The Hebrew Scriptures — that is the Old Testament — included many prophecies about the coming Messiah. A few of them probably left Israelite scholars and laymen alike scratching their heads and wondering how one individual could fulfill such lofty promises. The birth of such a person would be “good news of great joy,” just as the angel proclaimed (Luke 2:10). The Messiah would be…
*A descendant of Abraham seated on David’s throne. There is a reason that both Matthew and Luke painstakingly trace Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38): the Messiah’s family line mattered. God promised that all nations would be blessed through the house of Abraham (Genesis 22:18), and Isaiah prophesied that Christ would reign forever on David’s throne (Isaiah 9:7). The gospel writers showed that Jesus could claim direct lineage from both of these men.
*A man born in Bethlehem who comes out of Egypt. The Messiah’s place of origin must have caused confusion. Though His predicted birthplace was Bethlehem, He was expected to come out of Egypt (Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1). We know that a census brought Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to tiny, insignificant Bethlehem just in time for the Christ child’s arrival. And Matthew’s gospel explains the rest of the mystery: the family fled to Egypt to avoid Herod’s jealous rage (Matthew 2:13).
God was specific in describing the Messiah because He wanted people to recognize the Anointed One and rejoice in His coming. That’s exactly what happened when the King of King rode a donkey into Jerusalem (prophecy: Zechariah 9:9; completion: John 12:12-15). Jesus is the promised Christ — this truly is great news and a reason to rejoice!
Till He comes…
When Burdens Weigh Us Down, Psalm 37:5-7
When we are overburdened, the world seems a colder place. The sun may be shining, but our heads are bowed low, so we don’t notice. The birds sing, but our ears are filled with the cries of our hearts—-exclamations of pain, sorrow and weariness. We put distance between us and others as our problems absorb our time and attention. Perhaps we are weighed down by unmet expectations, sudden trauma or death, or simply too much responsibility. Another possibility is that sin is causing our heaviness of heart. Whatever the cause, however, the result is the same: We are burdened by a crushing weight.
Into our bleakness comes the voice of almighty God inviting us to draw near and find rest in Him.
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls…'” (Jer. 6:16 NASB).
Won’t you look up to your heavenly Father right now? Jesus offers living water; take time to drink until your soul is strengthened enough for you to ask the way. With the Spirit’s help, take one step, then another down that ancient path of obedience, and He will give you the promised peace.
Jeremiah 6:16 ends with God pointing out the Israelites’ response: “But they said, ‘we will not walk in it.'” It is only when we trust in the Father’s plan that we will find relief from our burdens. Let us stand, look, ask, and walk so that we might find the rest which the Lord has promised for our souls.
Till He Comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
What’s the matter with Mrs. Craig?
The following news item appeared in the Nashville Banner, June 19, 1956:
Porter Oklahoma (AP)…Mrs. Ella Craig, age 81, hasn’t missed a Sunday School session in 1,040 Sundays, a perfect 20 years.
What’s the matter with Mrs. Craig?
“Moreover it is required in stewards [all Christians] that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2