July 27 - A Sure Word of Prophecy

 Read today’s texts first: Isaiah 50-52; Psalms 92; 2 Peter 1

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God’s prophecies are history recorded in advance!

It is no coincidence that our NT reading explains the significance of biblical prophecy, setting up the incredible promises of the coming Messiah recorded in Isaiah: And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (1:19). That Morning Star he refers to is none other than Jesus, the most remarkable hero of history (Rev. 22:16). He is remarkable because He fulfilled over 300 minutely detailed prophecies written centuries before He arrived on planet earth. But what is even more remarkable is the unpredictability of these predictions.

Isaiah is addressing nations who pride themselves in their power. They puff themselves up, posturing like peacocks trying to intimidate each other. But God puts them in their place with His promises: Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: The law will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way (51:4,5a).

What is startling is the Promised One who will bring salvation to our world. Everyone expects a powerful leader, a great military strategist, the conquering hero. Instead, what is promised is a type of antihero, not because He is flawed, but because He comes as the suffering servant, the Saviour who lays down His life. His apparent defeat foils everyone, including His arch enemy, Satan, and his demonic hordes.

Isaiah, in describing himself, reaches ahead in time (a common element in biblical prophecy) with a description of Jesus: I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting (50:6). We know these are messianic predictions because they applied to Jesus at His crucifixion, not to Isaiah (like the descriptions from the psalmist in Ps. 22).

Then, Isaiah sets up one of the most detailed descriptions of the suffering Saviour, chapter 53 (tomorrow’s reading) with this preamble: See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness (52:13,14). 

“Lord, this description of Your death, written 700 years before it happens, convinces me of two things. First, the Bible is undoubtedly Your Word and I love it! Second, what You did for me was the greatest act of love imaginable and I love You!”