The Blue Robe of the High Priest

And you shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 It shall have in it an opening for the head, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, that it may not be torn. 33 On its skirts you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet stuff, around its skirts, with bells of gold between them, 34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, round about on the skirts of the robe. 35 And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the holy place before the LORD, and when he comes out, lest he die. [Exodus 28:31-35]

Excitement permeated the air as the blue robe for the High Priest was put on display this week in the city of Jerusalem. Expecting the return of their long awaited Messiah upon the completion of the building of the Third Temple, the Temple Institute in Jerusalem is one step closer to the realization of their dream. With a majority of the implements and furniture for the Third Temple already completed, the Blue Robe to be worn by the next High Priest of Israel is a welcome addition.The robe itself is an exquisite work of craftsmanship. Made to the strictest adherence to the Biblical text, the robe is completely woven of blue wool with 72 golden bells around the hem of the garment. It is decorated with dark blue embroidery around the edges and intricately woven pomegranates between each of the bells. Exodus 28 describes each of the garments the High Priest was to wear. After three years of hard work the Temple Institute has completed an authentic replica of "the robe of the ephod". Attention was given to every detail and the end result is stunning.Jewish authorities believe that upon the completion and dedication of the Third Temple the Messiah will appear. In order for the Temple to be properly dedicated there must be a High Priest and the High Priest must be properly dressed. All of the garments for the next High Priest are now complete. The Jewish people have been waiting for 2000 years for the completion of the Third Temple and they are closer now than they have ever been to seeing the realization of that goal.The culmination of many events in our lifetime seem to indicate an emanate appearance of the Jewish Messiah and the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. For the first time in 2000 years the Jewish people have a sovereign nation with Jerusalem as its capital. Jewish people are returning to their homeland by the thousands each year just as the Jewish prophets foretold. The Jewish people are also preparing for a Third Temple and have completed the High Priestly garments. Even the dye used in the Blue Robe is a direct indication of a Messianic appearance. It has been unavailable for thousands of years but is now readily available from a small crustacean which makes its home in the Mediterranean Sea. These are only a few of the prophecies that have been fulfilled in our lifetime which strongly suggest a soon appearance of the long awaited Messiah.

One thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.

As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. [John 9:6-7]

I love the story of Jesus healing the blind man recorded in John 9. It is such a microcosm of people's reaction to God interjecting himself into the world in a miraculous way. I recently underwent surgery for a detached retina in my right eye. I was driving home on a Sunday evening and noticed some flashing lights and increased floaters in my right eye. I went to see my eye doctor on Monday. The doctor had her nurse walk me down the hall to introduce me to a surgeon at the Barnes Retinal Institute. The next day I was at the hospital having an intraocular gas bubble inserted into my right eye. The surgery leaves you with temporary impaired vision in the eye; but, over the next month I hope to regain my vision. I realize this is next to nothing compared to those who suffer true blindness. But, the inconvenience and loss of ability to drive made me think about how that blind man had suffered from his inability to see.

The story in Chapter 9 of John was not one that developed the Messianic claim of Jesus. In fact, when the people asked the blind man about what he thought about Jesus he answered, "He is a prophet!" (v. 17) When further questioned about the man who had healed him, the blind man gives his simple profession of testimony: "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." I think this simple statement of faith is one that every believer can identify with in each of our lives. We may not understand the cosmic signficance of how God enters enters this universe and interacts with his creation; but, every believer can make the same profound statement of faith: Though I was blind, now I see". God gives each of us an encounter to which we can testify as to his interaction. It may not be as dramatic or miraculous as that of the blind man; but, the good things that God gives us are blessings for which we need to be thankful. I am feeling very blessed to live in a time and location where one's detached retina can be be "fixed". Healing is a blessing. Jesus's mission was not to heal every blind person in the world. But, the blindness caused by sin is the true malady that Jesus came to cure. That is the true miracle of God's grace and love that is being played out in the lives of people today.

The Dark Side of the Holidays

Soon afterward he went to a city called Na'in, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!" And this report concerning him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. [Luke 7:11-17]

Sometimes in the midst of the holiday season when we are among our family and friends we forget that there is tragedy around us. I learned today that a very dear friend and brother in the Lord, Jim Mabery, was killed in a car accident in Tennessee. His wife, Charlotte, is in critical condition in a hospital. Jim was one of those mentors in my early years. He was an evangalist, preacher, teacher, missionary and spiritual father to many of us. He will be missed.

