There is something in us that wants to believe the right response to a threat is a plan. You map it out. You figure out your next move. Peter and John respond to the threat by going back to their people and praying. Together and loud enough to make the building shake.

They don't ask God to move Herod out of the way. They don't ask for easier circumstances. They quote Psalm 2 back to God like they've been living inside that Psalm, like they already know how the story ends and just need to find their footing in it again. That's not naivety. That's people who have learned to hold two things at once: the powers are real, the danger is real, and God is still over all of it.

Then look at what happens next. People start letting go of things. Land, houses, the kind of things that make you feel safe when everything else is uncertain. They sell them and lay the money at the apostles' feet. That's a community that has decided their security is somewhere else. What would it take for you to feel secure enough to let something go?
- David Bempong

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Read the prayer in verses 24-30. What do the believers actually ask for? What does that tell you about how they saw their situation?
+ They ask for boldness, not safety. Why do you think that was their request?
+ What connection do you notice between the prayer in verses 24-30 and the community description in verses 32-35?
+ Luke ends the passage by naming Barnabas specifically. Why do you think he included that detail?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Father, when pressure comes, our first instinct is to figure a way out. Teach us to pray before we plan. Give us the kind of boldness that only comes from knowing you're in charge of what we can't control. And make us the kind of people who hold things loosely because we trust you more than we need to feel secure. Amen.

There's something the powerful almost never do when they encounter something they can't control. They don't ask questions. They move to contain it. The Sanhedrin doesn't show up at Solomon's Porch, wondering what happened to the man who couldn't walk. They show up because the crowd is too big and the name of Jesus is too loud, and something has to be done about it.
What finally silences the council isn't the argument. It's the man. The one who used to sit at the gate begging, now standing in the room with them, healed and present, a fact no one in that chamber can undo. You can cross-examine a claim. You can question a motive. You can't cross-examine a life that has been changed. The council responds with threats. Peter and John decide not to stop talking about Jesus. They had seen too much to turn back. What have you seen of Jesus that you're still keeping to yourself?
- David Bempong

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What is the council's first response to the healing, and what does that tell you about them?
+ Why do you think Luke keeps mentioning the healed man throughout the scene?
+ How would you describe Peter's tone when he speaks to the council?
+ The leaders know the miracle happened but still try to stop the message. What do you make of that?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, make me the kind of person whose life requires an explanation. Give me the quiet courage of people who have seen something real and can't unknow it. Where I've let the weight of the room shrink what I know to be true, restore my voice. Let what you've done in me be something I stop keeping to myself. Amen.

After the healing of the lame man, the people want to know more, so Peter begins to preach in the temple. Most of them did not understand that Christ was the Messiah when He was on earth, but they still can repent and believe in Christ and experience newness of life in Christ. The Lord works to build his kingdom through renewal, like this healing, through the Holy Spirit’s work, like in Peter’s preaching, and through suffering, like Stephen’s stoning in a few chapters.
Here Peter shows them how Christ fulfills the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament; He is the Messiah they have been waiting for, and his kingdom is for all the families of the earth, not just the Jews. God has always had a rescue plan for the world, and it includes the church.
- Monica Godfrey

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ How has prophecy been fulfilled regarding Christ? Why does it matter that the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled?
+ Why should they repent? What is gained in repentance?
+ How is Christ described in this passage?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ “Repent and believe” is something we keep doing in our faith journeys. While we might already believe in Christ as Messiah and Savior, there are often specific aspects of our lives where we need to repent and believe in God. In what aspect of your life do you need to be realigned to God and His truth?
+ Has God given you opportunities like Peter to witness to His work in the world to others? Have you been faithful to take the opportunity and be open to the Spirit’s guiding?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Christ, we thank you for being the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior, and hope of the world. Thank you that in repenting of sin and placing our faith in you we have a new life and we are part of a new family. Father, we thank you for the people and places you have put us in. Help us to be bold like Peter to witness to who You are to those around us as we have opportunity. Spirit, lead us and guide in the way we present your truth and represent you in our lives. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ When we see Christ at work in our hearts and lives, it is easy to talk about it. What is one thing where you see God at work that you might share with someone this week?

As Peter, through the power of the Holy Spirit, healed this man who had sat begging – paralyzed for his entire life – this man had an amazing and dare I say the one correct response to this healing. After getting up and using the gift given to him by walking and leaping, he praised God. What’s interesting is that we have no idea on his belief or lack thereof in Jesus before this moment, only that the encounter confirmed belief and praise.
But his healing was not just a gift for him, it was a gift to those around him. Verses 9-10 say that “all the people saw him walking and praising God and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple…And they were filled with wonder and amazement…”. This moment was used to show the Lord’s power to believers and nonbelievers alike. Not only His power to heal, but His power to change. His power which makes us go from one way to another.
I’ve often looked back on my own personal testimony and had moments of wishing God had not allowed certain things to happen to me, or even stopped me from doing things that I chose to do. But I can’t blame Him for the sin of myself or others, that’s sin. What I am grateful for is that He allowed each and every one of those moments I face with regret, shame, or hurt. Why? Because I was surrounded by people who didn’t know Him, and when I encountered Him and He changed my life and I responded with praise, everyone who has never known or cared to know Him not only sees the change but hears why. People who recognize me as who they used to know suddenly no longer see her, but (hopefully) see Christ through me.
When people recognize you as the one who sat at the gate called Beautiful, who is it that you show them?
- Danielle Parker

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Do you think if the beggar man was offered healing before the miracle, he would have even believed it was possible?
+ If the man had not praised God and followed the disciples after this healing, how might the crowd's response to seeing the miracle have changed? Would it have changed?
+ How does the power of testimony and healing change the lives around us?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Where there is healing, change, or redirection in your life, do you leap with praise? What is your response?
+ How might the Lord be offering you to get up and walk while your hand is outstretched for silver and gold?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Father, thank You for carrying me through every moment in my life. Thank You for being at my side when I have been the beggar at the gate, and thank You for staying with me when You’ve given me more than I could have ever imagined possible. In every season, You have know what’s next. When I am scared and alone and I ask for what I think I need, help me to trust that You know what I need. Help me to be available, and use my life to show those around me who You are. Help me to go from recognized from the gate to recognized by Your grace. It’s in the powerful name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen.

