The Christmas QuestSample

Day 5 – Unlocking the Skill Tree
Luke 1:57-66

Have you ever stared at a skill tree in a game, knowing there is a powerful ability waiting for you, but it is grayed out until you finish the right quest? That is exactly what happened with Zechariah in Luke 1.

When Elizabeth gave birth to John, everyone expected him to be named after his father. This tradition was the default path that Elizabeth and Zechariah’s friends and family assumed would be chosen. But God had already given them clear instructions: His name was to be John.

Earlier in Luke 1, Zechariah had doubted God’s word, and because of his unbelief, he had been struck mute. His voice, his ability to verbally communicate, was locked. Zechariah had an entire skill tree that was unavailable until he completed the quest God had given him.

When the moment came, Zechariah obeyed and wrote, “His name is John” (Luke 1:63). Scripture says, “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God” (Luke 1:64). That act of obedience unlocked everything. Suddenly, his skill tree opened. He could speak again. He began to praise, and soon after, he prophesied about the future of his son and the coming Messiah.

Obedience unlocks growth. In most video games, you cannot skip ahead to the flashy abilities. You must follow a path to get there, and often there are prerequisites to complete first. Zechariah’s obedience was the first step that allowed God to restore his voice.

Jesus later confirms this truth: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23). Love and obedience are linked. Just like in a skill tree, you cannot access deeper abilities until you invest in the foundation.

Sometimes we feel like parts of our lives are locked. Maybe it is an opportunity, a relationship, or even clarity about our calling. It is tempting to think God is holding out on us, but often He is waiting for us to step into obedience first. Most of the time it is not just obedience but also patience. God often asks us to obey and then wait. That waiting is not wasted time. It is where endurance and character are forged.

James 1:3 reminds us: “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Trials are not random. They are the path that grows your character so you can handle the abilities God is preparing to unlock.

Obedience is the key that unlocks new growth in your walk with God. Just as Zechariah’s obedience opened his skill tree of speech, praise, and prophecy, your obedience positions you to step into what God has already prepared.

What step of obedience could unlock the next stage in your walk with Christ? Do not leave your skill tree grayed out. Step forward in obedience, trust God’s timing, and let your first unlocked ability be praise to Him.

Family Devo – A Reason to Cheer!

Have you ever seen someone get a surprise that made everyone around them cheer? Maybe it was a birthday gift, or a big game-winning shot. Something that was so exciting and the joy was so big that it spread to everyone!

That’s what happened when Elizabeth finally had her baby. All of her friends and neighbors knew that her and Zechariah had waited a long, long time. Everyone was so excited because they could see that God had done something amazing!

When it was time to name the baby, people thought he would be named after his dad, Zechariah. But Elizabeth said, “No. His name will be John.” Everyone was shocked! They turned to Zechariah, and even though he hadn’t been able to talk for months due to his disbelief in the ability for Elizabeth to become pregnant, he wrote on a tablet: “His name is John.”

Right then, Zechariah could speak again! He praised God, and everyone who heard about it was filled with wonder. God had kept His promise, and this baby John was going to have a very special purpose. He would be tasked with getting people ready for Jesus.

Family Question 💬
What is a time you were so happy about something that you couldn’t stop smiling or telling people about it?

Apply it 🎯
God’s promises bring joy! This week, share one thing God has done for you with a friend or family member. Just like Zechariah praised God, we can spread joy by telling others about Him.