Finally, the aged Simeon coming to Mary and Joseph as they presented the Baby Jesus in the Temple to perform the Jewish ritual according to the law; gave his testimony. ...For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of the people; a Light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel, Luke 2:30-32. Yes, this is the time of the year to look back to his birth and also forward to our glorious meeting with Christ in the clouds, I Thess. 4:17.

1. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Galatians 3:8, 8. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

16. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Micah 5:2. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

I Thessalonians 4: 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Christ from the Tribe of

Judah

Genesis 49:8-12

We find the first Messianic prophecy in Genesis 3:15. In this text, we read where God says to the serpent ... I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. In part, it is a reference to the coming of Jesus Christ. When Jesus comes, He will take away the curse of sin. The line of Christ is the seed of the woman. This line, according to Jacob's prophecy, went through

Judah

. In this blessing, we find that the sons of Joseph receive the right of the first born, but the line of the Messiah goes through

Judah

King David was of the tribe of

Judah

. Of Jesus Christ in Revelation 5:5 we read ...the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. The figure of the lion speaks of this tribe being strong and courageous. The lion is spoken of as the king of beasts. The tribe of

Judah

was uniquely qualified for command and conquest. The picture is that of securing victory, and peaceably enjoying the things gained by those victories. It is not just making war, but securing victory and peace. We need to be mindful that when it comes to evil, there is no peaceful coexistence. Evil must be defeated and conquered. Without defeat, there can be no peace.

Jesus is a conquering King. He won the victory over sin, death and hell. At the cross, He won the spiritual victory. This is important, but it is only part. The victory has yet to become a part of our day to day experience. The Messianic promise includes that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord. We need to note verse 10 of our text. Here we read, Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from

Judah

, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. David's kingdom was to last forever. In the book of Revelation, Jesus judges this world. He has prevailed to take the book of judgment, because He alone is worthy. In this world, it seems that might makes right. With God, right makes might. When Jesus came the first time,

Israel

did not receive Him. When He comes again, they will crown Him King of Kings. Right will make might on this earth and in our experience.

Reference verses:;
Genesis 49:8-12 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
9. Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
11. Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:
12. His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

A Promised Redeemer

OT Job 19:25-27; NT Ephesians 1:7, 11, 14

Throughout Job's life, we see a humble, repentant and submissive heart unto His Redeemer. He did not even know His name as Jesus Christ, just as Redeemer. Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. Interestingly, he did not have the written Bible like we do today and yet, he fully trusted and was confident that after he was dead, his Redeemer would vindicate him in the glory of a physical "in my flesh" resurrection in which he would enjoy perfect fellowship with his Redeemer. Jesus Christ is that Redeemer and that is the clear message of the Gospel.

We see then, in the New Testament the same focus in several passages. In Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. The redemption of mankind came through Jesus Christ's blood. This was the righteous requirement of God the Father that was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross. Christ's sacrifice on the cross paid the price for every elect person enslaved by sin, which He then bought out of the slave market of iniquity. The price of redemption was the death of the righteous one, Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. It is Jesus Christ whom Job trusted and it is Jesus Christ in whom we must fully trust with our lives. This salvation came after hearing the Word of God, the Gospel of our salvation. We must repent of our sin and then turn to Christ to save us. We are then sealed by the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Dear Lord God, it is with grateful hearts that we come to You today. Please forgive us of our sin, help us to live in humble submission to Your perfect will. Guide us in Your truth so that we may live obediently, just as Job did. We love You and Exalt Your Holy Name. Amen.

Reference verses:
Job 19: 25-27. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27. Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Ephesians 1:7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Jesus Christ Declared to be the Son of God

Ps. 2:7; 30:4; Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee, Psalms 2:7. The Psalms are filled with revelation of Jesus as the Son of God. David and the other writers of the Psalms were definitely inspired to deliver prophetic words as to the birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection of Christ. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. ⁴Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. Psalms 30:3-4. We are adding a list at the end of this booklet by a man who is now with the Lord, who gave us a record of Christ in every Book of the Bible.

In the following scriptures, we have a witness from heaven as to the person of Christ, or God incarnate. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Matthew 3:17; And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:9-11; and While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matthew 17:5.

The only way Christ could become our Saviour and Mediator was to be the very Son of God, very Man. He had to become human in order to understand man's dilemma. He had to become flesh to understand our weakness and frailty. He had to be made in the likeness of our sinful flesh and yet be without sin. He had to go through the gate of death in order to deliver us from the power of death.

Moses and Elijah were sent to confirm the bodily resurrection. Moses was dead and buried according to Deuteronomy and here we see him in the flesh. Elijah had not died, but lived in heaven for over a thousand years; both gave witness to the Perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Pss.2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

30:4. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Numbers 24:15-19

Balaam is an interesting Old Testament personality. He is identified in the New Testament as a false prophet. Yet, here we find God speaking through him, a great prophecy. It is foolish and dangerous to try to limit God. God works in powerful and unusual ways. He takes the wrath of man and uses it for His praise. Here he uses the false prophet, Balaam, to give a great Messianic prophecy. As Balaam opens his heart, the Spirit of God reveals a vision of the Messiah. Our Lord gives a similar representation of Himself in Revelation 22:16. Here we read where Jesus said of Himself, I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Some historical documents refer to kings as stars. It is interesting in this regard to note that (Matthew 2:2) magi came from the east, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Jesus said to Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. The Jews accused Him of seeking to rebel against Rome. It is significant to note that God never uses coercion. Jesus could have commanded obedience. As Peter takes a sword and tries to defend him, Jesus says, Matthew 26:53, Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? God has never lacked the power to rule. It is just that with God, right precedes might. At the flood, there was a complete separation of the righteous and the wicked. The same thing occurs at the end of this age. When Jesus comes, He will judge this earth. He will separate the sheep from the goats. Only righteous people will enter the new age and the kingdom. At this time, all on the earth will receive Jesus Christ as king.

In Isaiah 9:7, we read a most unusual prophecy concerning Jesus
Christ. Here we read, of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. There has never before been a kingdom on this earth that expanded through peace. The kingdoms of this earth all expand through war. Jesus Christ is the rock of Daniel's prophecy that fills the whole earth. He is revealed in our text as the Star our of Jacob.