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Is there someone who knows who you used to be that should know who God has made you to be?
+ Who can you remind today that they are not what they are recognized for, but they are made new?

Acts 2 is one of the most monumental chapters in the Bible.  We see the birth of the church of Jesus through the incredible events surrounding Pentecost, followed immediately by the Apostle Peter’s first sermon where 3,000 people surrender their lives to Christ.  Right on the heels of these two events, Luke describes how these initial followers of The Way conducted themselves.  Even to this day, it is a model for those who call themselves Christians to follow!
This is God’s prescription for church growth. If we take care to follow the example of Acts 2:42-47a, God will take care of growing the church Himself. (The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Gusik)
- Chris Adomanis

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ According to verse 42, what four things were these earliest converts “devoted to” (another translation uses the phrase “continued steadfastly in”)?  Do you see a significance in Luke using the phrase “the apostle’s teachings” versus, for instance “Jesus’ teachings”?  Why or why not?
+ Do you think verses 44-45 teach a form of Christian communism that should be in practice today or were they just describing the actions of these earliest followers due to their particular set of circumstances?  If this is a teaching for us today, how can we practically carry it out?
+ What do you make of the phrase “having favor with all of the people”?  Is that something we as the church should strive for today?  Why or why not?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How devoted are you to the four practices listed in verse 42?  How/where can you improve in your devotion without it becoming a legalistic exercise?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, forgive us for our selfish thoughts and actions when it comes to living out the Christian life.  Help us lay down our lives for Jesus and for others, especially to those in the family of faith.  May we be described as people who “receive their food with gladness and generous hearts”, and act as a conduit that You use to save souls and add to the Church of Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who in your circle of influence needs to experience true Christian worship and fellowship as detailed in Acts 2:42-47?

As I write this devotional, it is the Thursday after Pentecost Sunday. As I read chapter 2 of Acts as a whole, I can only imagine what this was like. Was it a simple, yet jaw-dropping event? Did it sweep everyone off of their spiritual (and maybe even physical) feet that had them undone for hours? I suppose we won’t know until we are before the Lord in one day.
But as tongues of fire are falling down, and the Spirit is sweeping through His people, Peter speaks to this crowd of 120 to remind them of the everlasting promises and goodness of God. He reminds them of King David, who prophesied in Psalm 16:10 concerning Christ, that God would “...not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” What they have witnessed and will suffer and die for, the resurrection and ascension of our Lord, was always to come. This was done for us that we may have eternal life, and proves yet again that God has never failed on a promise given to His children. If He promised that Jesus would never touch the pits of Hell despite facing horrific death, why would He not keep that promise He’s given to us, if only we just have faith (John 3:16), repent (John 8:11), and obey (John 3:36) Jesus’ commands?
God does not fail. He does not lie (Titus 1:2). Thank God for that. No, literally, just take a moment and thank Him for that. It can be easy to read His promises and think, “But not for me… I’m too far gone… I knew better than to… I shouldn’t have…”
His promises are for everyone who believes, confesses, repents, and obeys; and His blood atoned for all we have done and all we will still do to disobey. So when you disobey, when you sin, when you are impatient… When you’re angry, when you’re exhausted, when you’re hurt and just don’t want to do it anymore…

Repent, verb:
to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
to feel sorrow, regret or contrition for
to change one's mind

Feel it, grieve it, tell God about it, and turn.
In Acts 2:38-40, when those who are struck in their hearts by what Peter reminds them of ask him “okay, so now what, Peter?”, he tells them
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.…Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

You are not too far gone. You are not excluded from this gift. Repent, be baptized if you haven’t. Reach out to someone, if you’re ready to commit to Jesus today, don’t wait, He is waiting for you to choose Him. This church has pastors, staff, elders, and hundreds more who would love to celebrate and walk with you in your faith if you’re ready to take that step. And if you already have, please remember that there is nothing you can do to undo His love and transformation of your soul. You. Are. Forgiven.

As Peter says in verse 39, the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.
If no one has said it to you today, yesterday, or in a very long time, I love you. But Jesus loves you more.
- Danielle Parker

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Take a minute to go and read Psalm 16, the Psalm Peter is referencing in verses 22-28. It’s easy to read this Psalm from David’s perspective about himself. Can you identify how and where in this Psalm Jesus’ life and death is prophesied?
+ Verse 37 says that those who listened to Peter were “cut to the heart”, why do you think that is?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Have you been baptized? If yes, take some time to remember what that means. Reflect and thank God for the gift and transformation of baptism. If no, ask God if it might be time, and pray about who to reach out to to take this amazing next step.
+ Do you believe that the promise of forgiveness and eternal life is for you? Remember that He is fighting for you, with you, and in you. The battle has been won, you have been purchased by His perfectly shed blood.

