God's Work Becomes Visible
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 19 2025 | Luke 1:21-22
KEY VERSE: “When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.” (Luke 1:22, NIV)
MESSAGE:
In our previous devotion, “When Faith Struggles in the Waiting,” we saw how Zechariah wrestled with God’s promise and how the Lord used silence to shape his faith. Today, the story moves outward - from Zechariah’s private encounter with Gabriel to the public impact of God’s work. In Luke 1:21-22, we move from the Holy Place to the people outside who have been praying. Three devotional reflections emerge from today’s passage:
What God Does in Private Will Eventually Show in Public. Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. (Verse 21). The people’s waiting mirrors Israel’s centuries of waiting for God’s voice. The delay suggests something unusual - heaven has intervened. Zechariah’s encounter with God was personal, but its impact became public. God shapes our hearts in secret, but the fruit of His work eventually becomes visible in our character, decisions, and testimonies.
Others Can See When God Has Been at Work in Us. “When he came out, he could not speak to them…” (Verse 22a). Although they do not yet know the details, they can sense that something divine has occurred. When God touches our lives, it leaves traces such as peace, humility, holiness, transformation, conviction, and joy that others notice.
God Uses Even Our Limitations as Testimonies. “…they realized he had seen a vision in the temple” (Verse 22b). Zechariah’s silence, though a discipline, became evidence of God’s divine action. Without words, his experience becomes a testimony. God’s presence leaves unmistakable marks - marks that others can recognise even when we cannot yet explain them. Sometimes our weaknesses, failures, or restrictions are the very things God uses to point others to His power.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Advent challenges us to ask: What evidence of God’s work is becoming visible in my life? God’s movements in our lives - though sometimes unseen at first - will eventually shine forth for His glory. In a world longing for signs of hope, God calls His people to live as visible testimonies of His grace.
PRAYER:
Dear God, thank You for working both in the hidden places of my heart and in the public spaces of my life. Help me to live as a visible testimony of Your grace and presence. Let others see Your work in me - not through my words alone, but through transformed character, humble obedience, and Spirit-led living. Make me a sign of Your hope this Advent season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: VISION The word translated as "vision" is horama, which denotes a divine sight or revelation from God, rather than imagination or illusion.
A horama is God-initiated and God-authored. It carries weight, authority, and lasting impact. Zechariah’s silence did not weaken the reality of the vision. It confirmed it.
Reflect on this:
God’s revelations do not always come with explanations. When God gives a horama, the evidence of His work often speaks louder than words.
For a while, there have been typos and uncompleted sentences. Could you kindly take a look? Thanks. 🙏🏾