Matthew 24: 15-19. And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
16. He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17. I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
19. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

This Old Testament Psalm describes a reign with God as King, when all of nature, all classes of society, and foreign nations will all live together in harmony. It is a clear reference to the Messianic, millennial reign after the tribulation. This is a breakdown of Psalm 72.

In the New Testament, let us look at our passage in Philippians, where Christ will be exalted by God the Father. First we see that, Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: This name is above every name as the God-Man. His new name further describes His essential nature and places Him above and beyond all comparison as, "Lord." This is the New Testament name for the Old Testament descriptions of God as sovereign ruler. Next, it is interesting to see that the entire intelligent universe is called to worship Jesus Christ as Lord, even to the angels in heaven, Revelation 4:2-9, to the spirits of the redeemed in Rev. 4:10-11, and the obedient believers on earth, Rom. 10:9. Then, to the disobedient, unsaved rebels upon the earth, 2 Thess. 1:7-9, and the demons and unsaved humans already in hell, 1 Peter 3:18-22. Every person and every thing will bow and bend the knee to recognize Christ as Lord, both willingly and blessedly, or unwillingly and painfully. Philippians 2:10-11, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This will not be Lord as in Salvation. Rather this will be Lord as in Christ's right to rule and reign as Sovereign Creator of all things. This brings Glory to God the Father and is the exact purpose for Christ's exaltation.

Dear Heavenly Father, it is with humbled hearts that we pray today. We see and understand that it is Christ who has died to save those who will turn from their sin and turn to Him to save them. Help us to clearly understand that Christ is Lord whether we recognize it or not. Help us to obey Your clear command to tell others of Jesus Christ as Lord. It is in His name we pray, Amen.

Reference verses:
Psalms 72: 1-19.
1. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
2. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
7. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
13. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15. And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.
16. There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
17. His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
18. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Revelations 4 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
2 Thessalonians 1: 7-9. And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
1Peter 1: 18-22. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit:
19. By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20. Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22. Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

In Jeremiah 31:22, we have an unusual verse which speaks about a virgin woman shall compass a man (birth a man child). Many good interpreters understand this new thing created, to be the incarnation (birth) of Christ. Comparing this with Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6 which had been given to Israel for a sign. A woman, the virgin Mary, enclosed in her womb the Mighty One; the Hebrew word used here is, Geber, and God is called Gibbor, the Mighty God, Jer. 32:18. Geber and Gibbor are two different spellings of the same Hebrew word both meaning the Mighty God. As also, is Christ in Isa. 9:6, where His incarnation is spoken of here. Jesus Christ is El-Gibbor, the mighty God. Compare, Isa. 65:9, And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it…

Let us turn to the New Testament and see the fulfillment of the above prophecies. Matthew 1:20-21 But while Joseph thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Jews and Gentiles are included in the above salvation offered by the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is interesting that God said a truth shall be accepted at the mouth of two or three witnesses, so let’s look at the second New Testament witness. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35.

One last thought, in Isa. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The ever-lasting Father, The Prince of Peace. What a beautiful verse, because we have five descriptive names of the Christ, and the middle one is The mighty God and that’s El Gibbor. Yes, Jesus is the Mighty God.

The Miracle of New Life

Matthew 1:18-25

Jeremiah 31:22 How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man. From the days of the church fathers, some have viewed the new thing in this text as a reference to the incarnation. The language of this text is one of the most disputed by scholars in the entire book. The majority of contemporary scholars reject the idea that this is a reference to the incarnation. Their basis is the focus of the context and the language. The verb that is translated "surround" has no linguistic connection to the idea of conception. The context is that of the restoration of

Israel

John Calvin agrees with the fathers, in that, he sees this text as a reference to the virgin birth. H.A. Ironside understood this verse to teach that the nation

Israel

would overcome the power of the gentile nations.

I tend to think the woman is a picture of national

Israel

, and the unusual thing is that in the latter days,

Israel

pursues the Messiah. It is as our Lord said, Matthew 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. We cannot seek God apart from the supernatural work of divine grace. The fallen nature seeks only for self. In this way, being born again is similar to the conception of Jesus and the spiritual restoration of national

Israel

. It is a work of divine grace. When we are born again the Spirit of God creates spiritual life in the soul. Before that, we are spiritually dead in sin. The prophet speaks of the spiritual restoration of national

Israel

as that of a nation being born in a day. We read in Isaiah 66:8, Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

This is a reference to the tribulation and purification of the nation

Israel

. An important evidence of spiritual life is a desire for spiritual things. It is important that we ask ourselves if we have any love for God and spiritual things. A hunger for God and spiritual things is an important evidence of spiritual life. Our Lord said, Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Reference verses:
Matthew 1: 18-25. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25. And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Born in Bethlehem

This passage in Micah 5 is a clear reference to Christ's birthplace in Bethlehem Ephrathah. The town, south of Jerusalem, was the birthplace of David and later on, Jesus Christ. The name Bethlehem means "house of bread" because it was a grain-producing region in OT times. The name Ephrathah (fruitful) differentiates it from the Galilean town by the same name. We see the phrase "from of old, from everlasting." This speaks of eternal God's incarnation in the person of Jesus Christ. It points to His millennial reign as King of Kings. In verse 3, the reference to "give them up" is the interval between Jesus as Messiah's rejection at His First Advent and His Second Advent, during the times of the Gentiles when

Israel

rejected Christ and is under the domination of enemies like we see today. The Re-gathering of the "remnant of His brethren" did not occur at the First Advent, but is scheduled to happen at the Second Advent. "She who is in labor" is a clear mention of the nation of

Israel

. Verse 4 then refers to the millennial reign of Christ.

The New Testament then gives the fulfillment of the OT prophesy in Matthew 2:1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea... It is truly an amazing thing to see that God fulfilled ALL of the Old Testament prophesies regarding the Messiah's birthplace. Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) We also see in verse 10, the mention of the city of David, Bethlehem. Then in verse 11 the phrase, "a Savior." This is one of only two places in the Gospels where Christ is referred to as "Savior, " the other being in John 4:42, where the men of Sychar confessed Him as "Savior of the world." The OT also pointed to "Christ, the Lord." Christ, of course is the Greek word for "Messiah," and Lord, is the Greek word for one of two different meanings. One being "master and the other is the "covenant name of God," which is the meaning here in our text. God is omniscient and sovereign and we should praise and exalt Him for His unfolding plan of Salvation!

