Monday, June 3, 2019

Prophecy partly Fulfilled


Read Isaiah 61.

This chapter unfolds the actions of the coming Messiah and His restoration of believing Israel.  All three persons of the Trinity are present in the first verse: The Spirit, The Lord God, the Messiah.

According to Luke 4, Jesus attended the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath.  As Jesus to read the Scriptures that day from Isaiah 61:1-2a.  Of course, the chapter and verse numbers were added much later.  Something unusual took place as he read.  Even when He sat down, the people silently stared at Him.  Jesus broke the silence and said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

There can be absolutely no doubt that Jesus claimed to be the long awaited Messiah, the Son of God.  The people in Luke 4 clearly understood His claim and it angered them.

Note that Jesus did not read the entire passage but stopped in the middle of Isaiah's declarative statements.  This points to the fact that Jesus fulfilled verses 1-2a in His first coming and the rest would take place when He comes again.

There are seven statements of Messiah message and ministry.
1. In His first advent as Savior, He came to proclaim good news, to heal, and free people from their spiritual bondage.

2. In His second advent as King of Kings, He will take vengeance on the enemies of God and bring comfort and restoration to Israel.

God's purpose is that they will serve Him and minister to the rest of the world.  They will stand as God's chosen people.  "So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations." (v.11b).


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