Foundations Dec 31, 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ezekiel 46-48 and 1 John 1-2

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 9:7 (NIV); Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

The prophesies of Isaiah, the faithfulness of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the birth of John the Baptist, the submission of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the humility of the shepherds, the acclamation of the angels, the quest of the wise men, the patience of Simeon, and the devotion of Anna – all coalesced together in the perfect plan of God the Father. The baby in the manger held such promise, though what it was and how it would be fulfilled was a mystery to those present. The birth of Christ was a day in the life of these key players. It is spectacular to us who know the outcome of the Child’s life, but how could they have known who it was they saw before their very eyes? How could they know that they were key players in the Redemption they and their ancestors had been awaiting for centuries? Yet they were faithful and now, 2000 years later we rejoice at the promises of God fulfilled in and through them!

Jesus was a Baby in a manger, He was a Man on a cross, and He now sits exalted to the highest place at the right hand of the Father. He looks forward to when the rest of Isaiah’s prophecy will be fulfilled – when He will establish His government and eternal Kingdom on the earth, when He will return to His people and live among them forever!

PRAYER and MEDITATION

1.       What are some incredible things that God revealed to you throughout this Christmas season? Spend some time giving praise to God for these truths.

2.       Were you faithful in the commitments you made throughout the month to bless others and share God’s truth with them? If not, ask Him to help you to be faithful in this.

3.        Meditate on the rest of the Isaiah 9:7 prophecy. How can you prepare for this time? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you an urgency for the things of His heart as we come nearer to the time of Jesus’ return.