"Gracious God, we do praise and exalt Your Holy Name. Thank You for providing Jesus Christ, our Savior in Bethlehem! Amen.

Reference verses:
Micah 5: 1-5. Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
2. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
3. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
4. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
5. And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

A little history lesson as to why Isaiah went to King Ahaz as recorded in this 7th Chapter of Isaiah. Isaiah, sent from the Lord to Ahaz who is now in sorrow and unbelief, in order to assure him that the counsels of his enemies should not stand and that they should be utterly defeated. To encourage Ahaz, he commands him to ask a sign or miracle, which should be a pledge in hand, that God should, in due time, fulfill the predictions of his servant, as related in the context. Ahaz humbly refusing to ask any sign, it is immediately added, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and shall call his name Immanuel. Both the Divine and human nature of our Lord, as well as, the miraculous conception, appear to be pointed out in the prophecy quoted here by the evangelist: He shall be called IM-MENU-EL; literally, The STRONG GOD WITH US: Compare John 1:1, 14. The Word, which was God, was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. And, God was manifested in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16. So that we are to understand, God with us, to imply God incarnated, God in human flesh. He shall be truly man, grow up and be nourished as a human, this union of the Divine and human nature is termed a sign or miracle, something which exceeds the power of nature to produce. And this miraculous union was to be brought about in a miraculous way: Behold a VIRGIN shall conceive: the word is very emphatic, the virgin; the only one that ever was, or ever shall be, a mother in this way.

Some so called ‘Christians,’ who have espoused in their desperate cause to deny the virgin birth, assert, that “the Hebrew word almah does not signify a VIRGIN only; because it is applied, Proverbs 30:19, to signify a young married woman. My answer: These so called Christians and Jews who deny the virgin birth do so because they do not want to accept the Divine Nature of Christ. They only want to accept Him as a man, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended at His baptism and left him before His crucifixion. If He were not virgin born and the Son of God, none who trust in Him are saved, and are going to hell; but thanks be to God, He is the very Son of God and all who trust Him are saved.

Matthew 1: 22-23. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

1Timothy 3:16. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Proverbs 30:19. ... The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

The Times and Seasons

Daniel 9:24-27

As you read the Gospel record, you find that the spiritual leaders in Jerusalem know the place of Jesus' birth. As the wise men come seeking Jesus, the scribes tell King Herod that it was in Bethlehem. It seems from this account that though they know the place, they don't take this event seriously. They would have had known that the Bible not only speaks of the place, but the time.

Some believe that there will be 7000 years of human history. This 7000 years reflects the 7-day week of creation. On the seventh day, God rested, and the last thousand years of human history involve the kingdom age. In Hosea 6:2 we read, after two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. In this seven thousand year model, the two days would be the present church age and the time when

Israel

lives in God's sight, would be the kingdom.

We need to appreciate that the Bible is full of prophecies concerning the Messiah. Some have been fulfilled and some have not. Furthermore, in some cases the fulfillment is much easier to understand after the fact. In others, the prophecy and its fulfillment are easy to identify. This is the case when it comes to our Lord's birth in Bethlehem.

We also need to appreciate that things are not coming to pass by chance or at random. The timing is perfect. In Galatians 4:4 we read, but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son... Then in Ecclesiastes 3:1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. If our hearts are in tune with God, we should have some idea of the times and seasons. We find that references to our Lord's coming again are that of a thief in the night. The people of this world will be as unprepared for His coming as they were for the flood. However, the same does not apply to those whose hearts are in tune with God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:4 we read ...ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. If we are spiritually minded, we ought to have some knowledge of what God is doing and some knowledge of the timing.

Reference verses:
Daniel 9: 24-27 24. Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Blessings of the First Born

OT Exodus 13:1-16; NT Luke 2:23

God said, Exodus 13:2 “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.” The first born of Israel, both of man and animal were to be set aside as special unto God. The last phrase, “it is Mine,” is crucial in our understanding of the Messianic line given in Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, where Christ is referred to as the first born of Joseph and Mary.

Let us take a close look at the firstborn. Within a family, there is one thing that is really important to God and that is the children. God desires that the children be saved, that they be redeemed and that they be delivered from this old world of sin. That is what the dedication of the first born was all about for God’s people; remembering and teaching the children of God’s ways. How did God hope to accomplish this? First of all, He established a Day of Dedication when parents would dedicate their firstborn sons to Him, but God did even more than that. He also tied this day to the Passover and to the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As we realize these important days and their significance, we see that all three celebrations focused on the greatest day in the life of Israel, the day of God’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery (the world). As Christians today, we see that God also wants to deliver all people who will trust in Him from this old world of sin.

It was a commandment of God, the dedication of the firstborn. It is very important to God, just as His redemption is also of significant importance. He never wants it to be forgotten. Everything that we have comes from God. The application to us is very clear. We are to always remember the day of God’s redemption, the day of our salvation. We are to remember the day God saved us out of Egypt, the picture of this old world. How?...as parents, by dedication of our firstborn male child to God. “The firstborn offspring…belongs to me.” This is a fact that is never to be forgotten. That is the reason we should set up a permanent dedication service to God for our families. Say, have you dedicated your life to God? As parents have you dedicated your children to God and His service? Are you teaching them God’s ways? If not, there are many missed blessings. Make a choice to start today.

“Dear Lord, we dedicate our lives, families and children to You. Use us as You will. Amen.”

Reference verses:
Exodus 13: 1-16.
1. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
2. Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
3. And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
4. This day came ye out in the month Abib.
5. And it shall be when the Lord shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
6. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord.
7. Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
8. And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
9. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt.
10. Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.
11. And it shall be when the Lord shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,
12. That thou shalt set apart unto the Lord all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the Lord's.
13. And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
14. And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:
15. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the Lord slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
16. And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt

Luke 2: 23. (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

In Genesis 1, we see God calling forth the light and the world that was in darkness was bathed with light. That light was necessary for the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and trees for the feeding of nations that were to populate the earth. In John 1, we see another Light brought forth and it is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ who came to enlighten mankind as to their need for eternal light. The light that springs forth when we receive Christ as our Saviour and know from that day forward that we are heaven bound and no longer shackled by the chains of sin.