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and mercy. Thank You for not giving up on me. Thank You that there is nothing I can do to earn Your love because You will never love me more than You do in this moment. You fill me with awe and wonder, and I cannot fathom what it truly means to love as You’ve loved me. I confess my sin and shame to You today, and ask you to forgive me and make me new. Baptize me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. I pray that You would help me to be bold and loving to others today. Thank You Father. It’s in Your mighty name I pray, amen.

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Is there someone the Spirit brings to mind for you today that might need a brother or sister in Christ to encourage them towards repentance and baptism?
+ Is there someone I can reach out to and ask for help in my walk, whether with a sin habit, next steps, baptism, prayer, forgiveness?

This is one of the most powerful symbols of the Spirit of God and the Holy Spirit in the entire Bible.
Imagine the Holy Spirit entering the disciples' tongues, filling them with languages they never knew before, so they could now speak perfectly. I think most people read these verses and think literally about the languages: Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, etc.
But we could apply this to other “languages” we experience in our everyday lives. For example, the language of sports, music, dancing, cooking, and culture. We use these languages to communicate with others, share our feelings, and express ourselves, just as in spoken language.
So here’s the charge. What language can God breathe into your life to help you connect with others and share the gospel? Where can you make an impact that you’ve never thought possible?
- Brandon Beylo

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What “language” is the hardest to learn for the kingdom?
+ If you could learn one new language, what would it be and why?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Jesus – give me a new language to reach new people and experience the joy that is sharing your Good News with those I would’ve never thought possible.

I always have to remind myself when I read a passage like this that there were way more than 12 people following Jesus. They don’t always get a shoutout by name, but the book of Acts gives us an insider’s view to the early church – the folks who saw Jesus, who watched Him die, and then witnessed Him overcome death. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that there were over 500 men who saw Jesus after His resurrection! All these folks witnessed the greatest miracle of all time…and yet, Acts 1:10 tells us that they were looking up at the sky wondering what would happen next. They needed a nudge. Jesus told them that they were about to receive power from the Holy Spirit, but the rushing wind of Pentecost had not yet blown. So what do they do?
They get moving. They gather together. They pray. They read scripture. And they fill in the gap left by Judas. This is moving in step with the Spirit – preparing for the spirit to move because faith says He will.
One other interesting note… don’t you wonder about the other guy? Not Matthias – the lots landed on him, but Justus (Joseph / Barsabbas… a man of many names). The bible doesn’t say, but I actually think he handled the selection process quite nobly. I would like to think that he was filled with the same Spirit that the others were given and that he was amongst those who prayed for, supported, and hosted the apostles as they carried out the commission given to them.
In any case, I think we can draw from this scene in Acts that the Lord honors movement. He blesses obedience. And he equips his people to do the work He’s called them to do. Not everyone has the same role, but they still have a part to play. How do you figure out your part? I think we can follow the apostles’ example: show up, gather, pray, read the word, and move in the direction that you believe God is calling you.
- Hayden Van Dyke

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What did the disciples and Jesus followers do after the received the Great Commission (Acts 1:8 – see also Matthew 28:18-20)?
+ Who made the decision that Matthias would take the place of Judas?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ What is my part to play in carrying out the Lord’s work today? How can I find out? (Hint: I don’t think you need to order lots off of Amazon)

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Father, reveal to me where you are calling me. Push me to surround myself with fellow believers who will pray with me, seek God alongside me, and stir in me a passion for the calling in my life. Would you remind me today of your commission? Would you help me to use the gifts that you’ve given me to glorify you? I pray for my brothers and sisters, my church family, and those who don’t know you. Thank you for saving us and giving us the power of your Holy Spirit to be your witnesses to the ends of the earth. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Most people think waiting is a passive act, we associate it with uncertainty, delay, or silence. But in Scripture, waiting is often the place where God prepares us for transformation. That’s what makes Jesus’ command in this passage so meaningful. The city of Jerusalem prior to Acts 1 was the place where Judas betrayed Jesus, where Peter denied Him, and the brutal death of Jesus Christ. If I were one of the disciples, Jerusalem would still feel like a place of great trauma and pain, but Jerusalem’s story does not end in despair. It is also the place where resurrection happens and where that power would be poured out on the early Church. The command to wait in Jerusalem is not to delay the disciples but to shape their dependence on God. In verse 8, Jesus promises they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit to become His witnesses to all of the earth starting in their place of waiting. We do not have to imagine what that power looks like because that same power is alive in us today! Which means the places where we felt failure or delay can become the places where God’s power is made known through our lives.
- Keegan Geis

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Why do you think Jesus redirects their focus away from “times or seasons” and toward the coming of the Holy Spirit?
+ Why does Jesus tell the disciples to wait in Jerusalem specifically, rather than sending them somewhere new after His resurrection?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ What is a “Jerusalem” in your life? A place, memory, or season you would rather leave, but God may be using to transform you?
+ If the Holy Spirit lives in you, how does that reshape your “Jerusalem” from a place of waiting into a place of witness?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, thank You that the places in my life that feel silent or uncertain are not wasted because you are constantly working in and through me. Help me in the moments that feel heavy, when my questions feel unanswered, or when it is hard to see what You are doing. Help me to not shy away from You when You are transforming me. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit that You poured out onto me, make me recognize that without Your Spirit I can do nothing. Fill me with the Spirit, empower me to be a witness to others, and turn my dependence on You into boldness. Meet me in my times of waiting and teach me to trust You in where You have placed me.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who do you know that’s in a season of waiting, and how can you encourage them to see that the Spirit is still working in their life?