I was touched by an 84 year old widow the other day. She lost her husband a few years ago. They had no children. The sense of loneliness and despair in her life was so great. I tried to share some blessings with her. It reminded me how when Jesus walked on this earth that he was one who had "compassion" for those who suffered loss. I doubt that Jesus had planned to raise someone from the dead that day when he traveled to Nain. I suspect that the miracle of resurrection, which pointed to his ministry as a prophet, was borne of his compassion for this widow whom he bumped into that day. When the rabbi "touched the bier" he was making himself "unclean". God does not mind getting his hands dirty when it comes to helping those who are in need. I love this story because it takes into account the dark side of the human soul. It says that even in the midst of the greatest loss, God is there.

I have to remind myself that during this season of catchy tunes and easy answers that there are those around us who are suffering. Our mission in life is to minister to those who are in need. I am not sure that our church life prepares us very well for the dark nights. Sometimes we have to discover for ourselves that we worship Him not because of our circumstances, but in spite of them. There was a sixteenth century Spanish monk known as St. John of the Cross. He was persecuted and thrown into prison because of his faith. He wrote a classic book known as The Dark Night of the Soul. In it he writes:
"O you souls who wish to go on with so much safety and consolation, if you knew how pleasing to God is suffering, and how much it helps in acquiring other good things, you would never seek consolation in anything; but you would rather look upon it as a great happiness to bear the Cross of the Lord."

His point is that faith becomes strongest when we are without consolation and we walk into the darkness with complete abandon. Faith is not really faith if we always heard the voice of God cheering us on and telling us what to do at every step. This is what made Abram so special in God's sight. God asked him to do something. Pick up everything you own, leave your family and go into a foreign country that God would show him. God's call to Abram is really the same call each of us hears today. When you answer that call, God will bless you. He will change you, give you a new name [Abraham] and bless you because of your faith.

I pray that each of us will increase our faith by reaching out to those who are in need during this holiday season.

Who Were the Magi?

During each Christmas season, we revisit the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem, the shepherds, and the angels are all familiar to us. But not much is generally known about the mysterious Magi who came to worship the infant Jesus. Most of what we associate with the Magi is from early church traditions. They are called "Magi" from the Latinized form of the Greek word magoi, transliterated from the Persian for a select sect of priests. (Our word "magic" comes from the same root.) Most have assumed that there were three Magi. However the Bible mentions only that there were three gifts, it does not say how many men came to worship Jesus. As the years passed, traditions became increasingly embellished. By the third century, they were viewed as kings. By the sixth century they had names: Bithisarea, Melichior, and Gathaspa. Some even associated them with Shem, Ham and Japheth, the three sons of Noah, and thus with Asia, Africa, and Europe. A fourteenth century Armenian tradition identifies them as Balthasar, King of Arabia; Melchior, King of Persia; and Gasper, King of India. The Priesthood of the Medes The ancient Magi were a hereditary priesthood of the Medes credited with profound and extraordinary religious knowledge. After some Magi, who had been attached to the Median court, proved to be expert in the interpretation of dreams, Darius the Great established them over the state religion of Persia. It was in this dual capacity whereby civil and political counsel was invested with religious authority, that the Magi became the supreme priestly caste of the Persian Empire, and continued to be prominent during the subsequent Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods. One of the titles given to Daniel was Rab-mag, the Chief of the Magi. His unusual career included being a principal administrator in two world empires: the Babylonian and the subsequent Persian Empire. When Darius appointed him, a Jew, over the previously hereditary Median priesthood, the resulting repercussions resulted in the plots leading to the lion's den. Living six centuries before the birth of Christ, Daniel was given an incredible number of Messianic prophecies. In addition to several overviews of Gentile world history, the Angel Gabriel told him the precise day that Jesus would present Himself as King to Jerusalem. Daniel apparently entrusted the Magi with a messianic vision (to be announced in due time by the appearance of a star). The Entourage to Jerusalem The sudden appearance of the Magi certainly alarmed Herod and the populace of Jerusalem. They were probably traveling in force, with every imaginable oriental pomp, and accompanied by adequate cavalry escort to insure their safe penetration of Roman territory. It would seem to Herod as if these Magi were attempting to perpetrate a border incident, which could bring swift reprisal from Parthian armies. Their request of Herod regarding the one "who has been born King of the Jews" was a calculated insult to him, a non-Jew who had contrived and bribed his way into that office. Consulting his scribes, Herod discovered from the prophecies in the Tanach (the Old Testament) that the Promised One, the Messiah, would be born in Bethlehem. Hiding his concern and expressing sincere interest, Herod requested them to keep him informed. After finding the babe and presenting their prophetic gifts, the Magi "being warned in a dream" departed to their own country, ignoring Herod's request. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were also prophetic, speaking of our Lord's offices of king, priest, and savior. Gold speaks of His kingship; frankincense was a spice used in the priestly duties; and myrrh was an embalming ointment signifying His death. In the millennium, He will also receive the gifts of gold and frankincense; but no myrrh. His death was once and for all.