The Prophet Isaiah was instructed to tell Israel that they were to see a great light. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined, Isaiah 9:2. And it is fulfilled in Matthew 4:14-16 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

What is even greater is about to be revealed to the Gentiles and that is recorded in Luke and John. He (John) was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that (Jesus) Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man (person) that cometh into the world, John 1:8-9. When Joseph and Mary brought the Baby Jesus to the Temple at the age of eight days to perform the Mosiac rites of circumcision on all Jewish boys, according to the Law; dear old Simeon came and blessed the Baby Jesus, as recorded in Luke 2:32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. When we stop and think about the Light that God sent to our darkened hearts, we should fall on our knees and thank Him again and again. Without the ministry of the Holy Spirit, convicting us of our sins, we could never be saved or know that heaven is to be our eternal home. Let’s let our light shine that others may also know a release of their sinful nature and sins that without the born-again experience, no one can overcome. Thank you Lord Jesus!

Reference verses:
Isaiah 9
1. Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
2. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
3. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
5. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
8. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
9. And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

The Seed of the Woman

The idea of the seed of the woman is an interesting concept. The seed is with the man, but this prophecy in Genesis speaks of the seed of the woman. The text also speaks of the seed of the woman bruising the head of the serpent. We read a similar thought in Hebrews 2:14. Here we read, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil...

God's choice of

Israel

had a three-fold purpose. First, idolatry had a strong hold in the hearts of people in the ancient world. Nations tended to look at their success as being related to their worship of God. The nations of this world were to see that (Psalm 33:12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. Second, God gave the nation Israel His Word. In the book of Romans as Paul speaks of the advantages of being Jewish, he says, Romans 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Lastly, the nation of

Israel

was God's chosen vehicle in bringing Jesus Christ to this earth. Jesus was the seed of the woman spoken of in our text who would bruise the serpent's head.

Jesus was that Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. God is not only a God of love, but also a God of absolute and perfect justice. It would not be just for God to sweep sin under the rug. The demands of justice needed to be satisfied. If we are to satisfy the demands of divine justice apart from Christ, we must be forever damned. Sin is so evil, it demands an infinite sacrifice. By becoming man and dying on the cross, God provided a sacrifice for sin that was infinite in its quality.

As our text speaks of the bruising of the head and heal, it is difficult to understand just what all is meant. Surely, there is a reference to the cross and our Lord's death. At the cross, the serpent bruised our Lord's heal, but what is involved in the bruising of the serpent's head? The serpent, the devil is described in the Bible as the accuser of the brethren. In other words, he calls attention to our sin and the demands divine justice. Somehow at the cross, his head was crushed. It was at the cross that the enemy was forever defeated.

Genesis 3:14-15. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Flight into Egypt
OT Hosea 11:1; NT Matthew 2:15

What a tender verse from OT Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. This reminds us of the Exodus from Egypt and how the Lord reassured Israel of His intense love for her. Here, we see that God's compassion for her was aroused and we will look at the analogies in Matthew 2:15 and how this verse from Hosea is used in relationship to Jesus Christ, people, and the world.

First we see God's amazing grace at work as He leads Joseph, Mary and Jesus out and away from difficulty. It could have been that they stayed in Egypt for around 6 or 7 years. As we think about this, we realize that true believers can rest in God's knowledge and providence, because He knows our dangers, threats and trials and He will see us through. The other thing to think about is that true Believers are "in" Egypt, a picture of the world, yet they are not "of" Egypt. Egypt is a type of the world, and it symbolizes enslavement and bondage. Still two more applications can be thought of. First, just as Jesus Christ was sent into Egypt (the world), so believers are sent into the world. The other is that as Jesus Christ was "called out of Egypt" so believers are called out of the world. We see clearly that believers are called out of this world now. 1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Also, believers are called out of the world eternally. Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. So Joseph obeyed God, just as we ought. Finally, we realize that we need to wait on God"s direction and timing too, just as Joseph did. Hosea 12:6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. As parents, Joseph and Mary gave us great examples of how to follow God; to teach and train our children in God's ways. This heritage will guide the children to "saving faith" and will lead them in obedience and a life that God can use. Say, how about you? Are you living in obedience to God's will in your life?
"Heavenly Father, we ask You to forgive us our failures and sin. We ask You to guide us in Your truth. Help us to always obey and seek Your face. Amen." DM

Reference verses:
Matthew 2: 15. And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Jealousy has killed more people than all the wars put together. Jealousy of a spouse, others in the family, an employer, possessions, friends and neighbors. Jealousy is a sickness that does not hurt others as much as it hurts the jealous person. Jealousy works like a cancer in the mind and heart until it destroys the one who harbors it.

Jesus' title, "King of the Jews," raised suspicion, because Herod feared anyone who threatened his throne. He was a jealous monster who even killed his own children to protect his throne. An Edomite, he had a natural hatred for the Jews. Herod did not know God's Word, but had to ask the scribes. The scribes knew the Word, but did not act upon it. The wise men were both hearers and doers of the Word! The visit of the Magi is an indication that the Gentiles will someday worship the King when the kingdom is set up on earth, Isa. 60:6. Their experience is a good lesson in finding the will of God:

(3) they obeyed God without question and He led them each step of the way. Note that they went home by "another way" (v. 12). Anyone who comes to Christ will go home another way and be a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). Wise men of today, follow the teachings of the Scriptures. It is a wise man who trusts Christ for salvation and eternal life.

This jealous act by Herod led to the death of thousands of little boys under two years of age. It also led to the death of Herod shortly there after, but it did not lead to the death of the Christ Child, because God sent an angel and made arrangements for His safety in

Egypt

. God even prepared for the trip before Herod sought to kill the baby Jesus. The wise men brought gifts that provided for the family in their exile until Herod's death.

All of this is written to ask a question of the reader. Do you harbor jealousy in your heart? If so, confess it right now and put it away. Bury it in the sea of God's forgetfulness and never resurrect it nor let jealousy make you a slave again. More homes have been destroyed and children orphaned because of jealousy than any other home wrecker.

Reference verses
Jeremiah 31: 15. Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.

