Prophecy Fulfilled

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JESUS SPEAKING

“And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” (John 5: 37 -40)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Long before the birth of Christ, many Old Testament figures were inspired by God to record prophetic descriptions of the future Messiah. The things of which they foretold were made manifest in Jesus Christ. This is why He said the scriptures “testify of Me.” Apart from the Judeo-Christian faith, no other religion in the world has ever accurately predicted future events with any degree of precision.

The book of Isaiah was compiled sometime between 600 to 800 years before Jesus was born. In it we read, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and and will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel” (God with us.) Later in this book we read, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed…yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him.” In addition we read, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgement and justice, from that time forward, even forever.” Other Old Testament prophecies include the Messiah being born in Bethlehem, and having His hands and feet pierced (as was done during the crucifixion.) We are also told that men would gamble for his clothing, which occurred at the foot of the cross. Other prophecies describe him healing the sick, curing the blind, and bringing the good news to mankind.

Prophecy enables us to reaffirm that our faith is genuinely inspired by God. No one other than God can know the future; and so we can recognize what is true and be transformed by it. Jesus is the Messiah, and the Holy Scriptures are the only divinely inspired collection of texts in this world. May God’s word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize Your use of prophecy and are greatly blessed by it. You alone possess the knowledge of truth. May we continue to walk in that truth with You, and be transformed by the power of Your Holy Spirit. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Divine Appointments

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JESUS SPEAKING

And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” So the disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. (Mark 14: 13 – 16)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus gave His disciples specific instructions on how to find the location for their Passover feast. A divine appointment was orchestrated, so that they would encounter a man carrying a pitcher of water. By following him, the disciples discovered a room that was already prepared for them. The definition of a divine appointment is, “A specific, unmistakable meeting arranged by God for a particular purpose; not by accident or coincidence.”

In the book of acts the Apostle Philip was traveling along a road when he met an Ethiopian man studying a copy of the book of Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood it. The man replied, “How can I unless someone guides me.” Philip then enlightened him concerning the scripture, which was a prophecy concerning Jesus. The gospel was preached to him and the man declared his faith in Christ. He was then baptized by Philip in water and went his way rejoicing. This divine appointment, orchestrated by God, led to the salvation of a man’s soul.

Even today, God continues to orchestrate divine appointments. Those who are willing to share the gospel message will inevitably encounter others who are seeking the truth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be used to guide many to Jesus Christ. May we embrace our calling and be zealous to win souls for God.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to reach out to those we will encounter who need to hear the gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and speak through us, that we might be used to guide many into Your everlasting kingdom. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Light of the World

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He came to show everyone the pathway to a renewed relationship with God. His life, teachings, and Spirit have eliminated any confusion between what is good and evil. Now, every believer can know God’s will and avoid the stumbling blocks of sin.

In the Old Testament, a prophet named Hilkiah once discovered a lost copy of the written law of God inside of the old temple. He gave these scriptures to King Josiah, who upon reading them, was horrified at how terribly disobedient the entire nation of Israel had become; he even tore his own clothing in despair. In response, he chose to read the law out loud for everyone to hear; he also initiated a sweeping spiritual reformation designed to bring the nation of Israel back into compliance with God’s commandments. He journeyed throughout Israel, tearing down all of the pagan altars and destroying their idols. The light of God’s word gave Josiah discernment.

In much the same way, those who call Jesus their Lord are given the light of life; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As this light burns in our hearts, it illuminates the darkness; allowing us to discern the differences between good and evil. Thus, knowing what is right becomes a simple choice for those who desire to follow Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to know Your will. Fill our hearts and minds with Your Holy Spirit, that we may comprehend what path is pleasing to You. Give us the strength and courage to choose what is right and to remain obedient, even in the hardest of times. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name we pray. Amen.” God bless all of You!