The Uncertainity of Life

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and get gain"; whereas you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and we shall do this or that." [James 4: 13-15]

2005 has been a year that has etched the above verse into my life. And, again, yesterday I was reminded of the above. Sunday afternoon I noticed that I was having some strange vision in my right eye. Nothing too exciting but some increased floaters and some occasional bluriness. As a precaution I did call my eye doctor. My afternoon appointment cancelled unexpectantly at the last moment, and the doctor's office called and had an opening yesterday afternoon. That was very rare. As it turned out, the doctors discovered the beginning of a retinal detachment in my right eye. So, this morning I am off to Barnes Hospital to have eye surgery. This was NOT what I had planned for Christmas!

I have learned that one's life can change dramatically with one phone call or by one seemingly small event. I live my life with a calendar of committments and expectations that often control my actions and squeeze me into this world's mold. Yet, the greater reality is that life is a vapor and that it can change in an instant. The only one who is in control is the Lord. And that is why we should preface everything we do with, " If the Lord wills...".

If the Lord wills, I hope to update this blog. I am feeling very much like the mist this morning!

May the Lord bless us and keep us all in the palm of his hand. Maranatha!

The Reformation Continues

I have been following with interest the plight of the local Polish Catholic church in St. Louis. The St. Stanislaus Kostka church located at 1413 North 20th street in downtown St. Loius was founded before the turn of the century by Catholic polish immigrants. When they formed their parish they set up a not for profit corporation that was controlled by a board of lay parishoners which owned the church building and controlled their treasury. This has been a sore spot for the local Catholic authorities for years. Recently, the new St. Louis archbishop, Raymond Burke, demanded that the little parish turn over all of its property and control to the St. Louis archdiocese. When they refused, he issued an interdict order and removed their priests. The parish went out and hired their own priest. Today, the front page headline in the St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that the archbishop has excommunicated the new priest and all the lay members of the board of dirctors. For more details see: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/religion/story/9B78D25C411ABD19862570D9005BDD11?OpenDocument

It is interesting to me that the same sort of struggle over the sale of indulgences by the Holy See is what triggered Martin Luther to nail his famous 95 theses on the door to the cathederal at Wittenberg Germany in 1517. Yet, the same struggle continues to be played out in my little city today in 2005. It does seem self-evident to me that what is at the heart of this struggle is the central theme of all history - "Who has the authority?" History is the study of the rise and fall of nations and people. And the one common thread of all of all history is "who is in control?" It is the same issue we have been looking at since the Fall of man. Who is going to call the shots? When Eve looked at the tree of knowledge of good and evil, she thought it looked pretty good to be "as wise as God". In other words she was saying in her heart, "I will be in authority of my own life." These issues will never be resolved until we each put God back into the equation and make him the supreme authority of our lives. How does one do that? It is really very simple. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" Somehow I can't see Jesus in Archbishop's Burke's attitude and demands. How do you see it?

Adam and Christ

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned-- 13 sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the effect of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17 If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man's obedience many will be made righteous. [Romans 5: 12-19]

We have been looking at the consequences of the Fall and its effect upon humankind. It is so unfair that because of the sin of one man, we all shall die! Against that backdrop, the message of the Messiah is that God has entered the world to save us. The virgin birth is not just a theological nicety to explain the origin of the Messiah; but, it is an absolute fact that is part of the message that Jesus was made by God like Adam. Adam did not have a physical father either. If God can make a man from the dust of the ground, a virgin birth is nothing in comparison! With God all things are possible! But, more importantly, because Jesus was not a descendant of Adam he entered this world and possessed an ability to live an obedient life "perfectly". We do not have that ability. Because of our physical nature we are going to sin at some point in our lives. Our ability to choose is based upon whether we wish to accept the the grace of God, or not? When asked by what authority Jesus was teaching, he answered in John 7:17:

"My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me; if any man's will is to do his will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority."

