Consider: If you could, would you want to know what’s going to happen in the future?
Learn: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)
Yesterday in our Sunday morning worship service, we kicked off the 2013 Advent season with the tradition of the lighting of the Advent wreath. The first candle that was lit is called the Prophecy candle. It reminds us that Jesus did not come out of the blue, as a surprise to everyone. Rather his coming was predicted throughout the Old Testament.
There are a number of Old Testament prophecies about Jesus’ birth that are fulfilled in the New Testament. We will see a number of them as we preach through Luke 1 & 2 in the next four weeks. How is it encouraging to you that God knows the future?
It’s encouraging to me because God not only knows the future, he has a plan for the future. We learn that through the fulfilled prophecies. God planned to have Jesus born to a certain person, at a certain time, in a certain place, with a certain name. God has control of the future as well, which is very encouraging! Everything is done for his glory and our good, and that’s a very encouraging thought!
Apply: As you read the Bible this month, look for prophecies about Jesus and rejoice in God’s plan for him and for us.
I Commend Joy! 