12.6.17 // Expecting the Messiah: Promises Fulfilled

Hebrews 1:1-4
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

Since the beginning of time, God has been speaking to His people. He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, talking with them in the cool of the day. He gave Noah, a righteous man, the logistics of the ark when the rest of creation was living in immorality. He called out to Abram, chose him among the peoples of the earth, and promised blessings to him. He revealed Pharaoh’s dreams to Joseph. The Lord revealed Himself to Moses through a burning bush. He provided guidance to the Israelites as a pillar of cloud and fire after they were delivered from Egypt. He communicated to Moses through the Ten Commandments. He spoke to David, a humble shepherd boy who had a heart after God’s heart. He bestowed great wisdom upon Solomon. He revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams to Daniel. He spoke directly to His people through many prophets, with warnings and curses for disobedience and abundant blessings for obedience.

And through those prophets, He also foretold of the Promised One, who would save His people from their spiritual oppression. The Lord promised, and His people waited. In human terms, it seems as though the Israelites had to wait a really, really long time from when God first called Abraham until the time that Jesus was born. But God is sovereign and His timing is perfect. I love the beautiful news in Hebrews 1:1, as the author explains how in the past, God spoke through the prophets, but NOW HE HAS GIVEN US HIS SON! He now speaks directly to us through His Son! Oh, that we will listen as He speaks!

His promises were fulfilled as He chose a virgin to supernaturally conceive. His promises were fulfilled as Jesus was from the lineage of David and born in Bethlehem. His promises were fulfilled as He sent John the Baptist to prepare the way. His promises were fulfilled in the coming of the baby in the humble manger. His promises were fulfilled as Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. His promises were fulfilled as Jesus fully submitted to His father on the cross. His promises were fulfilled in the exact way that Christ was beaten, tortured, and killed. His promises were fulfilled as Jesus’ death on the cross served as the propitiation for our sins. His promises were fulfilled as Jesus conquered sin and death forever as He rose back to life. And His promise for us will be fulfilled at the culmination of time when Jesus will return and reign eternally!

Our God is a promise keeper! Just as He kept His promises to His chosen people, He keeps His promises to us promises that are found all throughout Scripture for those of us who have trusted in Christ for our salvation. He is mighty to save our souls, heal our sinful hearts, forgive our trespasses, and empower us to walk with Him forever. This Christmas season, praise Him for keeping all of His promises and fulfilling all of the prophecies about the birth of Christ. We have proof that He is a promise keeper, and because of that proof, we can trust Him without any fear or doubt because HE IS GOOD! And this Christmas season, LISTEN for His voice because HE IS STILL SPEAKING! Oh, that we would quiet our souls in this busy time to listen to His life-giving words!

Merry Christmas!


Always, Jacquelyn

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