Luke has the only story about Jesus as a boy, which means every other story you've heard about is fake. Luke shows us how Jesus, as a 12 year-old boy, already had a deep awareness of who He was, and who He served- His heavenly Father. Who are you, and whom do you serve-

Luke repeatedly tells us that Joseph and Mary went up to Jerusalem to do things -according to the Law.- They, Simeon, and Anna were people who did not just say, as Mary did, -Let it be to me according to your word.- They lived it. They lived life according to God's Word, in obedience and submission to it.

An invaluable practice is to pause in the midst of the busyness of life to treasure up in your heart, and ponder, God's Word and what He has done for you. Deep and genuine praise, glorifying God, will be the result.

-Let it be to me according to your word.- This is Mary's faith-filled response to Gabriel's announcement to her, that she will bear the Son of the Most High. Her answer is a model for us. When the Word comes to us, we also should answer, -Let it be to me, Lord God, according to your Word.-

Gabriel brings an answering Word to his prayer for a son, yet Zechariah does not believe it. How often do we pray without expectation- How often do we disregard the Word when it comes to us-

When the Word comes, He comes with power to accomplish His will, to reveal truth, and to compel us to respond to Him.

Daniel 12 asks questions we all ask- Are we there yet-, How long-, How will it end-, What is the outcome- The answers are enigmatic, but do tell us that God is in control, governing both righteous and wicked until the end. For Daniel and us- Go your way, you will rest and receive your allotted inheritance.

As kings and kingdoms rise and fall as God had foretold, His people see His sovereign control, and hope rises for the soon coming of the Son of Man. How do God's people deal with this- Believe. Resist. Teach. Pray.

We fight not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual powers in the heavenly places. In Chapter 10, Daniel receives insight into this battle from a heavenly messenger, while also being comforted by God's love for him.

What are the 70 weeks of Daniel about- They are about accomplishing six things- finish transgression, end sin, atone for iniquity, bring in everlasting righteousness, seal up vision and prophecy, anoint a most holy place.