Devotion for Thursday, February 15, 2024

“And came and settled in a city called Nazareth. This happened so that what was spoken through the prophets would be fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:22-23).

Only someone who knows all the twists and turns of the future would be able to say beforehand how it would turn out.  The Lord is forever.  Every moment is “now” for Him.  He sees history as a story already unfolded before Him: Jesus, born in Bethlehem, brought of Egypt and called a Nazarene.  The Lord knows your story too.  He will fulfill the promises He has made to you.

I look at Scripture, Lord, and do not realize that what You have done with prophecy, foretelling the twists and turns that really do happen in life, means that You know the twists and turns that I will experience.  In my baptism, You have promised to be with me every step of the way.  You do know the plans You have for me.  Bring me to the place in faith where I trust this to be true.

Comfort me, Lord, in the comfort of Your Holy Spirit that I may live out my faith knowing that You already know the outcome of all things.  I have freedom, even greater than I thought, because You have purchased all the grace I need.  Lead me according to Your goodness and mercy to know that in Your grace I can walk the path You have set before me, trusting that I am always in Your hands of mercy.  Amen.