Advent at Ararat - Day 2 & Day 3: He was “hidden” in plain sight.
- araratchurch
- Dec 2, 2023
- 2 min read
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”
Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
The coming of the Messiah seemed to have taken many people by surprise. Indeed, even those who were well acquainted with the Old Testament prophecies—the Jewish leaders—refused to recognize Who Jesus was.
The reality is, the Lord really wants His people to know what He is planning. We only fail to know, when we don’t take the time to search His word and to listen to the instruction of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the prophet Amos tells us:
“Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.”
Amos 3:7 NLT
Interestingly, our opening scripture, although often quoted, is seldom examined within its context. Just before this passage we see these verses:
“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
Isaiah 9:1-2 NLT
When Jesus began His public ministry, He did so in Galilee. As well, we see verification that this was the fulfilling of the above prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel:
“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.””
Matthew 4:12-16 NLT
For today and tomorrow meditate on the fact that the Lord weaves the story of the future through the events of the past. Consider how the appearance of Christ was woven through all the Old Testament prophecies.
Additionally, consider what we are seeing today that was described prophetically in the Old and New Testaments concerning the time of Jesus’ Second Coming. Are you paying attention?
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
댓글