December 27

Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33

Where do all the blessings in your life come from? Can you take the credit for where you are or is someone else to be acknowledged? Are you to give ultimate thanks to things of this world or God?

Revelation 18 pictures the destruction of Babylon, the city pictured as a woman in Revelation 17. The nations of the world are saddened at her destruction because they think that this city is the source of their prosperity. Babylon made them wealthy and without its existence, they don’t know how they will survive. In contrast, Zechariah 10-11 acknowledges that God alone is the one who deserves credit and praise for our existence and blessings. God is the only good, perfect shepherd we have. Everyone else is prone to lead by putting themselves first, but God is always seeking the good of his people. So, he is the one we alone are to acknowledge and praise.

A powerful example of how to praise God instead of the things of this world is modeled in Psalm 146. The psalmist begins by stating that princes and people don’t make great leaders, but God alone does. He is the one who is our help, hope, maker, and king. He provides, leads, and loves in a way that no one else can. So, instead of praising Babylon or the things of this world, we are to direct our attention, praise, and thanks to God.

Father God, thank you that you are the ultimate leader of my life. Help me to respond to you with praise and thanks. Amen.

Question: When are you prone to praise the things of this world rather than God?

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