December 05, 2017
This post is part of a series of Christmas Devotionals by Dr. John Neihof, president of Wesley Biblical Seminary. You can find all of the devotionals by clicking here.
Scripture passages: Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 6:1-9, 9:6-7, John 1:29
Adam heard the voice of God pronounce a curse and a prophesy in the Garden of Eden. Adam describes Jesus as the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head.
Noah knew God’s call to build an ark. Noah describes Jesus as Judge of all the world, Deliverer and Savior of his family.
Abraham encountered God in holy covenant. Abraham testifies of a covenant-keeping God, the One who circumcised his heart by faith.
Jacob encountered God in a dream. He saw Him at the top of the ladder to heaven. He wrestled with Jesus at Jabbok’s Creekside. He found Jesus to be the God who perpetually pursued his heart.
Isaiah saw God in the smoke-filled temple, accompanied with incense, fire, and angels. He recognized Him as Triune God: “Holy, Holy, Holy!” Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ coming as Immanuel, Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, and a Light for the Gentiles.
Jeremiah prophesied Jesus’ coming as the Branch of David. He referred to Him as the Lord our Righteousness.
Daniel envisioned Jesus’ coming as Messiah, the stone hewn out of the mountain that would crush the kingdoms of the world.
Amos preached Jesus’ conquest over the former enemies of Israel, “and all nations that bear my name.” Micah envisioned the Messiah as the Shepherd-King, to be born in Bethlehem. Zecharaiah called the Christ of God “the man whose name is Branch… a priest on his throne, a fountain open to the house of David … to cleanse them from sin and impurity.”
John the Baptist identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
“Who are You, Jesus? You are my Savior, my Lord, and my soon coming King. Thank You for coming the first time. I await Your return.”