There exists within each of us a tuning fork that recognizes truth when we encounter it. It is very possible that one's tuning fork can be damaged and bent by the effects of sin; but, except in the most severe cases of those who are totally self-absorbed, there is a concept of "conscience" that is internal. Jesus came to bring abundant life. His focus was not on simply doing good and avoiding evil; but, rather he sought to do the "Father's will" as he lived life. Adam was given work to do in the Garden before the Fall. God walked with him and discoursed with him in the Garden with him before the Fall. When we look at Jesus we seem the same result. He did not speak of his authority; but, of the one who "sent" me. By prayer and supplication, even in the midst of suffering, Jesus showed us how to live life in the presence of the God who made us all.

The Fall (Part 2) or "Why It Is Not My Fault!"

Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" 12 The man said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent beguiled me, and I ate." [ Genesis 3: 11-13]

In the cross-examination of Adam and Eve by God after the Fall, we get a glimpse into the ailment of our society today. Adam's noble response is " The woman - that you gave me- made me do it! First, it was God's fault because, in Adam's world, Eve came from God. That was correct; but, Adam failed to grasp that he was a free moral agent who had the capacity to choose. He did choose, and he chose wrongly. His second excuse is that Eve made him do it! How many marriages today have been ripped apart by the accusation that "It is his (or her) fault!" Of course it is; but, we are still free moral agents with the capacity to choose. Eve's answer is the one that is still fashionably in play today - "The devil made me do it!" Eve's position is that she was tricked and had NO CHOICE!

Our society is plagued by the philosophy of determinism. Determinists will say that we have no free moral choice. We are just like animals who react out of instinct. For far too many, that is the way they live life. But somewhere between "respond" and "ability" is the moral free choice that each of us possesses to make a choice. We are not like animals who only react to pain and pleasure stimuli. Instead, man is made in the image of God. We have the ability to choose. What are your choices this day?

The Fall

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. [Genesis 3:6-8]

No other story in the Bible explains more about the condition of humankind that the story of the Fall. When Adam and Eve decided that they wanted to be "wise" and to choose for themselves what they wanted to do, they separated themselves and all of their descendants from having a relationship with God. The result of the Fall was for them to "hide" themselves from the presence of the Lord God. Mankind has been hiding from God ever since. The knowledge of "good and evil" opened their eyes and they knew they were "naked". Prior to that Genesis 2:25 states: "And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. " The discovery of one's self creates shame which is embodied by "nakedness". The response is to seek "cover" for one's nakedness. Today, we spend much time worrying about what we will wear to cover our bodies. All of this seems so unfair. Because of Adam and Eve's sin, everyone who has ever been born is condemned to sin and death. It is a theological condition from which we cannot free ourselves. And, it explains the world in which we live.

It is also the backdrop to explain the good news! God came down from heaven, in the form of a man just like Adam. Except this time, the Son of Man chose to do the will of the Father. By laying down his life as a ransom for many, the Messiah rescued us from the consequences of sin and death and offers restoration of the fellowship with the Creator. We are to no longer worry about what we eat or drink or wear, but we are instead to seek the kingdom of God first in our lives. The reward is to "walk" by faith with the God who made us. As unfair as sin and death were as consequences of the Fall, in the same manner acceptance of a simple faith in Jesus as the Messiah can unleash grace and mercy to the masses because of the righteousness of this one man. The Bible is a story of Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained.

Freedom in Christ

One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike. Let every one be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. [Romans 14:5-6]

Christmas has always been one of those holidays that separated religious people theologically. Growing up we used to hear sermons on how Christmas was a pagan holiday that had been transformed into a religious celebration by the early apostate church. Christmas trees were originally were druid influences of pagan culture that had nothing to do with the Bible and the gospel. Yet, we would all put them up in our homes and celebrate the non-religious secular culture of Santa Claus.