After the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, one might expect Malachi’s time to have been a golden age for the nation. But sadly, from his very first words, God uses Malachi to confront Israel’s doubts about His love, their blemished sacrifices, divorce, and other covenant failures. In the shocking words of Malachi 2:3, we see a vivid picture of God’s patience wearing thin.

In today’s passage (Malachi 3:6–10), we learn of God’s displeasure regarding the tithe. I pray I would never hear God say that I have robbed Him. But have I? Have I confused my wants with my needs? Have I prioritized luxury and entertainment over faithful giving? Have I allowed my budget to convince me that generous giving is simply not possible?

Jesus affirmed tithing while also emphasizing adjacent acts of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Church fathers such as Irenaeus, Origen, Augustine of Hippo, and Thomas Aquinas taught that the tithe fit within Christian duty and represented the floor of giving, not the ceiling. Christian generosity flows not from guilt, but from gratitude for the abundant grace we have received in Christ.

As recipients of the salvation and grace found in Jesus Christ, let us prayerfully consider and live out the words of 2 Corinthians 9:6–9:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
- Jason Rimmer

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ How does the act of giving reflect the condition of my faith and walk?
+ Do I consider my resources as “mine” or as God’s resources for whom I am the steward?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Have I ignored the Spirit’s urge to give more?  Am I robbing God?
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself. 
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who is a spiritual mentor with whom I can discuss this passage?

Even when God is righteously angry He still gives us an out. Be faithful. The fear of the Lord is something we tend to misunderstand. Fearing God is not calling us to be shaking in our boots at all times, although that is what it can look like. We are called to have deep respect and reverence for our creator. When we understand the awe and power of the one who the universe obeys, we want to follow His direction closely. Our God in His infinite grace and wisdom has chosen to love us even when we don’t deserve it. This passage is written directed at the Levites of Judah who bore the burden of priesthood. We all share that burden now. The fruit of our direction, instruction and witness are direct results of how we revere God. How can we be a light if we don’t have a respect for His power? He wants all of our respect, not just when it's convenient or we don’t get our way. We can weep at an altar call, or cry out to God when things just aren’t going our way, but that is not what He is after. If God’s answer is “no” or we lose the things He has provided as gifts, is He still good? The answer is YES! Our reverence needs to continue after the gifts. Our perseverance in the faith is walking out our fear.

“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”
2 Corinthians 4:18

So often we see the evil of the world and have one of two reactions; How could God allow this to happen, where is His wrath? Or we allow ourselves to believe a watered down version of what is Truth and believe that all is okay in the eyes of God. Our reaction should be neither. Our reverence for Him should point our hearts to say “How can I serve His kingdom” and we should humble ourselves before Him. We are no more or less righteous than the evil of the world and our faith is not transactional.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10
 
Be encouraged and run to the Father in all that we do.
- Quentin Parker

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What was God’s promise to Levi? (Numbers 18: 20-24)
+ Why was God displeased with their offerings?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Reflect on your testimony: Where can you restore the fear of God in your walk?

One remarkable aspect of the Book of Book of Zechariah is how clearly chapters 12–14 bridge Old Testament themes into the New Testament, directing the reader toward the Good News of Christ. Similar to themes seen earlier in Zephaniah, Zechariah highlights God’s judgment, purification, repentance, and restoration among His people.
These chapters especially stand out because of their strong Messianic imagery and the ways they point to Jesus through the pierced One, the Shepherd, and the cleansing fountain. Throughout this section, Zechariah describes coming judgment, repentance, cleansing, refinement, and the future reign of the Lord. Within these prophetic images are details Christians have long connected to Christ: the One “whom they have pierced,” the striking of the Shepherd, and the fountain opened for cleansing from sin.
- Jenna Connor

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What repeated themes do you notice throughout Zechariah 12–14?
+ How does Zechariah describe both judgment and restoration in these chapters?
+ What images or symbols in this passage seem especially significant or memorable?
+ What do the references to the pierced One, the Shepherd, and the cleansing fountain reveal about God’s plan of redemption?
+ How do these chapters point forward to Christ and connect with the Gospel message?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ 

Zechariah is a book of visions, strange, vivid, and often unsettling to modern readers. Yet beneath the imagery runs a steady invitation: return. Written to people rebuilding their lives under Persian rule, the Book of Zechariah calls Israel back to a God-centered community marked by faithfulness. His prophecies weave together judgment for past failures and promises of restoration, of scattered people gathered, corrupt leaders corrected, falsehood purged, and a coming day when God’s rule is unmistakable. Even in upheaval, the message is clear: Yahweh remembers, and He calls His people to remember Him.
Then, almost unexpectedly, the tone shifts.
Zechariah 9:9-10 offers not thunder, but tenderness.
 A king arrives, but not as we expect.
“Rejoice greatly… your king comes to you… humble and riding on a donkey.” (9:9)
No war horse. No spectacle. No grasping for power. The One with authority from sea to sea chooses the posture of humility. He comes not to escalate violence but to end it to “proclaim peace to the nations.”(9:10)
We recognize this moment echoed centuries later in Palm Sunday, when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on a colt. The same paradox stands: ultimate authority wrapped in gentleness.
And here is where Zechariah quietly presses us.
If this is the King we follow, what does that mean for the “small things” of our lives?
Nineteenth-century author Hannah More once challenged that small virtues matter in our daily lives. She wrote, " How can we expect people to believe that we are in earnest in great points when they see that we cannot withstand a trivial temptation?” Zechariah might agree. The God who commands peace to the nations also cares how we speak, respond, and return in the unnoticed moments. We do not drift into faithfulness; we practice it, again and again, in the daily.
The humble King still comes.
 Not with force, but invitation.
 Not demanding performance, but calling us back to Him.
Return and receive His peace.
- Mary Gunther

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What surprises you about a victorious King arriving humbly on a donkey?
+ What does this passage reveal about God’s heart for peace?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Where am I tempted to trust force, control, or performance instead of the humble King?
+ What “small thing” in my words, reactions, or habits might God be asking me to surrender?

