Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus, the One who knows the end from the beginning. He knew you before He formed you in the womb. He knew everything you would be facing today. Nothing catches Him by surprise. When Adam and Eve faced the trouble brought by Satan, God already knew what He would do—He spoke to the adversary.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
—Genesis 3:15
At that moment, the Father spoke out the first prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus, who would defeat the adversary of mankind! Jesus would bruise (overwhelm) Satan’s head (leadership) on the earth, causing the Kingdom of God to flourish upon it. This gave Adam, Eve and all mankind a promise that would restore everlasting life. In doing so, hope entered the world, and mankind could look forward to good in his future.
Bible Prophecy always points you to something good when you understand its purpose. The Father continues, throughout His Word, to use prophets to tell of what’s coming—especially the coming of our Lord Jesus, the Savior.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel, His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” —Micah 5:2
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6
Let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him. —Ps. 72:11
The Virgin Mary did give birth to our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem. The hope of a devout remnant of Jews came to pass. Many in Israel had become blinded to the Father’s love and had forgotten the details of the promises made to them. This left them in a religion of works steeped in the traditions of men.
The Father’s prophecies are full of details. He makes it easy for us to determine the times in which we live. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Simeon was one of the remnant: “He was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.”(Luke 2:25). His devotion and relationship with the Holy Spirit allowed him to know the signs of the times.
Simeon, because of his devotion, knew the Scriptures and was waiting on the comfort of Israel, the One who would give them peace: The Messiah, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), whose birth we celebrate this time of year at Christmas.
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” —Luke 21:36
Jesus reflects on Simeon’s character at His first coming, which should exemplify our character at His next: just, devout, and holy people unto the Lord. Like Simeon, we should be waiting and looking for that coming, and keeping our relationship with the Lord continually throughout all our days!
Simeon saw the Father’s promise come to pass, and so will you if you know and believe the Scriptures. Many prophecies of the Scripture have been fulfilled, which allows us to understand that the Bible is true because of their fulfillment. However, there are still prophecies coming to pass today that will bring about the culmination of the fulfillment of all Scripture.
But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. —Revelation 10:7
Everything God has declared through His prophets shall finally be fulfilled. All the mysteries of God will be revealed to all mankind, and this will be the day of the wrath of the Lamb. But to you, brothers and sisters, the Father has made these mysteries known to you now through His Word and Spirit so that you may not fear.
And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’” —Luke 8:10
This Christmas, as we reflect on the first coming of Jesus, let’s remember that His first arrival parallels His next. We want to be included in those who are faithful and devoted to the Kingdom of God. We do not want to be part of a people who have made a religion out of His Word, which clouds the prophecies and promises of His very nature. Religion will hinder your relationship with the living Word, Jesus, and from recognizing the signs of the times and the hour of your visitation from Emmanuel, God with us.
Michelle and I pray that you have a joyous Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for all you do for this ministry of Jesus. Your giving and prayers are coveted and appreciated. We have much to look forward to in 2020! If you are not already a monthly financial partner, please consider becoming one, at any amount, for the coming year.
Until next time, Merry Christmas, and remember,
Jesus is coming soon!
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