A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

2. In the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Old Testament is history written in advance ; what occurred in the life of Jesus was foretold centuries before in the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures (cf. Isa. 44.6-8 – Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. [7] Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. [8] Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”

Isa. 42.9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isa. 48.5 I declared them to you from of old, before they came to pass I announced them to you, lest you should say, “My idol did them, my carved image Rev. 19.6-10 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; [8] it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” – for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. [9] And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” [10] Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. and my metal image commanded them.”

IV. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

How can a fresh understanding of Messianic prophecy restore hope and expectation to our personal lives and ministries?

A. Connection to your life and spiritual growth

1. What role should a study of Messianic prophecy play in your own spiritual growth and development? Why is an understanding of this critical for the developing disciple of Christ?

2. What are some of the reasons usually given for not attending to the vast number of texts on the promised Messiah? Are these reasons credible or not?

3. Of the three critical modes that Paul says remain in this age (faith, hope, and love), what role should hope play in

our Christian vision ? What is the relationship of meditating on Messianic prophecy and feeding a life-giving hope of the future?