God and his people are experiencing a total breakdown in communication.  Neither is hearing the other.  Their relationship is broken.  God's desire is that his people will be blessed and be a blessing to all people (Gen 12:2-3).  They will experience this by loving God and loving their neighbor.  God’s commands in Zech 7:9, true judgment, kindness, mercy, not oppressing or devising evil, are nothing new.  Yet, in vs. 11 his people refuse to pay attention or even to listen. Not listening implies that they are doing all those things God told them not to, and are like an ox that would not accept a yoke by turning a stubborn shoulder.  Finally, they make their hearts as hard as the hardest material, a diamond.  Because of their hardness God does not hear them.  By refusing to be a blessing to others, they bring desolation on themselves.
A broken relationship with God requires spiritual renewal not behavior modification.  God loves to take a heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:24).  God can replace a diamond-hard heart with no more difficulty than a stony heart.  Instead of turning a stubborn shoulder draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
- Gary Gunther

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Is there an area in which you are stopping your ears to God’s voice?
+ What motivates you more, avoiding desolation or pleasing God by being obedient?
+ In Matt 11:30 Jesus says his yoke is easy and his burden is light.  In Jewish tradition a teacher’s yoke represents a teacher’s interpretation of the Law.  How might following Zech 7:9-10 make our burden light?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Spend time listening to God in prayer or reading his word.
+ Be a blessing to at least one person today.

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
+ What stands out to you from this passage?
+ Is there an area in your life God has turned from desolation to blessing?  

Today’s passage plops us right into the middle of some dense prophetic imagery. Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet involved in the rebuilding of the temple after its destruction nearly 70 years earlier, receives a striking vision: “the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel,” Judah’s Davidic governor at the time.
The symbolism in this passage is incredible. The lampstand that is at the center of these verses evokes light imagery. This is a recurring Old Testament motif for God’s presence, as well as God’s commission to the Israelites that they be a light to all the nations. From the recalling of this symbol, we see that the restored temple community is being reconstituted as Yahweh’s light-bearing people. Zerubbabel is to be encouraged by this as he heads this work of rebuilding.
The lampstand also takes us back to Exodus 25, where the Lord instructs a similar lampstand to be crafted and placed in the tabernacle. This lampstand, according to Exodus 27, was to be tended daily by priests who were tasked with manually supplying olive oil.
By contrast, the Zechariah 4 lampstand is provided with its own intricate oil supply system, fed by two olive trees. These olive trees most likely represent Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. The Lord is here declaring that, though it is Zerubbabel and Joshua who will stand tall for the nation, it will be His Spirit flowing from and through them (signified by the perpetual oil supply) that will sustain the lampstand of Israel’s Second Temple. The manual, finite supply of Exodus 25’s lampstand is intensified into a perpetual, God-fixed supply. This is an elevation.
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
The Hebrew word translated here as “might” carries connotations of dominance and overpowering strength. It is the kind of militaristic strength possessed by an organized human power. The word translated as “power” brings a unique accent of vigor and productivity. The negation of these qualities assures Judah’s men that this work will be completed, despite whatever reservations they may have about their own abilities to undertake such a work. It will be completed simply because the Lord wishes it to be so.
Although Zechariah’s vision is primarily concerned with the historical rebuilding of the Second Temple, it is also proper to apply its framework to the Church today. Yahweh’s Church shines because Christ supplies light through the Spirit. Zechariah’s vision teaches that God’s work is completed from beginning to end by His grace, so that when the top stone is finally set in place, the only fitting cry is:
‘Grace, grace to it!’
- Kidus Kebede

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit” is not an anti-action statement. Zerubbabel and company still do quite a bit of work after this episode. How, then, does the Lord want Zerubbabel to understand this proclamation of support?
+ How does the central thesis of this passage compare to what Paul tells us about his ministry in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on this passage, says the following: “The mind of the saints is very anxious to learn; accordingly, the prophet passes over nothing revealed in the vision, instead being very curious, and he asks precisely about each item as to its meaning.” How eager are you to learn about the things of God? Are you curious? Do you hunger for understanding when you come across a confusing passage in the Word, or do you cast your questions to the side as inconveniences?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step? The Lord is still building today, in your life and in mine. Philippians 1:6 continues to ring true: I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
+ Where might you proclaim “Grace, grace to it!” today? Where is God building, restoring, or completing a work in your life or the lives of those around you?

A Call to Return to the Lord
1 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying, 2 “The Lord was very angry with your fathers. 3 Therefore say to them, Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. 4 Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. 5 Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? So they repented and said, ‘As the Lord of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’”
Zechariah 1:1-6