This year Christmas falls on Sunday. The elders at the McKnight Road Church of Christ [of which I am one] have decided to cancel Bible classes this December 25 and to have only a worship service at 10:00 a.m. Our thought was to give families with small children the additional time on Sunday morning to enjoy their Christmas celebration. I am amazed at how our thinking has changed over the years. The only thing I am sure of is that we are trying to honor the Lord. It may be a bit counter-intuitive; but, I hope that people will see it that way? I probably fall into the camp that esteems all days alike. But, that is o.k. There is room for both points of view within the kingdom; and, that is the freedom that we share in Christ. So this year we will wish you a Merry Christmas!

The Historical Jesus

For the greater part of the last 2,000 years the historical existence of Jesus has not been questioned. However, in the last two centuries an increasing number of skeptics have claimed that Jesus never existed, even though a cursory review of ancient Roman and Rabbinical writings reveals that Jesus was indeed a historical figure. The Babylonian Talmud, an ancient rabbinical commentary, makes a number of references to Jesus of Nazareth. The first century Jewish historian Josephus also made references to Jesus: "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man. If it be lawful to call Him a man, for He was a doer of wonderful works. He was the Christ. And the tribe of Christians so named from Him are not extinct to this day... (The Antiquities of the Jews, book 18, chapter 3.)"

Throughout its text the Bible clearly teaches that there is but one God. However, the mystery of the Godhead is that this one God manifests Himself in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This fact has led to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. In fact, the attributes of God, the works of God and the names of God are applied to all three persons of the trinity. Throughout the Old Testament we are given a glimpse of the deity and majesty of the Messiah (also called the Anointed One). Furthermore, the fact that God is a plural being, eternally existent in more than one person, is also found throughout the Old Testament. Elohim, the plural form of El, one of the names of God, is seen throughout the Old Testament (see Genesis 1:1) and in Genesis 1:26 God states, "Let us make man in our image..."

In the New Testament the disciples clearly spoke of the preeminence and deity of Jesus Christ. He is identified as the creator of the universe (Jn 1:1-14, Col 1:16), God manifest in the flesh (1 Tim 3:16), and our Lord and Savior (Titus 1:1-4). This is only a small sample of their claims about the nature and identity of Christ. By healing the sick, resurrecting the dead, creating food out of nothing and by defying the laws of gravity, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the laws of physics and thereby revealed His divine nature. Jesus’ resume is impeccable. All the necessary attributes of the Creator are applied to Him within the Biblical text – he is independent of space and time, transcendent, distinct from his creation, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and has authority over the laws of nature. Jesus himself claimed to be the Son of God and the only way to eternal life (John 4:25; 9:35-37; 10:30-3; 14:6-9). Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for us. It will take an eternity for us to understand what it cost Him that we might live. He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:7-11)."

Jesus Wept

"Jesus began to weep." John 11:35

The shortest verse in the Bible was my first memory verse. I had to be at least three, but I still remember standing in front of a group of adults at church and reciting it without any knowledge of how profoud those words are in our language. A God who cries? This verse in the midst of the story of the resurrection of Lazarus caused the following reaction among those observed. "See how he loved him?" It is incomprehensible that the God of the universe can understand the anguish and pain of the loss of a loved one to death. Yet, Jesus, who was God in the flesh, stands before the tomb weeping with those who have suffered loss. Jesus cried even knowing that he is about to raise Lazarus from the dead! So why did he cry? Because Jesus knows our pain and loss. Yet, some of those who observed started asking, "Could not he have done something to prevent him from dying?" The answer was not just yet. Lazarus would die again. But, when Jesus was raised from the dead he became the first born fruit of the resurrection that gives each of us hope to overcome death and the grave someday.

It sounds perhaps strange to glorify someone who cries. But, if I had to pick an attribute of God that gives me the greatest hope that he understands, it is that Jesus wept.