Matthew 2: 16-18. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
18. In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

A Light to the Gentiles

It is important to realize that God's purpose in the election of the nation of

Israel

involved not only the Messiah, but also the whole world. In other words, God's choice of

Israel

did not exclude the rest of the world; it was His way of insuring that the truth is manifest in this world. According to Luke 1:79 the work of John the Baptist and Jesus involved bringing light into darkness. We read in this text, that they were to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Truth is the light of the mind. Some like to divide the secular and the sacred. In so doing, they bring the bias of a secular and humanist view of non-physical reality. The spiritual is just as real as the physical and the two are interrelated. By coming in the form of human flesh, Jesus manifested the truth of God in the form of flesh and blood. It amounted to a great light. This world is full of darkness.

We read in Genesis 12:3 concerning Abraham that in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. This blessing to all the families of the earth involved the coming of Jesus Christ. God's purpose in Abraham was not to exclude gentiles, but provide a vehicle to reach the gentiles. Darkness is a powerful force on this earth. God does not use coercion. His election of Abraham was a powerful force in maintaining light in this world.

Darkness involves a love for self above all else. In John 3:19 we read, this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. The evil deeds here involve deeds that dishonor God and abuse others. When our hearts are full of self, we don't even see how God is dishonored or others are abused. Although we have sight, darkness will keep us from seeing. Therefore, spiritual darkness is failing to see goodness. Goodness involves loving God and others. Jesus brought perfect love to this world. Hence, those who dwell in darkness saw a great light. Have you opened your heart to the goodness and love of God? If not, why not do so today?

Reference verses
Isaiah 42
1. Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
5. Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
6. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Seed of David

The Levitical singer Ethan, from 1 Chronicles 6:42 and 15:17,19 was contemplating the covenant made by God to King David and the nation of Israel. He was distressed that the nation of Israel had paid little attention to what God had promised and he was greatly sorrowed because of the resulting lost blessings. Little did he know that he was used of God to restate the prophecy that Christ would come, in Psalm 89:26-29. He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. 27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. 28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. 29 His seed also will I make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven. In the New Testament then we see the fulfillment in Luke 1:32, He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David...

One thing we can say for sure, and that is God always fulfills His promises. During this time of year we can especially be thankful in remembrance for the fulfilled promise that God would send His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. God kept His promise to King David, God kept His promise to the world that He would send the Savior, and God will keep His promise of repentance and salvation to any that will seek Him.

Why is it that so many people struggle with the concept of a Savior and repentance? It is because of the sin nature and, 1 John 2:16 ... all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Just like Ethan, we too should sorrow in the fact that there are so many around us, and maybe even ourselves who are not living according to God's Word and instead are missing the blessings of obedience that God so desires to give to those who will set their ugly pride aside and live. Ezekiel 18:32 "For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord God. "Therefore turn and live!" Let us take comfort in the promise that...

l John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

"Heavenly Father, we humbly say thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ. For His Salvation offered to whosoever would come. May many confess Jesus Christ this day."

Reference verses:
Psalm 89.
1. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
2. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
3. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
4. Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
5. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
6. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?
7. God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
8. O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
9. Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
10. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.
11. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
12. The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
13. Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
14. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
15. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
16. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
17. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.
18. For the Lord is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
19. Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
20. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
21. With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
22. The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
23. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
24. But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
26. He shall cry unto me, thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
27. Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
28. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
29. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
30. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
31. If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
32. Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
33. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
34. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
35. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
36. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.
37. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
38. But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.
39. Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
40. Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.
41. All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
42. Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.
43. Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.
44. Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
45. The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.
46. How long, Lord? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
47. Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
48. What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
49. Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?
50. Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;
51. Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Lord; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.
52. Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts, Malachi 3:1. Malachi was written approximately 425 years before Christ was born.

Isaiah wrote these words between 792 and 722 B.C. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isa. 40:3. Promising a voice crying in the wilderness and that voice was none other than John the Baptist according to Mark 1:3. At the mouth of two or three witnesses it shall be established according to Deut. 17:6.

The following is the third witness to establish the facts from both the Old and New Testaments. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:6-9 Jo. hn does not claim to be the Messiah, only the forerunner who introduces the Messiah. John says he is not the light, but came to testify of the Light. John was not a jealous man. It would be great if some of today's preachers would be like John in that when people came to John with a message that Jesus was making more disciples than he was, John responded with the following. Rabbi, he (Jesus) that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him... 30He must increase, but I must decrease. It is a sorry state when men in the pulpit build a following for themselves rather than Christ. Ministers building the church on themselves are building with wood, hay and stubble, 1 Cor. 3:12-13. Their works shall perish at the Judgment seat of Christ. We must all give an accounting to Christ as to our faithfulness to the Bible and the Lord Jesus.

John 1:29-34.29. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
31. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

I Corinthians 3: 12-13. 12. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13. Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Wisdom and Power

Isaiah 11:1-10

It is difficult to reconcile in our logic, the power and goodness of God with evil, as we see it around us. We would tend to think if God were all-powerful and good, He would not allow such great depths of evil in this world. The answer to this question is found in the idea of our humanity, itself. We possess individuality and choice. We might even call this self-awareness and self-determination. We are not machines.

Some have defined wisdom as the ability to use knowledge. God is the perfection of wisdom and power. Of Jesus Christ, we read in John 1:14... we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. God's love brings grace to us. In other words, Christ was full of love and truth. We need to realize that when we consider a human or personal dimension; we cannot have truth without love or love without truth. Truth without love is impersonal and harsh. Love without truth is nothing but silly emotion.

The focus of the Old Covenant was sin and evil. The focus of the New Covenant is goodness and love. If we really love God and others, as we ought, sin will not be a problem for us. We need to appreciate that there is a maturation of the race of humanity. Just as the understanding of a child grows, the understanding of the race grows. If we are wise, we will consider the understanding of children in all our dealings with them. The truth does not change, but our approach and methods change. If we don't understand this, we lack both goodness and truth.

God's revelation of Himself to fallen humanity is progressive. As we mentioned, the focus of the Old Covenant was restraining evil. It is important to restrain evil. However in time, it becomes evident that this is insufficient. It is not the absence of evil, but the presence of good that is needed. When Jesus Christ came to this earth, people were able to see perfect love and goodness. The miracles He performed demonstrated His power. Yet, He did not come to judge, but to seek and save the lost. The day will come when He will judge and separate eternally, all goodness from all that is evil, but that was not His purpose in coming to this earth. If we are good, we will be sure to include wisdom with any power we possess. If we are good, we will not abuse authority.