The book of Zechariah opens with a message of challenge for those Jews who have returned from exile in Babylon. Return to God and God will return to you. Repent, and God will respond.
It is a beautiful and good thing to receive such a call. Repentance is sweet and is even sweeter when you know God’s response. This challenge to the Jews is also a challenge to us. If there is any way that you need to return to God, then do so. God will return to you as well. There is no gray area. No maybes. God will respond to repentance. He will draw near to those who draw near to him. If you have doubts that he will, recognize those doubts as a lie from the enemy, misconstruing the very character of God.
Repenting and returning to God is sweet because it means returning to the very source of life. God loves life, and his commands are always designed to preserve and allow life to flourish. The call to return to God can be restated as a call to return to life. It means jettisoning all that God calls an activity or instrument of death. It asked the Jews then, and it asks us now, will you lay down all that is in opposition to God? Will you clear your life of death, so that the author of life may have his way? Ironically, sometimes clearing our lives of death feels more like dying than moving toward life. Sometimes, laying down the thing that God says will kill us is unintuitive, scary, or even painful. Even so, it is still sweet and a pathway to life.
The Jews in Zechariah's day initially responded well to God’s call, and God promised that he would inherit Judah as his portion once again. For us, the day has come. God has inherited us, and the mark of this is his Holy Spirit. Let’s live in communion with the Spirit and in a state of sweet response to God.
- John Barzal

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ How does this passage fit into the context of the story of the Bible? Where does this passage find itself in the history of Israel?
+ What does this passage demonstrate about the character of God?
+ How does this passage relate to God’s desire for restoration and his need to punish covenant unfaithfulness?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How do you need to change your view of repentance?
+ Do you need to change how you believe God responds to you when you sin?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?

The temple they were building looked nothing like the one they remembered. The older ones in the crowd knew it. They had seen Solomon's temple before it fell, and what stood before them now was a fraction of what once was. Haggai doesn't pretend otherwise. God doesn't either. The question God asks is honest: Does it not seem like nothing to you?
That's a hard thing to sit with. There's a particular grief in working hard on something and still feeling like it falls short. These people had returned from exile, rolled up their sleeves, and started rebuilding the house of God. And still, the gap between what was and what is felt enormous. God sees that. He doesn't minimize it or rush past it.
What he says next is worth everything: "Be strong. Work. I am with you." The glory ahead isn't measured by what you can see right now. The promise isn't that this moment will be impressive. It's that God's presence holds the work together, and he finishes what he starts. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is keep building when it looks like nothing.
- David Bempong

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ What does God ask the people in verse 3, and why might that question matter before he says anything else?
+ Three times in verses 4-5, God says "be strong." What does that repetition suggest about what the people were actually feeling?
+ What does God say is the basis for their courage? What does he point to rather than the visible state of the building?
+ How does verse 9 reframe the discouragement of verse 3?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Where in your life does the gap between what you hoped for and what exists right now feel most discouraging? Bring that honestly before God today.

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Who could you share this passage with and ask the question: "Where do you need to hear 'be strong' right now?"

The book of Haggai opens with a problem: the covenant people’s priorities are out of whack. The context of Haggai is that the remnant return from Babylonian captivity and begin to rebuild Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerrubabel. The book begins with a rebuke; the covenant people have abandoned their covenant priorities and are experiencing hardship because of it.
The Lord calls the people to put Him first. The people were building their own homes before building God’s dwelling with them. It’s easy to find ourselves in the same place as God’s people, focused on building our own lives in our own strength and considering God as an afterthought.
Haggai’s words are also for us, “Consider your ways.” Re-evaluate your priorities. Consider what comes first in your life. For God’s people, the answer is that God comes first. He should always take first place in our lives and our hearts. He is God; he is sovereign; he rescued us and restored us. Let us live in that truth, offering ourselves first and fully to Him.
- Monica Godfrey

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ What does God say has happened to the people since they have prioritized building their own houses first?
+ Why does God say they are struggling?
+ Why does God want his house built first?
+ How do the people respond to this prophecy?
+ How does God respond to their choice?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Consider your ways. Where are you building your house before the Lord’s? Confess and consider the ultimacy of God.

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Is there a way to practically apply this passage, with your time, worship, money, or effort?

Although Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, it sure packs a punch! It delivers a message that each of us have probably heard in some form or fashion growing up from a Grandmother or a teacher or a parent. “Get along with your brother.” “Don’t rejoice in your brother’s misfortune.” “Family is family, regardless of your feelings, you stick by them.” Finally, surely you can think of someone who shared this piece of wisdom from Obadiah verse 15b, “As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.”
Scholars aren’t exactly sure when it was written because Jacob and Esau and their descendants have had such tumultuous relationships over the generations.
This hasn’t changed in our day. We, too, have tumultuous relationships. We would like to think that we would rejoice when our “brother” rejoices and mourn when he mourns and that we would be the  “friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24.
But the truth is jealousy and pride creep in over time. If they go unchecked we might start to think that our brother’s misfortune is a win for us. We might like the feeling of being “better” more “well-liked” more “responsible” more “financially stable” more “godly!” Idols come in all forms. What puffs you up? What makes you feel secure in the clefts of a rock you have built for yourself?
There could be so many things. You and I worship something. The descendants of Esau felt “untouchable.” They worshiped their lofty and protected location, their strong army and their wise men who led well. In their pride they looked down upon their brother and did not help, they actually rejoiced in their brother’s time of trouble.
In whom or in what do you and I find our security?
God has a message for us today. He alone is worthy of our worship. He alone will bring security. He alone is the one we will answer to about the daily choices we make to either honor God as we love our neighbor, our brother, or dishonor God as we love ourselves in our pride.  
- Kim Williams

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ In a world with a lot of loud voices, what do you notice in verse 1? Who spoke clearly into the situation in Obadiah’s time? Who has a message for us today?
+ What “deceives” in verse 3? What do you think the tone of the speaker is at teh end of verse 3? How does the Lord Himself answer the speaker in verse 4?
+ What was the reason for the Lord’s judgement on Esau according to verse 10-11? What will the Lord’s judgement look like according to verse 10?
+ What can The house of Esau expect according to verse 15?
+ How does the book of Obadiah (and God’s whole story!) end according to the last verse (21) of this short “book?”