At The Right Time

While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [Romans 5:6]

Paul tells us in this verse that the death of Jesus was a fullfillment of the Messanic prophesies and that it happened at a specific time and place in history that was the right time. With Christmas approaching, I am always in awe of the story of how God entered the world as a human being. It is so profound that it is hard to believe. Yet here are a few scriptures for review:

Old Testament Scriptures That Describe The Coming Messiah
The Messianic Prophecy (paraphrased)
Where the prophecy appears in the Old Testament (written between 1450 BC and 430BC)
Jesus’ fulfillment of the prophecy in the New Testament (written between 45 and 95 AD)
The Messiah will be the offspring (descendant) of the woman (Eve)
Genesis 3:15
Galatians 4:4
The Messiah will be a descendant of Abraham, through whom everyone on earth will be blessed
Genesis 12:3; 18:18
Acts 3:25,26
The Messiah will be a descendant of Judah
Genesis 49:10
Matthew 1:2 and Luke 3:33
The Messiah will be a prophet like Moses
Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Acts 3:22,23
The Messiah will be the Son of God
Psalm 2:7
Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22
The Messiah will be raised from the dead (resurrected)
Psalm 16:10,11 and 49:15
Matthew 28:5-9; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:4-7; John 20:11-16; Acts 1:3 and 2:32
The Messiah crucifixion experience
Psalm 22 (contains 11 prophecies—not all listed here)
Matthew 27:34-50 and John 19:17-30
The Messiah will be sneered at and mocked
Psalm 22:7
Luke 23:11,35-39
The Messiah will be pierced through hands and feet
Psalm 22:16
Luke 23:33 and 24:36-39;John 19:18 and 20:19-20,24-27
The Messiah’s bones will not be broken (a person’s legs were usually broken after being crucified to speed up their death)
Psalm 22:17 and 34:20
John 19:31-33,36
Men Will Gamble for the Messiah’s clothing
Psalm 22:18
Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23,24
The Messiah will accused by false witnesses
Psalm 35:11
Matthew 26:59,60 and Mark 14:56,57
The Messiah will be hated without a cause
Psalm 35:19 and 69:4
John 15:23-25
The Messiah will be betrayed by a friend
Psalm 41:9
John 13:18,21
The Messiah will ascend to heaven (at the right hand of God)
Psalm 68:18
Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9; 2:33-35; 3:20-21; 5:31,32; 7:55-56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20,21; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22 . . . sorry, we got carried away!
The Messiah will be given vinegar and gall to drink
Psalm 69:21
Matthew 27:34; Mark 15:23; John 19:29,30
Great kings will pay homage and tribute to the Messiah
Psalm 72:10,11
Matthew 2:1-11
The Messiah is a “stone the builders rejected” who will become the “head cornerstone”
Psalm 118:22,23 and Isaiah 28:16
Matthew 21:42,43; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-8
The Messiah will be a descendant of David
Psalm 132:11 and Jeremiah 23:5,6; 33:15,16
Luke 1:32,33
The Messiah will be a born of a virgin
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-35
The Messiah’s first spiritual work will be in Galilee
Isaiah 9:1-7
Matthew 4:12-16
The Messiah will make the blind see, the deaf hear, etc.
Isaiah 35:5-6
Many places. Also see Matthew 11:3-6 and John 11:47
The Messiah will be beaten, mocked, and spat upon
Isaiah 50:6
Matthew 26:67 and 27:26-31
The “Gospel according to Isaiah”
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
People will hear and not believe the “arm of the LORD” (Messiah)
Isaiah 53:1
John 12:37,38
The Messiah will be rejected
Isaiah 53:3
Matthew 27:20-25; Mark 15:8-14; Luke 23:18-23; John 19:14,15
The Messiah will be killed
Isaiah 53:5-9
Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:46; John 19:30
The Messiah will be silent in front of his accusers
Isaiah 53:7
Matthew 26:62,63 and 27:12-14
The Messiah will be buried with the rich
Isaiah 53:9
Matthew 27:59,60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:52,53; John 19:38-42
The Messiah will be crucified with criminals
Isaiah 53:12
Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27; Luke 23:32,33
The Messiah is part of the new and everlasting covenant
Isaiah 55:3-4 and Jeremiah 31:31-34
Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6-13
The Messiah will be our intercessor (intervene for us and plead on our behalf)
Isaiah 59:16
Hebrews 9:15
The Messiah has two missions
Isaiah 61:1-3 (first mission ends at “. . . year of the LORD’s favor”)
First mission: Luke 4:16-21; Second mission: to be fulfilled at the end of the world
The Messiah will come at a specific time
Daniel 9:25-26
Galatians 4:4 and Ephesians 1:10
The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:1 and Luke 2:4-7
The Messiah will enter Jerusalem riding a donkey
Zechariah 9:9
Matthew 21:1-11
The Messiah will be sold for 30 pieces of silver
Zechariah 11:12,13
Matthew 26:15 with Matthew 27:3-10
The Messiah will forsaken by His disciples
Zechariah 13:7
Matthew 26:31,56
The Messiah will enter the Temple with authority
Malachi 3:1
Matthew 21:12 and Luke 19:45

The predictive prophecies of the Bible are one of the proofs of its claim to be the Word of God. These things were written so that we might believe. God is soverign in his universe and each of our days are numbered. There is a time for everything and being aware of Him can give us a glimpse of the eternal even in our own lives.