Reference verses:
Isaiah 11
1. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
3. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
4. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
6. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
9. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
10. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

OT Isaiah 40:3-5; NT Mark 1:3

God commanded His prophet, Isaiah, to prophesy to Israel in exhortation, to make preparation of the Lord's glory at the arrival of Messiah as, Isaiah 40:3-5 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Did you ever consider that we, too, as true believers and those who will come to know Christ, can remove obstacles from our Savior's return at the rapture? Yes, we can! The Bible calls it repentance. John the Baptist said in, Matthew 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance. Jesus continues in Matthew 9:13 For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. And again in, Luke 24:47 ...and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Do you think we ought to be like Paul as he showed us in Acts 20:20-24? How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,21...testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Yes, we ought to be like Paul. Sadly, most people will never be like Paul and even more sadly, will miss the whole point of repentance and the remission of sin. It is not what you profess that makes any difference. It is what God recognizes in your heart. You can profess all day long, but the evidence of a changed heart is in the actions. Actions always speak louder than words, and as we understand that salvation is all of God and none of us, we also realize that God will not let a true child live a life of disobedience. That means most professors of Christ are not saved.

Reference verses:
Mark 1: 3. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

God with Us or God Manifested in the Flesh

Isa. 9:6-7, Matt. 1:21-23, Luke 1:32-33, John 8:58, 2 Cor. 5:19

The pagan religions of the Middle East,

Greece

, Asia Minor,

Persia

and Babylon all had various forms of the gods making themselves known to their cultures. But none had the one thing that the Bible teaches and that is a perfect man who died, was resurrected and is coming again, 1 Cor. 15:1-8. Their gods and goddesses were grossly immoral and in some cases, so judgmental and hateful as to make all worshippers fearful of them. Not so, with the God of the Bible. He is loving, merciful, forgiving and full of compassion and grace to all who worship Him and accept His Son as manifested in the flesh for our salvation.

When Adam sinned, he not only separated himself from God and broke the personal relationship for himself, but for all his posterity. The sweet fellowship and the congenial relationship were destroyed. We could not approach Him because of our sinful nature, but He could approach us through His Son. The Father's love for human fellowship was forever extended to all who would accept it through the shed blood of Christ.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ¹⁸And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. ¹⁹To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

The most marvelous part of the new fellowship is that God has given to us the ministry of reconciliation whereby we are now His earthly ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven. He has given the Holy Spirit so that we can share with others this wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ. Christ living in these human bodies is a miracle beyond explanation.

Lastly, the following words of the Angel to Mary are prophetic for the Jewish nation. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: ³³And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end, Luke 1:32-33.

Reference verses;
Isa. 9:6-7 . 6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Matthew 1: 21-23. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
John 8: 58. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

A Tree Planted

Ezekiel 17:22-24

The 'shoot' was the Davidic line (cf. v. 4 with v. 12). God will replant a king from the line of David on the mountain heights of

Israel

... That kingdom will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. That is, it will prosper as it has never done before. Instead of plucking branches from it, birds of every kind will nest in it. This suggests that

Israel

will protect surrounding nations rather than being their pawn.

God's purpose in restoring

Israel

is to reveal His glory and plan for

Israel

to all nations. All the trees . . . will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall.

Israel

's rise to prominence will be a catalyst to turn other nations to the Lord. ...The fulfillment of verses 22-24 awaits God's establishment of

Israel

in the Millennium under the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

We find a similar figure in Matthew 13:31, 32. Here, we read that the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it ... becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. The picture here is that of the professing church. The church is a kingdom that is not of this world. Sadly, there are those who identify with the church for the wrong reasons. They don't seek goodness and truth; they seek for self. As such, they are like the birds of the air.

As you look at the prophecies of the First and Second Coming of Christ, they can be very confusing. Some see no earthly kingdom for

Israel

. I think this is a mistake. There are similarities between the church and the kingdom, but they are not the same. I believe the reason for the confusion is that without a spiritual foundation, a temporal kingdom is not possible. The trials of the present are designed to prepare God's people spiritually where an earthly kingdom is possible. The wrongs of this earth will fail. Truth and goodness will prevail of peace on earth and good will to man. The day is coming when people on this earth will learn war no more.

Reference verses:
Ezekiel 17: 22-24. Thus saith the Lord God; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
23. In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.
24. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the Lord have spoken and have done it.

December 24^th

A Meek Servant

OT Isaiah 49:1-16; NT Matthew 12:15-21

This Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 49, is the second of 4 Servant songs. It tells us of the Servant's mission. Isaiah 49:8 Thus says the Lord: In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; This passage also defines the "Messiah as Servant's" prophetic and priestly functions, His equipment for the task, His sufferings and humiliation, and His final exaltation. Isaiah 49:13 Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. Interestingly, the word "servant" occurs about 20 times in this portion, which magnifies Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who was slain to redeem God's elect.

Then, we see the fulfillment and example in the New Testament as Jesus showed us how He would have true believers live. First, we see that Jesus was being followed by great crowds and He had compassion on them, Matthew 12:15 ...and He healed them all. There was never a time before in Old Testament history that someone had exhibited such extensive healing power. Jesus Christ chose to display His deity by healing, raising the dead, and liberating people from demons. That not only showed the Messiah's power over the physical and spiritual realm, but also demonstrated the compassion of God toward those in sin.

In verses 18-21, we see that Jesus the Messiah did not arrive with some political agenda or military campaign like the Jewish leaders thought He would, but rather that He had come with gentleness and meekness and that He declared righteousness even to the Gentiles. These were a lowly people looked down upon but, Matthew 12:20-21 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory; And in His name Gentiles will trust.

Whether you are a Jew or Gentile reading this today, God desires salvation for your soul. Have you repented of your sin and trusted Jesus Christ the Savior of the whole world? If not, why not fall on your knees today and beg Him for His grace and mercy. Ephesians 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Amen.

