I am concluding this advent series on the Promised Messiah with a guest post written by my husband, Keith.
Scripture Meditation: Leviticus 26:11-12; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23
Promises, promises, promises... the word ‘promise’ originated from the Latin word promissum meaning ‘something promised’. In the Oxford dictionary as a noun it is “a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen”. As a verb it is to “assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that something will happen.” Or it is to “give good grounds for expecting (a particular occurrence or situation)”. As an adjective it describes the subject which in our series is the promised Messiah. As we have held up the “diamond” can you see these definitions in the refractions over this past month?
So what is the origin of of this “promised Messiah”? This promise that has shaped and effected the human race from the beginning of time to the present and will continue to do so into the future. We again must go back to Genesis - the beginning.
Gen 1:26: “Then God said, ‘let us make man in our image, after our likeness...” vs. 27 “so God created man in His own image in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Jump to Gen 2:25b “and the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” So what are we seeing here? We are seeing human relationships where there is nothing hidden and there is no shame - perfect relationship. This was also the case between man and God - perfect relationship. We were naked before God and were unashamed. Selah (rest here, ponder that thought).
The following is the origin of the promised Messiah. Gen 3:1: “Now the serpent was more crafty...He said to the woman, “Did God really say...” Gen 3:6-10: “...she took the fruit and ate...and he ate. Then their eyes were opened and they knew they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves...and made loincloths...and they heard the sound of the LORD God...and they hid themselves.” Gen 3:14-15: “then God said to the serpent...I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Selah. We lost that perfect relationship with our Creator but as proper discipline should be, we feel the pain of our choice but we hear our Creator, God, Father say “I promise I will make this right again” Lev 26:11-12.
Reread the Old Testament (or the past posts) and see all the declarations and assurances of God doing, giving and arranging, undertaking to declare something will happen, Isaiah 7:14. Then read the New Testament and see this thing that has happened, Matt 1:22-23. This promise was fulfilled! However; the promise continues. Look at John 2:19 and see Jesus saying “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”. On the cross Jesus cried out “It is finished” the veil between God and us was ripped in two. We have been made right with God again through the work of Jesus. Look at Matt 28:6 where the angels announce “He is not here, for he has risen...” Once again we see a God who fulfills his promises.
So as we reflect on this time of year where we celebrate God fulfilling His promise, let us think on this fact, that in some sense we are still waiting for the completion of His promise. Look at John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Even though we have the Spirit in us we do not have the physical presence of Jesus walking among us, but as we walk this journey of life let us reflect and remember the promises fulfilled so that it gives us assurance that one day the God who has called us will fulfill his promise of “I will make this right again” and we will live with him where there is no more sin, no more evil, no more separation. We will be back to nakedness without shame in the presence of our Creator, the promised Messiah. “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me...” Rev 22:12. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev 22:20. I want to encourage you to read Rev 21 and 22 as I leave you with this closing from 22:21, “the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
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