Prophecy shows God’s plan. Isaiah lived 700 years before Jesus was born, but God revealed His plan for the Messiah to him. God had a plan from the time of the fall into sin. Genesis 3: 15 And I (God) will cause hostility between you (satan) and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.[1] Satan would try to harm Jesus, but Jesus overcame satan through His death and resurrection.
God Revealed This Plan Through the Prophets
How could people know God had a plan for them and their salvation? God used the prophets to reveal His plan. Amos 3: 6 When the ram’s horn blows a warning, shouldn’t the people be alarmed? Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has planned it? 7 Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants, the prophets. [2]
The prophets heard God’s message and then told the people. Some of the messages were of the Messiah to come. Some messages were a strategy to overcome enemy armies. Other messages were a call to return to relationship and obedience to God.
God Has the Power to Carry Out His Plan
Our sinful human nature wants to rebel against God and do our own thing instead of being obedient to God’s commands. We may deceive ourselves into thinking we have the power to carry out our plans.
Psalm 2: 1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” 4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. [3]
God gives a promise in verse 7 of the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 9: The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! [4] God can make this promise because He is the creator and all-powerful.
Still Waiting for Fulfillment
The first coming of Jesus fulfilled part of Isaiah 9:1-7. His Second Coming will fulfill the remainder. Why is this? God is outside of time while we are confined to time in this earthly life. Much of Biblical prophecy is like this. The unfulfilled part still gives us hope and encouragement in this sinful world.
Eventually, God will right all wrongs. There will be no more war. Jesus will be the ruler of power and peace and will govern honestly and justly. Now that’s something to look forward to! To learn how prophecy shows God’s plan, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/prophecy-of-messiah
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.