He Whom The Prophets Foretold

In the previous devotion, we learned about the very first Messianic prophecy. The word Messiah is the Hebrew word “mashiach.” You may be more familiar with the Anglican version of “Christ.” Both translate as “anointed one.” This is a title for that special descendent of Eve prophesied to restore the broken relationship between God and man.

Throughout the Old Testament, God offers humanity glimpses of this anointed one through His Prophets. What was his mission? How would the people recognize him? What would He say and do? These were not vague oracles or horoscopes. One of the unique aspects of Messianic prophecies is their incredible complexity. The odds of fulfilling just one are astronomical. For example, the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and live in Egypt, but also in Nazareth. He would be born of a virgin, ride into Jerusalem on a young donkey as the common folk proclaimed him their messiah, and he would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. He would be a man like Moses, a member of the tribe of Judah and a descendant of King David. The circumstances of his suffering and death are prophesied with such overwhelming detail that there is only one human to ever live that can possibly fit the pattern: Jesus of Nazareth.

Both Christian and Jewish theologians agree that 73 key Old Testament prophecies are 100% Messianic in nature. Mathematician Peter Stoner explained in his book, “Science Speaks” that the odds of one first-century man fulfilling just eight Messianic prophecies is 1 in 1017 (1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000). He then calculated one man fulfilling 48 Messianic prophecies. Those odds are a mind-boggling 1 in 10157! The New Testament references Jesus of Nazareth fulfilling all 73 Messianic prophecies.

Only God can do this! It is a validation of the Bible and that Jesus of Nazareth is our long-promised Messiah. In ancient times, God revealed this hope through His Prophets, and for us living today, their fulfillments are confirmation. What a glorious tapestry God has weaved across time and Scripture for those who believe in the Name of Jesus! What a powerful testimony to those who have yet to believe!

Amen.