Most Christian scholars will argue that the Old Testament (Revelation of God concealed) points to the coming of Christ as God’s incarnate. It can be argued that the coming of Jesus Christ was by no way a surprise, but on the contrary, the fulfilled expectation of the plethora of prophecies that pointed to Jesus and his birth. It is difficult to comprehend how God who made the heavens and the earth, who was and who is the everlasting to everlasting, transcendent, can become human flesh.
The magnitude of the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah was argued as being the fulfilment and restoration of the Judaic nation as God’s chosen people. However, the prophecies spoke beyond the Messiahship of Israel, and instead saw the birth of Christ as a redemption, not of a nation, but of all humankind.
When dealing with these prophecies we could easily argue that they were coincidences, which is a palatable argument, if it was to be based upon one or even two coincidences. But when we have hundreds of prophecies pointing to one person the argument of coincidences is solemnly laid to rest.
For the sake of space and time, it would be good to look at three prophecies pertaining to Jesus.
Firstly, he will be born in Bethlehem
Old Testament – 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
New Testament – Matthew 2:1
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem
Secondly, he will be born of a virgin
Old Testament – Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
New Testament – Luke 1:27
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
Thirdly, he will be born in the line of David
Old Testament – Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
New Testament – Matthew 1:1
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
The purpose of these prophecies is an assurance that God has not forgotten about us and in spite of the fall of Adam in the garden of Eden, redemption is restored to all humankind. In simple terms, all hope is not lost.
As we prepare for Christmas, we get ready for what God is planning for our lives. This has been a challenging year for everyone, but our God is working on our behalf.