A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)
Read: Isaiah 40:1-8
Consider: Many people find prophecy difficult, not least because it talks about future events that may or may not be fulfilled within their lifetime. The same was true of the early Jews who were told throughout the Old Testament about the coming Messiah, yet when he came they rejected him, refusing to believe in him.
The book of Isaiah is an amazing book that is full of prophecies about things that were predicted to happen in the future. Did you know that Isaiah is quoted 66 times throughout the New Testament and Matthew’s Gospel ties events in the life of Jesus to specific prophecies from Isaiah? Matthew quotes extensively from the prophets, most notably Isaiah, but also Micah and Jeremiah.
Another interesting fact – Isaiah contains 66 books, split into two sections. Chapters 1-39 speak of God’s judgement, while the remaining 27 chapters (40-66) speak of God’s grace and the coming Messiah. Think of the Bible – it contains 66 books, split into the OT (39 books) and the NT (27 books). This may be just coincidence, but I have always been fascinated by God’s coincidences!
Why is prophecy important? Primarily because it is God’s way of letting us know in advance some of the things that will happen in history. Many of the OT prophecies have been fulfilled, but not all. For us, as Christians, Jesus is the fulfilment of the OT prophecies about the coming Messiah. Knowing that God has fulfilled many of these prophecies should give us confidence that those that remain to be fulfilled, will be fulfilled.
Don’t ignore the prophetic books in the Bible. Look at them in a new light and expectantly wait for their fulfilment. Take warning from those that speak of judgement and take encouragement from those that speak of God’s grace and love.
Pray: Father, may we take all of your Word seriously, reading it with an open heart. Teach us to be discerning and may you give us understanding when we read the prophetic books in the Bible. Amen
Every blessing
No Condemnation 