Reference verses:
OT Isaiah 49:1-16;
1. Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
2. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a Polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
3. And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
4. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.
5. And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.
6. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
7. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
8. Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
9. That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
10. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
11. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.
12. Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.
13. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
14. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.
15. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
16. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
NT Matthew 12:15-21 15. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
16. And charged them that they should not make him known:
17. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18. Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
21. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

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December 25

Delight to do Thy Will, O my God
Perfect Obedience: Out of the Ivory Palaces
Psalms 40:8, Hebrews 10, Luke 22:42, John 17

In Psalm 40:6-8 are the prophetic words we look at today. The Psalmist foresaw something very unusual in the Messiah. He saw a person who was totally dedicated to conform to the will of His Father. There is only one other person in Biblical history that was willing to conform to his father's will. Isaac never questioned what his father, Abraham, was about to do. There is not a person who will read today's devotional who can say he or she never went against the will of their parents at one time or another. I am sure I did it many times. 8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart, Ps. 40:6-8. On three different occasions we read in the New Testament of Jesus commitment without reservation. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. Hebrews 10:7 and 9. Saying, Father, if thou be willing remove this cup from me: never-the-less not my will, but thine, be done, Luke 22:42. In the Garden of Gethsemane our Lord prayed this prayer several times, but knowing that the cross was the only means of our salvation, He acquiesced to the Father's will and submitted Himself without question. The only time we see Jesus using the words, "'I Will" is when he is requested to do something for someone who has a need. Also, in John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. Our Lord asked nothing for Himself, only that His followers, and that includes you and me, be with Him in His glory, not only now, but for all eternity. Never was there a Person who was so unselfish and totally submissive to authority as our Saviour. I delight to do thy will! It was to Christ his meat and drink to go on with His appointed work and here's reason: Thy law is within my heart; It is meant of the law concerning the work and office of the Mediator, he was to suffer and die. This was dear to him. Note, when the law of God is written in our hearts, our duty will be our delight. With His help, let's try!

Reference verses:
Psalm 40:6-8
6. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8. I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Hebrews 10
1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13. From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16. This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21. And having an high priest over the house of God;
22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30. For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33. Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

John 17
1. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

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December 26

The Messiah, A Great Prophet

Deuteronomy 18:15-22

In our text, we look back to the experience of God's people at Mt. Sinai. The hearts of the people were not spiritually orientated. For this reason, they could not bear the revelation of God speaking directly to them. The majesty of God's authority and power were overwhelming to them. Moses was a great prophet and had a much more spiritual orientation so he did not have quite the same experience. However, even Moses could not see a clear revelation of the power and majesty of God. We read in Exodus 33:20 where God said to Moses, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. God's majesty and power is so great that fallen human flesh cannot survive the experience. So it is that God tells Moses, Exodus 33:21-23 Behold, ... thou shalt stand upon a rock: ... while my glory passeth by, ... I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand .. And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

The prophets like Moses were great instruments in the hand of God in communicating divine truth to God's people. However, as great as the best were, none can compare to God Himself taking the form of human flesh. Hence we read in our text, Deuteronomy 18:17,18 ... the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken ... I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them... it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. As great as Moses was, and as clear as he could make the message, the message alone could not come to the people and carry the responsibility that the Messiah brought.

What accountability did Jesus bring? We get a picture in John 6:14. Here we read, Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. We have another indication in the last few verses of Acts 3 as Peter preaches his second sermon after Pentecost. Then in John 1:14 we get another picture of this message. We read where, "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. God's love and truth found its perfect balance in Jesus Christ."

Reference verses:
Deuteronomy 18: 15-22. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
16. According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
17. And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
18. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
20. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
21. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?
22. When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

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December 27

Announcement of the Messiah's Reign

OT Psalm 110:1-7; NT Mark 12:36-37

...My Lord, in verse 1, refers to the divine-human King of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ's humanity descended down through King David's line and came through the promise made in 2 Samuel 7:12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. In the Gospels, Jesus used this passage to declare His deity. Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

...my right hand, tells us that God the Father invited God the Son in His ascension to sit at the place of honor in the heavenly throne room and that God the Father would then

...make thine enemies thy footstool. This is a picture of absolute victory and it anticipates Jesus Christ's Second Advent as a conquering King. Hebrews 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. Then, as God mentions in verse 2, the rod. He is looking at the ancestral staff of Judah from the human side, but from the divine side, the rod of iron will be King Jesus and He will subdue the earth. Psalm 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

God intends to install His ultimate earthly king in Jerusalem which pictures the earthly Zion, because the heavenly Zion will not have any enemies there. Ultimately, Christ will reign and rule on the earthly throne of His father David in fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. And Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. Then we see the sweet NT response, Mark 12:37 ...And the common people heard him gladly. If you are a common person reading these words today, won't you also receive Jesus Christ as Your Lord, gladly? He desires our hearts.

Dear Lord, Save us from our sin. May we gladly hear Your heart- changing words of Salvation to all mankind. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reference verses:
Psalms 110
1. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
4. The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
5. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
6. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
7. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

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December 28

He was Anointed to Preach Liberty

Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:17-19, Acts 10:38

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; ²To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn, Isaiah 61:1-2. The above Scripture is one of the Old Testament referrals to the works and miracles the Christ would do as a testimony to identify Him from among other men. There are so many references to His activities in the Old Testament that as we look back on the works He did, we cannot understand why the Jews did not accept Him in that day. The only answer is that the Jews were self blinded by choice and in their blindness, the Gentiles were grafted into the vine and received the blessing they refused to accept.

¹⁸The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ¹⁹To preach the acceptable year of the Lord, Luke 4:18-19. Luke quotes all but the last phrase of what Isaiah said above, because that last phrase belongs to the Tribulation period. Our Lord went into the synagogues of Galilee and taught as one Who had authority because the Holy Spirit was upon Him. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Our Lord's ministry was approved by the Father because of the presence of the Holy Spirit. The simple or common people of Jesus day accepted both His teachings and miracles. His witness was not accepted by the Jewish leaders. To this day among both Jews and Gentiles He is rejected.

If we expect to be a witness for Him our words and deeds must be in complete accord with the ministry of the Holy Spirit or we are defeated before we speak to someone about our Saviour. We need much prayer before we go out to witness.

Reference verses:
Luke 4: 17-19. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Acts 10: 38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

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December 29

The Gates of Zion

Jeremiah 33:14-22

At the beginning of our Lord's ministry, He came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. In the book of Matthew in particular, we notice a great shift from the Gospel of the Kingdom, to the message of the cross. I believe if God's people Israel would have received Jesus Christ, an earthly kingdom would have come. We need to realize that an earthly kingdom is impossible without a spiritual foundation. Today Jesus Christ is building the spiritual foundation of the kingdom as people open their hearts and receive him. John 1:11,12 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God...

