December 1, 2008

They Should Have Known
Isaiah 59:2 (HCSB) But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have made Him hide [His] face from you so that He does not listen.
Isaiah 53:6 (HCSB) We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 9:2 (HCSB) The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (HCSB) 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.


As we think of the fragrances of Christmas, one we don’t always think about is the smell of the attic. The scent of storage. The old, musty, “what in the world died in here” kind of smell. The prophets and prophecies are sometimes relegated to that dusty dingy place in the attic of our Biblical library. Yes, we say they are important, but we will just keep them stored for future use.
But they are crucial! As we read the words of the prophets and we look back in hindsight, we exclaim, “They should have known!” Hindsight is always 20/20. That is to say, it is easier to see the truth when we are looking from the future to the past.
The old, musty, truths of the prophets tell us much. God knew that the people of this earth were in need of a savior. He prepared for that. He was planning to send the savior. He would be the light!

Questions for Discussion:
Do you have any memories associated with an attic or storage place?
What do you think of when you think of the prophets?
Why do you think they did not figure out Who Jesus was?

Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for sending your prophets to tell people about the coming Savior. Thank you for being true to your Word! Amen.

Song:
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”