Zechariah - A Call to Repentance

This book of the Old Testament is among the most profound and of great importance in view of the times and circumstances in which it was written. Zechariah's message is not only only important for its Messianic predictions, fot also for the apocalyptic and eschatological predictions regarding the ultimate destruction of Israel's enemies and the glory to come in the Millennial Kingdom. The theme of the book centers around the Messiah's work of redemption and Israel's future restoration.

Introduction

After the Babylonian captivity the Jewish people longed for their liberation. In 536 B.C. they got their wish and a group was allowed to return to Jerusalem. It was after their return that Zechariah received his prophecy. He gives the exact date in verse 1: "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius. In 538 B.C. King Cyrus of Persia, having defeated the Babylonian Empire [539 B.C.], issued an unprecedented decree allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem. Zechariah, along with his contemporary Haggai, was among the 50,000 Israelites (Ezra 2:64-65) who returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel, who became governor, and Joshua, the high priest. Work started on the temple for a couple of years, but was stopped when the Samaritans appealed to Cyrus and his son, Cambyses. For the next 16 years no work was done on the temple. Instead, the people began to focus on building luxurious homes for themselves and their spiritual committment waned. In the meantime, Cyrus died and his son committed suicide. This left a power vaccum and led to many revolts. Eventually, Darius I crushed the revolts and restored peace to Persia under his leadership. Darius found the original decree of Cyrus and gave permission to the Jews to resume reconstruction of their temple. In 520 B.C. Haggai and Zechariah urged the people to finish the task of rebuilding (Ezra 5:1-2; Hag. 1:1).

Indictment

Zechariah began with a review of God's past anger: "The Lord hath been sorely displeased [literally, angry or furious, full of wrath] with your fathers". (1:2) God was furious with the returnees' forefathers because they had rebelled against his covenant and relationship with Him, rejected the prophets' messages to repent, and refused to stop their idolatrous practices. Yet, God was now ready to turn from His anger and comfort this remnant of the Jewish people. Zechariah was a messenger of grace. In verse 3 we read: "Therefore, say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, Turn unto me, saith the Lord of Hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts." The threefold repetition of God's name, "Lord of Hosts" gives authority to the message. This urgent invitation required and expected an immediate response. The Hebrew word for "turn" or "return" conveys the same concept of the Greek word "repent". The condition of receiving divine blessing was not just to start building; but, was a call for a "return to Him" - not just to His law, or his His ways; but, to the LORD himself. This is a covenant relationship. If you will do this, then "I will return to you".

Conclusion

Zechariah's message is an ageless truth. What does God want of us? The same thing he had with Adam and Even in the garden before the fall. He wants relationship with his children. If we seek him, God will reward those who diligently seek him. Zechariah makes the point: (1) Repentance must always come before blessing; and (2) Change must follow repentance. God gives people time to repent. But, when that time passes, there will come a day of judgment. Let us heed the words of Zechariah and confess our sins. When we repent and turn to seek God then our blessing from the restoration of that relationship allows the power of God's Holy Spirit to begin to work in lives.

Winter

"Thou hast fixed all the bounds of the earth; thou hast made summer and winter."
Psalms 74:17

The winter months are rapidly approaching. In cities and towns across the nation temperatures have begun to drop. Here in St. Louis we have had our first dusting of snow on December 1. Many of you will have the opportunity to enjoy the poetry and beauty - and the needed respites - of the ice and snow of this special season.

