Hello friends!
This week in class Blake Holmes from Watermark Church in Dallas, TX came and gave an overview of the prophetic books in the Bible. It was just awesome to look at the prophets knowing what we’ve learned so far about the Word. Knowing the big picture story of the Bible is incredible and I will forever read the book differently because of it. I love that when I look at Amos I now know that it was written before the exile to warn Israel of the coming judgment. Knowing what happens before and after that is also amazing (reading in context… it makes reading the Word so rich)! In the past I rarely studied the prophets (as evidenced by their unmarked pages). The prophets were intimidating and hard to understand. Now, however, I want to study them all!
I absolutely love how the prophets give evidence of the authenticity of the Bible. It was written in 3 different languages by 40 different authors over a span of 1500 years yet is consistent and without contradiction. The prophets further prove its authority. We got to study Daniel in depth the week before last. Can I tell you that God’s sovereignty displayed in that book is stunning?! One prophecy describes a dream of a statue and a corresponding vision of 4 beasts, each part of the statue and each beast representing a kingdom that would rule next. In history we can see that it happens exactly as God said it would. God told us His big picture plan through the prophets. These 4 kingdoms described in Daniel were revealed during the Babylonian’s rule. Daniel did not get to see the other kingdoms. Such specific details about battles between the northern and southern kingdoms of Greece (which was the 3rd kingdom to rule) were revealed in Daniel’s prophecy that could only be explained by an all knowing and almighty God.
So many of the prophets told details about Jesus coming to be the Messiah. God reveals the coolest details about the exact timing of the Messiah’s arrival (triumphal entry) in Daniel. I won’t explain it all in this blog, but if you’re interested you need to ask me about Daniel’s 70 week prophecy (it will change your life). Isaiah is another prophet who has many amazing Messianic prophecies including a virgin birth (Isaiah 28:16), John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:1-5), a coming servant who will bless both Israel and the gentiles (Isaiah 49:1-26), and tons more.
Looking at the prophets is so neat in this Christmas season! The multitude of truths spoken by prophets helps me understand the big picture story of the Bible as God mercifully calls the nations to repentance and as He reveals the big pieces of His plan. It reminds me that the Old Testament books are an anticipation of Christ and the New Testament is Christ revealed. It’s all about Jesus. Merry CHRISTmas! He came! God’s plan all along was to save us. And it happened. What a gift!
Have such a wonderful Christmas! Sending love and cheer and Christmas warm fuzzies!
Blessings,
Mal
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