If we are grateful when the weather report for the next day is accurate – after all, that is science – why are we strangely hesitant about God’s prophecies given many centuries beforehand? We have no excuse.
The ruler would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) – a small unlikely place. He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and somehow the little child would also be the mighty God (Isaiah 9:6). He would be rejected (Isaiah 53:1-3) but in suffering, would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:4-6).
In fact, the Messiah (the Anointed One) would atone for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24). He would be a king whose kingdom would be found over the whole earth (Daniel 2:37), and will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).
All of this would be accomplished ‘by no human hand’ (Daniel 2:45).
And there is more – plenty more! But, alas, not plenty of space, so we will ask: ‘What is all this? Nostradamus on steroids?’ Hardly.
This is the unfolding of God’s rescue plan. We cannot overcome sin and death, but Christ is the sinless One who has risen from the dead.
Those who know and love Him are saved forever.
REVEREND PETER BARNES,
Revesby Presbyterian Church.