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Where has pride gotten in the way of your relationships? Has God given you a specific message about this issue? How have you responded?
+ Which “brother” came to mind as you read the Daily this morning? Is there a way to love this brother well today?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ What might be getting in the way of my obedience to the message?

Today, we close out the Book of Joel. The message is very similar to what we found in the last chapter of the Book of Amos and it is summarized by the title of this submission; The Lord Judges But He Also Restores.
Also like Amos, the prophecy spoken has both a present and a future connotation. The judgement God gives here can be aimed at those nations (Tyre, Sidon and Philista) who surrounded Israel & Judah at that time and treated His covenant people so poorly. But the chapter opens with the phrase “in those days and at that time” referring back to what was written at the end of Chapter 2 which points to a future timeframe. Many scholars believe verses 9-16 speak to the Battle of Armageddon as described in Revelation 16:12-16.
What the Book of Joel makes very clear is that the Holy God will judge and punish those who oppose Him and who have and will come against His people (Joel 3:16).  Verses 17-21 details the glorious future that is in store for all those who call on the Lord to be saved (Joel 2:32).  
- Chris Adomanis

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ Read verse 2 carefully.  What does this tell you about the Lord’s character?
+ How would you describe the Lord’s “tone” in what is said in verses 4-16? Read Psalm 2:1-6. How would you answer someone who read these passages and accused God of being “arrogant and vindictive”?
+ Compare Joel 3:17-21 with Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-2. Do you ever contemplate what living in the New Jerusalem will be like?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Wrath is defined as intense, violent anger, fierce indignation, or deep resentment, often accompanied by a desire for vengeance or punishment.  It’s a word not heard much in today’s church; however, just a quick research shows it appears 209 times in the Bible.  In a majority of those instances, it’s being uttered by God Himself describing His “feelings” towards something and/or someone. Have you overlooked or taken for granted the holiness of God? If so, repent and plead for mercy and forgiveness from the One who promises to forgive and restore!

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Who in your circles of influence needs to hear about the God who is High and Mighty, yet loves and protects those who call upon Him like a Father?

Wondrous (adjective):
That is to be marveled at; extraordinary.

Oh, how I could write a novel about this book. This is my first time having read through Joel start to finish (like many of these prophets), and I am struck with such awe and wonder.
In case you don’t stop to remember from time to time, you are Israel. So am I. We all are, and not simply because we are saved in Christ. But if you have ever taken a stroll down Old Testament lane more than once or twice, you have probably found yourself thinking Are y’all serious? You’re doubting God AGAIN? or You were freed from Egypt and worshiped a golden calf? or He provides you new manna EVERY MORNING and you’re still trying to hold on to yesterday’s rations?

Cue: I would never do that if God did all that for me.

Except what about the last time you tried to rely on yesterday’s prayer and worship to get you through today so you didn’t have to make the time? Do you remember when the Lord made sure you had that one bill paid when you never should have had the money, but the next time money looked tight you thought you alone could provide for yourself and fix it?
I’m not trying to jog your memory to beat you up, but to show you that you are exactly who the Lord remembers in verse 19 when He “answered and said to His people, ‘Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.’”
This is one of my favorite verses in this book, because the Lord does not say “I hope what I send satisfies you”, and He does not say “you’ll need to earn your place in my eyes among the nations”. He says you will be satisfied. I love that the same God who spoke the mountains and seas into existence speaks our satisfaction into existence because He loves us and wants us to “be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!”
This brings me to my last point in verses 26-29. Once again, the Lord says “‘You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.’” To be marveled at, extraordinarily. Our Lord chooses to deal with us with marvel and wonder, rather than how we deserve, because we are the people of God that surely deserve thoughts of “Are you serious? You’re doubting Me AGAIN?”
Instead He says that “it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” No matter your gender, your age, your station in life. You are adopted, and He will pour out His spirit.

Rejoice and be glad that our Lord deals so wondrously with us.
- Danielle Parker

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ Go back and just read the promises of these chapters. Why does God emphasize satisfaction and rejoicing so much?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Do you choose to be satisfied when the Lord commands it? Or have you told God recently that what He’s provided isn’t enough through your actions?

One of the beauties of the Bible is how it uses nature to describe a host of God’s attributes. Nature is terrifying and beautiful, overwhelming and comforting, deadly and healing.
In a way, it makes perfect sense why we see so many nature-led analogies between God and the world around us.
God is both beautiful and terrifying. He’s comforting yet overwhelming. He’s the One True Healer and the Final Judge.
It’s no coincidence that most people, myself included, “feel God” the most when out in nature. Whether that’s the pull of an ocean current or the cool breeze rushing through a thick forest. God is in those places not just because He created them … but because He is them.
He’s the Fig Tree, the Olive Branch, the Raging Sea, the West Wind.
- Brandon Beylo

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ This text shows that God is all around us, all we have to do is look to nature to see His Beauty, His Creation, and His image.

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ In what ways have you made God smaller than your “natural” surroundings? What boulder in your life feels too big for God to remove? And why have you diminished God to that position?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Go into nature this week and sit for 10-15 minutes. And pray.

