There are 35 prophecies in the Bible tagged as “Messianic” prophecies; prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, the Messiah. December is the time of ADVENT, the coming of the Messiah to earth to save humanity. So Messianic prophecies usually receive a lot of attention.
Please, take a moment and look over the 35 things about the Messiah that were predicted long before He came to earth. Five of these predictions were spoken 1,400 years before Jesus’ arrival in the manger; twelve were 1,000 years ahead of the stable; thirteen were 700 years before His birth; six were at least 500 years before Bethlehem.
Offspring Of Woman, Offspring Of Abraham, Offspring Of Jacob, King From Judah, Comes As A Prophet, Betrayed By Friend, Judas Replaced, Hated Without Cause, Falsely Accused, Hands And Feet Pierced, Mocked And Insulted, Given Gall And Vinegar, Divide His Garments, Not A Bone Broken, His Resurrection, His Ascension, Priest Like Melchizedek, Escape To Egypt, Heir To David’s Throne, Born In Bethlehem, Virgin Birth, Ministry In Galilee, Rejected By Jews, Silent When Accused, Struck And Spit On, Suffered For Others, Prayed For Enemies, Death With Sinners, Buried With Rich, Massacre Of Infants, Time Of Birth, Triumphal Entry, 30 Pieces Of Silver, Potter’s Field Bought With Silver, His Side Pierced.
Now, which 5 speak the loudest to you? All 35 are powerful; all 35 shout the greatness of God Almighty; all 35 affirm our faith as a Christian; all 35 are evidence to every unbeliever of the uniqueness of Christianity and all 35 confirm that the Bible is like no other book because it is from the Holy Spirit of God. However, different prophecies strike each person a little differently. So decide which 5 speak the loudest to you and circle them?
Now ask yourself WHY; why do those 5 shout the loudest to you?
Now ask yourself WHICH; which parts of the life of the Messiah do those 5 point to?
Now ask yourself WHAT; what parts of your life do those 5 prophecies touch?
Now ask yourself HOW; how will you allow those 5 prophecies to impact your life?
Now ask yourself WHO; with whom do you need to share these prophecies; with whom do you need to share this exercise; who needs the encouragement and strength that these 35 prophecies provide?
So GO NOW in the strength that the LORD has filled you with through the prophecies of the Messiah. And the next time you’re feeling weak, return to the 35 Messianic prophecies and let the LORD fill you once again with the power they provide. Have a blessed ADVENT. God bless.
Mike Sublett is a pastor at Hi-Land Christian Church, 1615 N. Banks St., Pampa, Texas 79065. Email him at pawdad@nts-online.net.
