Presentation of the Messiah
A 3-Day Devotional from Pastor Bill's Message March 29, 2026
Day 1: The Business of Faithfulness
READ: Luke 19:11–17
DEVO:
In the moments before the world-changing events of Holy Week, Jesus shared a story about a nobleman who entrusted his servants with resources and told them to "engage in business" until his return. It is easy to get caught up in the "big" moments of faith—the celebrations or the deep trials—while overlooking the quiet, daily call to be faithful with what we have already been given. We often feel like we are just waiting for the next phase of life to begin, but the truth is that our current circumstances are the very grounds where God expects us to work. Whether you have been given much or a little, the command remains the same: use it for the sake of the Kingdom.
Reflecting on this parable reminds us that our resources—our time, our talents, and our finances—are not actually ours. They are gifts on loan from a King who is coming back. Faithfulness isn't about the size of the return we produce, but the consistency of our effort and the posture of our hearts. When we view our daily jobs, our families, and our service through the lens of "doing business" for the Lord, the mundane becomes meaningful. We aren't just passing time; we are building something eternal while we wait for the King's return.
APPLICATION: What is one "resource" (a talent, a relationship, or a specific amount of time) that you have been neglecting, and how can you "do business" with it for God’s glory this week?
Day 2: The Lord Has Need of You
READ: Luke 19:28–35
DEVO:
It is a staggering thought that the Creator of the universe would ever express a "need." When Jesus sent His disciples to find a specific donkey, He used the phrase, "The Lord has need of it." He didn't need the donkey because He lacked power; He could have walked, flown, or simply appeared in Jerusalem. He chose that specific animal to fulfill ancient prophecy and to demonstrate that He delights in using the humble and the ordinary to accomplish His extraordinary plans. This wasn't a coincidence; it was a carefully coordinated moment of divine provision.
You might feel like a "donkey in a stall"—ordinary, overlooked, or perhaps even stuck. But the same Lord who knew exactly where that animal was tied knows exactly where you are today. He has a purpose for your life that only you can fulfill, and He is calling you to be "untied" from your old ways so you can carry His presence into your world. When we stop resisting and start cooperating with His lead, we find that being used by God is the greatest honor we could ever receive. He provides the strength; we simply provide the availability.
APPLICATION: In what area of your life do you feel "tied up" or stuck, and are you willing to let the Lord "untie" you so He can use you for His purposes?
​​​Day 3: A Triumphal Entry into the Heart
READ: Matthew 11:28–30 and Romans 5:1–2
DEVO:
The crowds in Jerusalem wanted a king who would conquer their political enemies and bring a temporal, earthly peace. When Jesus didn't meet their expectations of a military leader, their shouts of "Hosanna" quickly turned to "Crucify Him." We often do the same thing—we want God to fix our problems and change our circumstances, but Jesus is much more interested in changing our hearts. He didn't come to conquer nations by force; He came to conquer hearts by love, grace, and His own sacrifice.
A true triumphal entry happens when we allow Jesus to reign in our lives, not just as a historical figure or a Sunday morning tradition, but as the King of our hearts. When He enters, He brings a peace that isn't dependent on the world being quiet. It is a peace with God that comes through faith and justification. His yoke is easy and His burden is light because He carries the heavy weight of our sin for us. As His followers, our lives should reflect the qualities of the King: lowliness, servanthood, and a love that transforms the world around us.
APPLICATION: Is Jesus the King of your circumstances (only followed when things go well) or the King of your heart? How can you show His "lowliness and servanthood" to someone in your life today?
