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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