone only to be interrupted? What do you do? How do you excuse yourself from the intrusion gracefully? Jesus wanted to avoid a situation like this. He had something very serious to tell his disciples and was determined to speak with them alone. We have spent the last 4 weeks preparing for Jesus during the season of Advent. We read the stories of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zachariah; all to get our minds and hearts prepared and open to embrace Jesus.

In today’s text, Jesus is a grown man, teaching his disciples the reason he came to earth. His focus needed to be on these 12 men, and that required seclusion so they could concentrate on what he was telling them. So, He took his disciples to a quiet place, avoiding crowds, to have their undivided attention. He had important things to say to them and he needed to get them ready for the next chapter. He does the same for us when he encourages us to practice solitude; to get alone with God. We might label it our daily quiet time, or our morning devotions, but whatever we call this precious time, it is like the time Jesus took his12 devoted followers away from the crowds.

Let us also prepare what's next. We need to get our affairs in order (as they say) and be ready to step into our future. We know just how quickly time passes; how one day we are children and how just like that (snap of your fingers) our deathbed looms. Jesus wants us to be prepared for this. He uses His Word to teach us when we get lost and need to know the way home. He wants us to understand that “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for always wanting the best for us, and we know you are the BEST. Your Word teaches us how to love you and each other. Just as the Star guided the shepherds to your side that wonderful night, so too does Scripture guide us to your side.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group. I love to study my Bible and share new things I learn and experience by writing these devotions.

January 8 | John 5:19-47

Beth Voltmann
Jan 8, 2025

DAILY READING

John 5:19-47

REFLECTION

Live to Testify

By Beth Voltmann

Jesus gave them this answer:

“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself;

he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does

the Son also does...

For the works that the Father has given me to finish – the very works that I am doing –

testify that the Father has sent me.

And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.”

(John 5:19, 36b-37)

Everything that Jesus did was a reflection of God the Father. God not only sent his Son as a sacrifice for our sins but as a forerunner to show us how to walk this life of faith. Our Messiah, fully God but fully man, spent 33 years on earth with his eye fixed on the Father and his ear tuned to his voice. In like manner, as believers, everything we do should reflect Jesus.

I don’t often try to discern “a sacred word” as we ring in the new year, but as 2025 begins, I sense the Lord telling me to “FOLLOW”. Easy to say – harder to do. Jesus promised that it won’t be simple, but he also promised that he would give the words and wisdom needed.

“And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”

(Luke 21:13-15)

As we begin this new year, are we resolved to bear testimony through our words and actions? Just as Jesus steadfastly followed the Father, now is the time for our lives to reflect Jesus – to testify of him to the watching world!

We cannot see into the future and certainly don’t know all that this year will bring, but we know the One who does and can be certain that He is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

Will you join me in a New Year’s resolution to follow Jesus just as He followed the Father? May our lives testify to his unfailing love, mercy, forgiveness, and healing, and may we draw others to his great promise of salvation.