“These I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. … I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
Zechariah 13:9
Remind yourself of what is valuable as your holiday celebrations and preparations approach. “All that glistens is not gold.” The world’s significance does not last as God’s does. When all we once held dear slips away, when death takes a loved one, when our best-laid plans collapse, the glittering and glistening outward appearances matter very little.
What is it that gives significance then? It’s your connection to Jesus Christ. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, even the impressive Magi, were noteworthy because they were brought into the story of God coming to us in human flesh.
You and I have been welcomed into this story as well. We can be willing vessels of God’s work as Mary was, faithful and righteous like Joseph, humble and joyful as the shepherds, giving much as the Magi gave. But without Jesus, even those beautiful efforts fall flat. They will have significance because He already is the willing fulfillment of God’s plan, the ever-faithful and truly righteous One. He brings us through the trials of our weary lives and purifies us like gold.
What is it that gives significance then? It’s your connection to Jesus Christ. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, even the impressive Magi, were noteworthy because they were brought into the story of God coming to us in human flesh.
You and I have been welcomed into this story as well. We can be willing vessels of God’s work as Mary was, faithful and righteous like Joseph, humble and joyful as the shepherds, giving much as the Magi gave. But without Jesus, even those beautiful efforts fall flat. They will have significance because He already is the willing fulfillment of God’s plan, the ever-faithful and truly righteous One. He brings us through the trials of our weary lives and purifies us like gold.
Scripture Focus
Zechariah 13:7-9
Insight
“But he knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”(Job 23:10)
Bible In A Year
- Hosea 9-11
- Proverbs 14
- 1 Peter 2-3