Prophecy

6-11-2009

Matthew Chapter 2:22-23 says, “But when he [Joseph] heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

These versus of the bible reveal two important facts: Joseph continues his obedience by listening and responding to God’s will, and what was said would happen in the old testament (Micah 5:2). In Micah 5:2 it reads, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah (the district from which Bethlehem was located), though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will rule over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” The notes in the NIV for this passage read, “This ruler is Jesus the Messiah. Micah accurately predicted Christ’s birthplace hundreds of years before Jesus was born. The promised eternal King in David’s line, who would come to live as a man, had been alive forever-“from of old, from ancient times.” Although eternal, Christ entered human history as a man, Jesus of Nazareth.”

A prophecy can be defined as a prediction. What’s amazing is the prophecies of the Old Testament were amazingly accurate with regards to Christ’s birth. The example of Micah’s prophecy is one of many examples, thus giving us clarity in the validity of the Bible as a whole. When we dig deep into the word of God, it becomes abundantly clear that the Bible is not just some random collections of stories, and is in fact accurate accounts of what was, is, and will be. Some people appreciate the Old Testament more, and vice versa, and though one or the other maybe more enjoyable to read at times, it’s extremely important to understand the validity of both. Remember, you cannot escape your own perspectivity, thus we as human beings on earth will never understand the magnificence of God!

Application:
1. Read Matthew 2:19-23
2. Take note of the prophecies (predictions) that are divinely inspired in Bible…how great would it be if you were divinely inspired? Stop, Pray, and Listen J