Day 336 · December 2
A devotional for today
Today’s readings
- Old Testament: DANIEL 9:1-11:1
- New Testament: 1 JOHN 2:18-3:6
- Psalm: PSALM 121:1-8
- Proverb: PROVERBS 28:27-28
Discover
Daniel reads Jeremiah, realizes the exile is nearly over, and prays — a long, honest confession for his people. Before he finishes, Gabriel arrives with heaven's answer: seventy weeks are determined, leading "to the Anointed One, the prince" (Daniel 9:25). God answers prayer with a timeline that ends in a Person. Then John's letter lifts our eyes higher still: "See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1). Not servants. Not strangers. Children. And this is our purifying hope: "we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him just as he is. Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself" (1 John 3:2–3). While we wait, we are kept: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills... My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1–2). Prophecy with a Person at the end, and a family waiting to see Him. It ALL points to Jesus.
Reflect
John says everyone who has the hope of seeing Jesus "purifies himself." Do I live today as a child of God with that purifying hope? What one thing needs to change before I see Him?
Fellowship
Talk with someone about this: What does it mean to you that God calls us His children — not just His servants?
Prayer
Father, thank You for the immeasurable love that makes me Your child. Make me ready for the day I see Jesus as He is. Lord Jesus, help me not only to know Your Word but to live it. Transform my heart so that my life reflects You more each day. Amen.
Live
Live as the King's child today — give generously, turn from one sin, and lift your eyes to your Helper.