“To the Old Testament belongs more fear, just as to the New Testament more delight; nevertheless in the Old Testament the New lies hid, and in the New Testament the Old is exposed.” Augustine
The history of man is that God created him, formed a woman-companion from him and for him, and provided a way for the man and the woman to return to God when they rejected Him in sin.
God was clear from the beginning that He would send a Way–the Messiah–to allow rebellious people to return to Him. And the Messiah’s kingdom would last forever.
The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until he to whom it belongs shall come
and the obedience of the nations shall be his. Genesis 49:10, NIV
Israel had big ideas about what that kingdom would look like and what kind of king would garner the obedience of the nations.
Christ was born into a world of darkness and oppression. Israel’s big ideas at this time included a king who would free them from Rome. In their thinking, such a king would not be of humble birth. But prophecy said otherwise.
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times. Micah 5:2, NIV
Seven hundred years before Christ was born, Micah prophesied that the King would be born in Bethlehem.
But which Bethlehem? There were two towns of that name in Christ’s time. The Old Testament foretold Bethlehem, Ephrathah, the Bethlehem that was King David’s home town. The smaller, more obscure town.
The Creator-God came in the most humble of ways–born, not only in a small town, but in a dwelling place for animals.
Throughout Christ’s earthly life, some would reject Him because of his modest beginning. Many wrote Him off as “just the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55).
A question for us today: How often do we expect Him to be who He is not?
He is the same as He was in Micah’s day. The same since Creation. But not always what we expect.
He came through a humble birth, grew with a small-town upbringing, died on a tortuous cross, and walked with His followers outside an empty tomb. Nothing like what Israel expected.
Today, we find Him where we look for Him in spirit and in truth. We find Him when we are willing to let Him surprise us. We find Him in the New Testament and the Old.
Seek Him today.
Nancy, how thrilling to see the prophesies fulfilled. I like your conclusion, “Today, we find Him where we look for Him in spirit and in truth. We find Him when we are willing to let Him surprise us. We find Him in the New Testament and the Old.”
The fulfillment of prophecy is thrilling, indeed. Thanks, Deb. God bless!
A beautiful portrayal of the proofs and truths of Messiah Jesus’ birth! Well written, Nancy!
Thank you, Melinda. God bless!
Awesome reminder to seek Him on His terms, not mine. And don’t be surprised by surprises!
Thank you, Barb. God bless!
It always amazes me that Jesus wasn’t recognized as the Messiah when he came since his life completely fulfilled all of the prophesies about him. I wouldn’t be surprised if his return is the same. We will look for him in one way, and he will show up in a way we never expected.
I’m expecting that to be the case, and I’ve adjusted my preconceived notions somewhat. But we can never underestimate God’s ability to surprise us. My notions are adjusted, but my different set of expectations could be just as skewed. Trusting Him without expectation (except for ultimate good) is perhaps one of His goals for us. Thanks, TR. God bless!
Yes!
I’m teaching a Bible study of the gospel of Matthew now, and the title/theme is “The Unexpected King.”
God delights to work in unexpected ways . . . and He gets all the glory for it!
Amen! When things don’t go as we expect, the workings of God’s hand are more clear. Thanks, Ava. God bless!
Nancy, Loved this. Always love seeing the Old Testament combined and fulfilled in the New.
Thank you, Sylvia. God bless!
Great post Nancy. I love how Jesus is hidden in the pages of the Old Testament and how the New Testament reveals them. There is so much to discover throughout as we seek God within the pages. Thanks for sharing
I love the prophecy and fulfillment too, Yvonne. Thanks and God bless!
Amen. Seek Him today and everyday. In all moments, seek Him.
Amen, Melissa. Thanks and God bless!
God says that His ways are higher than our ways. He had a plan in sending Jesus as a plain person who blended in with society in the way He looked, but stood out in the way He acted. He showed us what God was like. He showed us how we are supposed to live. Thanks for sharing, Nancy!
I love that comment–that Jesus blended in and stood out! Thanks, Barbara, and God bless!
It’s wonderful to look back at the prophecies and see they have been fulfilled, and that we can find mention of Jesus throughout the OT. Beautiful!
It certainly shows that God had a plan and knew how it would unfold before it did. Thanks, Jessica. God bless!
Nancy, thank you for including the Old Testament and New in this wonderful post. I love this thought-provoking question: “ A question for us today: How often do we expect Him to be who He is not?”
Thank you, Jeannie. He surprises us all at some point. God bless!
“How often do we expect Him to be who He is not?” What fresh insight and powerful reflection. It’s sad when others see Jesus as only a man, “the carpenter’s son.” Still, I must evaluate my heart and decide in what ways am I expecting His kingship in my life that is not in line with spirit and truth.
That’s exactly what all of us must do. I look at the lives of people around me. I wonder at their “good fortune” or their suffering. God uses circumstances to shape our souls. But some are in the slippery places of Psalm 73. They enjoy the prosperity of the wicked. Others have unexplainable pain that makes some bitter and some better. God’s kingship is always, as you say. in line with spirit and truth. It’s we whose vision of Him is askew. Thanks, Karen, and God bless!