However, this spiritual house according to the prophecy of our text, will include the nation of Israel. God grafts members of the church of Jesus Christ into Abraham and Israel. If we are in Christ, we are in Abraham and Israel. Christ was the son of David and Abraham. In Christ we are as much a part of Abraham and Israel as what we find in Hebrews 7:9,10. Here we read that Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

The day is coming when the saints will come marching into Jerusalem. The old spiritual says that we will walk in Jerusalem just like John. Of the New Jerusalem we read, Revelation 21:12,14, that it had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, ... and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. In the new earth and the new Jerusalem, God's people of the Old Covenant and the New will be forever united in Christ. The prophecy in our text says, Jeremiah 33:17,18 ...David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; 18 Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually. God's kingdom will successfully come to this earth in Israel and in the 3^rd temple, before we enter eternity, and even in eternity the spiritual kingdom will retain the form of Israel and the temple. I wonder today, are you sure that you are a part of this kingdom.

Reference verses:
Jeremiah 33: 14-22. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.
15. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
16. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.
17. For thus saith the Lord; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;
18. Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.
19. And the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, saying,
20. Thus saith the Lord; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;
21. Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.
22. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

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December 30

He Speaks in Parables

OT Psalm 78:2; NT Matthew 13:34-35

Stubborn hearted rebellion has been the way of the Nation of Israel down through the years and if we would be truly honest, many of us could say it is, or has been our way, too. God says in His rich mercy, " Turn, turn from your evil ways!" Even Asaph, one of the head temple musicians from Solomon's reign, speaks prophetically in this Psalm of God's kindness in the face of rebellion. Psalm 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

Consider though, that God's mercy will not always be there for us. Psalm 103:8-10 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. Sadly, most people continue in their own stubborn hearted ways. That is the very reason that Jesus began to speak in parables to the people in Matthew 13:34-35, All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world." They would not listen to plain language and so for the rest of Jesus' ministry all of His public teaching consisted only of parables. Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh"

If we be true believers and have known of God's Word, 2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Is that not where a wise man stands?! In the counsel of God, walking and obeying His every word. Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Vr.11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us be encouraged to walk as our Lord desires for us! Amen.

Reference verse:
Psalm 78: 2. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

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December 31

Hearts are Hardened

Isa. 6:9-10; Matt. 13:14-15; John 12:39-40; Acts 28: 25-27

⁹And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. ¹⁰Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed, Isaiah 6:9-10. Isaiah, that grand old Prophet had just received his spiritual cleansing, with coals from off the altar, and commission to go to Israel and call the people to repentance. He knew that they would not respond, but he was responsible to tell them. Old-fashioned fundamental preachers of this day are faced with the same difficulty. They preach their hearts out seeking to lead the flock out of sin and into a life of separation and godly living, but to no avail. Here again, we see three witnesses as to faithfulness and godly living in the New Testament. We have not quoted all three, but they are in the Scriptures listed above. We do quote the third one because it is recorded near the close of the Apostolic Age by the Apostle Paul. Paul had witnessed in Rome to the Jews living there and they had again rejected the message. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, ²⁶Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: ²⁷For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them, Acts 28:25-27.

Now 2000 years later, the same story is still true. Both Jews and Gentiles reject the words of Scripture and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This writer has seen it so many times and walked away praying that people would respond. So few do, and so many don't. However, we are responsible to continue witnessing and giving forth the Word, because we are commanded to occupy until He returns or we are called into His presence. In these days of apostasy, let us be found faithful and true.

Reference verses:
Matthew 13: 14-15. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15. For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

John 12: 39-40. Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

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Please email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you,

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Christ from the Tribe of Judah

Genesis 49:8-12

A Promised Redeemer

OT Job 19:25-27; NT Ephesians 1:7, 11, 14

Jesus Christ Declared to be the Son of God

Ps. 2:7; 30:4; Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11

Numbers 24:15-19

The Miracle of New Life

Matthew 1:18-25

Born in Bethlehem

The Times and Seasons

Daniel 9:24-27

Blessings of the First Born

OT Exodus 13:1-16; NT Luke 2:23

The Seed of the Woman

Flight into Egypt
OT Hosea 11:1; NT Matthew 2:15

A Light to the Gentiles

Seed of David

Wisdom and Power

Isaiah 11:1-10

Prepare the Way of the Lord

OT Isaiah 40:3-5; NT Mark 1:3

God with Us or God Manifested in the Flesh

Isa. 9:6-7, Matt. 1:21-23, Luke 1:32-33, John 8:58, 2 Cor. 5:19

A Tree Planted

Ezekiel 17:22-24

Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Announcement of the Messiah's Reign

Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:17-19, Acts 10:38

The Gates of Zion

Jeremiah 33:14-22

He Speaks in Parables

OT Psalm 78:2; NT Matthew 13:34-35

Hearts are Hardened

Isa. 6:9-10; Matt. 13:14-15; John 12:39-40; Acts 28: 25-27

Please email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you,

Please email us to request these devotions be sent to you daily via email!

Christ from the Tribe of Judah

Genesis 49:8-12

A Promised Redeemer

OT Job 19:25-27; NT Ephesians 1:7, 11, 14

Jesus Christ Declared to be the Son of God

Ps. 2:7; 30:4; Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11

Numbers 24:15-19

The Miracle of New Life

Matthew 1:18-25

Born in Bethlehem

The Times and Seasons

Daniel 9:24-27

Blessings of the First Born

OT Exodus 13:1-16; NT Luke 2:23

The Seed of the Woman

Flight into Egypt OT Hosea 11:1; NT Matthew 2:15

A Light to the Gentiles

Seed of David

Wisdom and Power

Isaiah 11:1-10

Prepare the Way of the Lord

OT Isaiah 40:3-5; NT Mark 1:3

God with Us or God Manifested in the Flesh

Isa. 9:6-7, Matt. 1:21-23, Luke 1:32-33, John 8:58, 2 Cor. 5:19

A Tree Planted

Ezekiel 17:22-24

Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Announcement of the Messiah's Reign

Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:17-19, Acts 10:38

The Gates of Zion

Jeremiah 33:14-22

He Speaks in Parables

OT Psalm 78:2; NT Matthew 13:34-35

Hearts are Hardened

Isa. 6:9-10; Matt. 13:14-15; John 12:39-40; Acts 28: 25-27

Flight into Egypt
OT Hosea 11:1; NT Matthew 2:15