Hebrews 9:16-17 (MSG), "His death marked the transition from the old plan to the new one, canceling the old obligations and accompanying sins, and summoning the heirs to receive the eternal inheritance that was promised them. He brought together God and his people in this new way."

Think

"The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed!" Have you ever noticed how a great author can instantaneously take a reader from one environment or setting to another? In the matter of just one page, the author turns the corner and introduces them to a completely new aspect of the story. About two-thirds of the way through the Bible, we come to a blank page that separates the Old Testament from the New Testament. We can easily get to that point and think, "Well, here's just a blank page. Nothing significant happening here!" But that page is huge. In fact, when the New Testament opens up, God's people, the Israelites, are coming off of 400 years of silence. They had been anticipating God's promised Messiah. But they hadn't heard anything new in centuries. All of a sudden, in just a page, the game changes and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, makes his entrance! Have you been hoping to hear from God, but it seems like nothing is happening? Don't give up. Just because God is silent, doesn't mean he's absent. He's working for your good. Remember, in the matter of just a page, God can change everything!

Act

As we begin our look at the New Testament this week, commit to reading through the Gospel of John. This book in the Bible is one of the four gospels that tells the story of Jesus. If you read five chapters each day, you will read the entire book this week and gain a new perspective on who Jesus was and is, and what he can do in your life!

Pray

God, thank you for revealing your plan, purpose, and the person of Jesus in the Bible. Help me to see him in a new light as I turn the pages of my life. Amen.