Here is the revelation that is shaping my life today – faith is not built on prophetic fulfillment but exploration can be peeked that leads to introduction.
John 19:23-24 NLT
[23] When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. [24] So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.” So that is what they did.
Psalm 22:18 NLT
[18] They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.
Observation
When prophecy is fulfilled you have to ask the question – was it arranged? Did those who were involved in the fulfillment aware of the prophecy and acted deliberately to fulfill it? If the answer is no, then it is miraculous fulfillment.
The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies that were written hundreds of years before Jesus arrives on the scene. The extent of the prophecies, the vast timeline in which they were spoken, and the accuracy of their fulfillment testifies that Jesus is no ordinary man. He stands alone in the pages of history as one who had the most prophecies recorded about him and the one who fulfills them. Jesus did not set about fulfilling them, you can’t fulfill your birth prophecy when you had not yet arrived on the scene.
So what? On one hand, I agree, so what! But on another, it is a sign that demands investigation. The evidence of fulfilled prophecy will never move you into a relationship with Jesus, that is the work of Jesus himself through his Spirit, but evidence that support Jesus claim to be God’s son, our rescuer, redeemer, restorer, may well open us to the presence of Holy Spirit to introduce us to Jesus. So here we see Roman guards who know nothing of Jewish prophecy being the instruments of fulfillment.
Application
Evidence has a place in the story and truth of Jesus but it will never replace the saving work of the Spirit in my life.
I do not believe because I investigated, I believe because I met Jesus.
Response
Thank you for evidence, and thank you that it is no the foundation for faith. Thank you that your personal invitation to knowing you is the foundation of faith in you. Thank you that you gave me this introduction.
Meditation
Meditation truth – Jesus came as was promised.
Consider:
How powerful is the evidence supporting Jesus’ claims critical in your faith?
Have you met personally the one who fulfilled the prophecies?
JOURNEY DEEPER