At the end of the last chapter, Habakkuk dropped a second complaint on the Lord: “God… this whole thing with Babylon destroying your people doesn’t feel like justice…”
While it feels a bold thing to complain to the Lord, Habakkuk does so humbly and with complete trust that God will answer him and reveal to him true justice. He looks out from his watchpost and waits.
God responds. He doubles down: “write the vision, make it plain.” In other words, what I just told you, you can take to the bank. Not only that, but I need you to relay it to my people.
At this point, Habakkuk is likely getting nervous. “I’ve got to tell my countrymen that the Chaldeans are about to take them out?” Indeed. But then Yahweh says reveals the real answer that Habakkuk was seeking; an answer to a question that has been asked countless times across the millenia: what must we do to be made righteous or approved by God?
The righteous shall live by faith.
This simple statement that we know to be true from the story of Abraham (Genesis 15:6), Paul’s letters (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11), among others, had been forgotten by Habakkuk’s contemporaries. In fact, their faith had been replaced by something else – pride. “Behold, his soul is puffed up!” As it turns out, pride is one of those sins that affects all of humanity, and it can slowly drift us away from the one thing that actually makes us right with God. Where pride reigns and faith falters, the enemy gains a foothold. And just as was the case in Judah before the Babylonian attack and exile, so too are we subject to the detriment of pride.
Your encouragement today is to exchange pride for faith. Humble yourself before God and trust Him to do what you cannot.
- Hayden Van Dyke

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ What might be the significance of God’s command to “write the vision… and make it plain” (v2)?
+ What can we learn from Habakkuk’s standing at his watch post (v1)?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Am I holding onto something that might be in the way of truly living by faith?
+ We all struggle with pride from time to time. What in my life do I need to let go of so that I can truly rely on God?
+ When I call on the Lord, do I expect an answer? What does it look like for the Lord to respond to my prayers?

It is a struggle old to man: how to understand God’s actions in the world, while calling us to faith in God’s good purposes.
The book of Habbuk opens with a dialogue between Habukkuk and the Lord in two sections.  Each is a complaint by the prophet followed by the Lord’s answer.
In his intimate talk with the Lord; Habukkuk asks: “How long must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save?
The Lord answers him in a shocking way: “Look at the nations and observe - be utterly astounded!..Look! I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter, impetuous nation that marches across the earth’s open spaces to seize territories not its own…their horses are swifter than leopards and more fierce than wolves of the night…their hordes of faces moves forward..they gather prisoners like sand.”
As context,Habakkuk, many scholars believe, was of the tribe of Levi, possibly a musician, a prophet given an oracle (often judgments) by God. He was not a soldier, so how the words from God must have hit him so sharply. Babylon was the greatest military power at that time and had great confidence in their own power (whose strength is their god). So what was the real issue here?  That God would use the Babylonians to punish the wickedness of Judah.
Even when Habakkuk cries to the Lord with his second complaint, he begins his response by acknowledging the eternal character of God. Are you not from everlasting, O Lord, My God, My Holy One?
Then Habakkuk poses the central question of the book: Why are you silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?
It is a central question we wrestle with today.  With such evil and madness in our world, why are those who are righteous suffering so? Yet God is not mocked.  He will avenge and judge those who hurt his people.  Until then, we are called to be light in the darkness, quiet strength to those who are suffering, to be the truth tellers with the real story of life and life abundantly to those who are lost and ultimately, without hope.
- Eileen Dowd

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ As you read this first chapter of Habukkuk, do you also wrestle with: “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?” Take time to reflect on this passage with your community group or fellow believers.
+ The passages are written with such amazing descriptions of the Chaldeans: “Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on”.  Please take time to see the picture painted here; then put yourself in the picture.  What do you see?  How do you feel? Explore what God is saying and then read how Habukkuk responds.

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Take a moment to reflect on how deeply and dearly Habukkuk spoke to the Lord.  Do you have that kind of relationship with Jesus?  Would you like him to be more in your life than He has been - and not because the Lord hasn’t been there all the time, but because you and I  have drifted from Him through hurry, worry and life’s many distractions?  If so, now is a good time to quietly reaffirm and recommit to longer stretches of time with the King of Kings, our Lord and Savior.
+ Why not set aside 30 minutes each morning and begin the day with the Bible? How about a Bible app for study?  Just a few ideas to get you started!

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ Dear Father, as I read the words of your prophet, Habukkuk, I am struck by my, at times, indifference,  toward my own sin.  Please help me see the way you see me and change my heart.  I want to be the one that follows you no matter what the world does.  

What do you think of when you read that passage? Do you instinctively distance yourself because “that was ancient Jerusalem”? Or do you recognize patterns that feel uncomfortably close?
In this passage, the city is judged as a whole because its corruption is embodied in its leaders and institutions. The officials, judges, prophets, and priests are named because they are not passive observers; they shape and sustain the direction of the community.
Because leaders shape direction and people follow, communities inevitably reflect what they love, echoing Augustine’s insight that a people is defined by what it loves most (ordo amoris).
So does God hold cities accountable for their deeds? Or individuals for theirs? The answer to both is yes. The city is addressed as a corporate reality, and individuals within it are personally responsible. This is seen in John’s record of the seven churches in Book of Revelation chapters 2–3, and in Paul’s reminder in his Epistle to the Romans 14:12 that each of us will give an account to God.
What, then, should we take from this passage?
We hold fast to the unchanging core in verse 5: “The Lord within her is righteous; he does no injustice; every morning he shows forth his justice; each dawn he does not fail.” In contrast to corrupt leadership and distorted justice, God remains present, righteous, and consistently just.
So how do we live in response to that reality? We receive biblical correction rather than resist it. We draw near to God rather than drift from him. We uphold righteousness in daily life rather than compromise it. And we pursue justice in our community rather than merely talk about its absence.
- Jason Rimmer

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ Have I prayed to the Lord to show me where I can affect the city through my interactions with family, neighbors and colleagues?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ What friend or mentor could I discuss this passage with?