Have you ever noticed that ice floats? Why? Virtually every material substance contracts when it cools. As it gets warmer, the molecules increase their vibrational energy and require more room: the substance therefore expands as it warms. And, conversely, it contracts as it cools. Materials decrease in volume as they get colder. Water is the astonishing exception. It expands when it freezes into a solid. Why does water violate this general rule? Why does water expand when freezing? The water molecule is a (not-so-simple) combination of two atoms of hydrogen bonded to one of oxygen. Yet this particular combination possesses an amazing array of unique characteristics that distinguish it from any other material known! The Freezing Process Although almost all materials decrease in volume as they get colder, water has an astonishing characteristic. As it drops toward its freezing point of 0oC (32o F), its volume also reduces until it reaches 4oC, after which it actually increases. In a pond or lake, for example, this "inverse convection" has the salutary effect of bringing oxygen dissolved at the surface down to the lower depths for use by fish and other organisms. This process continues until the entire area has reached 4oC. As the water cools below this temperature, it dramatically increases in volume, making it lighter than the water below. This ultimately causes the top layer to freeze, which then actually acts as an insulation layer against the very low temperature of the air above. If water did not have this strange property, the entire pond or lake would freeze solid and fish and other living creatures would be killed. This expansion can have disastrous effects on uninsulated water pipes in winter. However, this expansion effect has essential functions in nature. The rain or dew penetrates the soil, and when it freezes, the soil is shattered into small particles, breaking up the hard earth into suitable conditions in which seeds can germinate.

Why This Exceptional Behavior? This strange behavior derives from the unusual bonding relationship between the two hydrogen atoms and the one oxygen atom that make up a molecule of water, H2O. The oxygen atom strongly attracts the single electrons of the two hydrogen atoms, leaving the two positively charged hydrogen nuclei rather free to attract other negative atoms. This attracts the oxygen molecules in other water molecules to form rather large, but loosely coupled, frameworks. These atoms are not in a straight line, however, and the hydrogen atoms are bent toward each other, forming an unsymmetrical three-dimensional structure. The angle formed between the two hydrogen and the central oxygen atom is 104.5o, almost precisely that of a hexagonal tetrahedron shape (109.5o), so it can take up this shape (slightly warped three-dimensionally) with little stress on the bonds. Opposite the hydrogen atoms, the clouds of resulting negative electrification attract the hydrogen nucleus of an adjacent water molecule to form what is called a hydrogen bond - the key to water's peculiar behavior. These tenacious hydrogen bond frameworks give water many astonishing characteristics, including anomalously high values for viscosity, surface tension, and the temperature and heats of melting and boiling. This results in its ubiquitous role as a solvent, its remarkable thermal properties, its surface tension and capillary action, and virtually innumerable chemical properties that are essential for life. One would expect that these unique properties would make it a very rare molecule, produced only with great difficulty under laboratory conditions. The reality is, of course, quite the opposite: it is the most prevalent material on the planet, covering three-fourths of its surface, diffused extensively in the atmosphere, and - to the surprise of geologists - also found at astonishing depths in the earth. That such a unique substance should be in such abundance is in contradiction to any expectation of random chance alone. Snow Water vapor is a clear gas, which, as it cools under normal conditions, condenses and forms into water droplets. At high altitudes, water vapor can cool to below freezing, but in the absence of an impurity such as dust, around which it can collect, it will remain in this state. When ice crystals form, the molecules of water arrange themselves in a specific pattern that is determined by the tetrahedral shape of the molecule in the frozen state described above. As further molecules join those already frozen, they give up their high latent heat of freezing, and melt the adjacent molecules, which reform to a shape dependent upon the local conditions of air temperature, wind currents, humidity, etc. Each snowflake pattern is unique to itself, but is always based upon the hexagonal bonding pattern of the ice crystals familiar to us all. Snow also has a constructive role in the ecological cycle. It filters dust out of the air, absorbs nitrogen which then enters the soil, and acts as an insulating blanket to the plants and roots in the ground. The difference in temperature between the air and the ground covered by two feet of snow can be as much as 40oC. When snow melts, it requires considerable heat to effect this, and therefore melts slowly, lowering the rate of melt water and reducing the flooding that could occur if the latent heat of freezing were lower. In addition to all these unique properties, snow also has the added ability of reflecting all the colors of the spectrum to yield pure white.

Is it no small wonder that we often find ourselves in awe of the sheer beauty of a layer of freshly fallen snow? May the tell-tale signs of winter throughout the coming months serve to remind you of the wonderful works of our Lord.

Genesis 8: 22 says:

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease."

So it is that if you don't like winter, you just need to step back and appreciate the wonder of God's creation. Winter will not be going away until the earth is no more!