Prophecy 20: Isaiah 53:11

Daily Thoughts – December 24^th   

Prophecy 20: Isaiah 53:11

"After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities." - Isaiah 53:11
Isaiah 53:11 and cross references

Merry Christmas to my friends and family.  As most of you know I love Christian music, especially this time of year. One of my favorite Christmas songs though is; "Mary did you know"; by Mark Lowry. It has been sung by many artists in many different settings, but I was fortunate enough to see Michael English sing it at a Christmas concert last year. For those of you unfamiliar, here are few of the lyrics:

Mary did you know
that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new.
This child that you delivered
will soon deliver you.

What was going through Mary's mind as the day of her child's birth drew near? As any woman 9 months along in her pregnancy, she could not have been comfortable. I'm sure her back ached, the weight of a healthy strong baby bearing down on her small body during that 2-3 day journey to Bethlehem, riding atop a donkey. Her mother wasn't there to hold her hand and help her through it. No, Mary was not having a "good" time carrying the Savior of the world.

As any mother would be, she deeply loved the child before he was born. She probably had sung hymns and psalms to him over the past 9 months. But, she did have the knowledge of who she was carrying. So, were there moments of extreme sorrow and pain that she went through when she thought of these prophecies from Isaiah which describe his life and death? She couldn't have known to what extent he would have to go to save the world, but she knew in her heart that her son would die one day for the iniquities of all mankind.

Christmas is but a few days away. I truly hope that these last few weeks you have pondered these Messianic Prophecies leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ with the same wonder and awe that I do. 400 years, 500 years even 1000 years before his birth, the prophets were detailing his life as only God Almighty could through their pen. This child came for one purpose only and that was to die for our sins that we might have eternal life one day. As you celebrate Christmas with your family and loved ones over the next few days, don't focus only on His birth, but on His purpose. Be blessed, my friends.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 19: Isaiah 6:9-10

Daily Thoughts – December 23^rd   

Prophecy 19: Acts 1:11

"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." - Acts 1:11
Acts 1:11 and cross references

It shall come to pass that in the city of David, she will bring forth a son and call him Immanuel, meaning God is with us. Read the scripture Isaiah 7:1-15 to your children on Christmas morning followed up by the traditional reading of

Luke 2:1-7. In this way, you are sure to continue the teaching from generation to generation of the foretelling of the Messiah and His birth.

You have been exposed to nearly 20 prophecies about the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. I have shared with you Isaiah 9:6 which discusses the Immaculate Conception and birth, of which we celebrate on the 25th. Now I want to share with you a messianic prophecy regarding His second coming. I do this so that you are aware and busy preparing for this day.

All throughout the Old and New Testaments prophets have foretold of the second coming of the Messiah to redeem and then judge the world. Regarding the first coming of the Messiah, there was a matter of several hundred years between their prophecies and His birth. I have shown you how even after hundreds of years the Israelites and Jewish leadership did not recognize Him when He was born. I am concerned that over the last 2000 or so years we have forgotten who it is we are looking for.

To avoid this disconnect the second time, it is crucial that you continue to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. The stronger you become in your faith and understanding of His grace, the more familiar and prepared you will be upon His return. The knowledge you have gained over the last 4 weeks is a solid foundation to emphasize that Christ alone is the long-awaited Messiah. With the acceptance of this fact, we must then prepare for the next prophecies that remain unanswered and ensure we are ready when they too are fulfilled.

A very Blessed and Merry Christmas to all of you. May you find the peace of the Savior as Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherds on that cold night in Bethlehem. The night the angels cried and sang Halleluiah to the King.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 18: Isaiah 6:9-10

Daily Thoughts – December 22^nd   

Prophecy 18: Isaiah 6:9-10

"He said, "Go and tell this people:" 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." - Isaiah 6:9-10

Isaiah 6:9-10 and cross references

Word pictures confuse me most of the time. Lisa used to use word pictures frequently to get her point across in discussions. She was really good at it, drawing on topics she knew I would have an interest in like Baseball, Football or anything technical. How she could take an everyday discussion on parenting our children or dealing with our finances or improving our communication and turn it into a parable that got her point across in a way that I could relate too. The problem is that they are only effective the first time they're used. Each subsequent time that a similar word picture or parable is used it tends to fall short of making the point for one reason or another.

The prophecy from Isaiah 6:9-10 reflects on God's directions after Isaiah stepped forward to serve God. God's direct command, "GO..." calls Isaiah out to a service for the most Holy. He is to prepare the people of Israel for the Messiah who will come preaching and teaching in manners that are not understood by man. In order that the people draw closer to the Messiah for answers to life’s questions. In turn, this allows them to be healed by Him.

Christ comes into His ministry filled with parables and stories to make His point. How many times have you read the story of the fig tree in Luke 13 and scratched your head as to the meaning? Or the parable in Luke 18 about the rich man regarding the camel going through the eye of a needle? Christ's parables are a way for His pupils and His followers to continue striving to learn more, rather than to quickly understand based on their own knowledge. For us today, these parables contain the same strengths. They draw us to Christ so that we may learn about His ministry and His message for the masses. In turn we are capable of then sharing that information with the people we come into contact with.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 17: Isaiah 49:6

Daily Thoughts – December 21^st

Prophecy 17: Isaiah 49:6

"He [the Lord] says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant, to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." - Isaiah 49:6

Isaiah 49:6 and cross references

Do we need the Messiah today? Look around and ask yourself if you have it all under control. As we near the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, we should be reflecting on how this significant event; which literally split the calendar and brought hope to the nation of Israel; is alive in each of us. So what hope does he provide to the 21st century? We face issues of divisiveness, political unrest, global warming, perceived injustices, debates over absolute truth and morality, and a waning interest in the biblical truths. A recent study was done that showed in the late 1960s that 65% of Americans were Bible-believing Christians. Looking at the next generation (baby-boomers) it showed that only 35% of Americans profess themselves as Bible-believing Christians, and the following generation (busters) only 16%. Looking at the millennial and the gen-z generations, the predictions are that less than 5% will be Bible-believing Christians. Many would say that they believe in Jesus Christ, but that most religions are equally relevant in finding eternal salvation. So we need to reflect on what has changed in the last 50 years that has driven this decline in Christian beliefs?

The Messiah came to provide salvation for all man-kind, the tribes of Israel as well as the Gentiles. The prophecies we have observed over the last 3 weeks have all pointed to one individual, God's Messiah as the means to salvation. This foundational truth straight from the scriptures was critical for the people in Israel at the time of Isaiah's writing no more so than it is critical for us today.

All throughout the New Testament, we find examples of Jesus Christ preaching God's message to the masses. He was not segregating the Jewish brethren from the Gentiles. His miracles were upon the lepers, the Romans, the Samaritans as well as the Jewish. He forgave the sins of people from every walk of life and even broke bread with sinners and tax collectors. As prophesied in Isaiah 49 - the Messiah will be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Paul the apostle references this once again in Acts 13:47 in his dialogue with the Jewish leaders and converts.

This is our mission as well my brothers and sisters in Christ. We have a generation all around us in need of hearing the truths from the bible. Take this Christmas season to share God's plan of salvation with those around you, and with those in your network. Be blessed as you spread His news.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 16: Jeremiah 23:5-6

Daily Thoughts – December 20^th

Prophecy 16: Jeremiah 23:5-6

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." - Jeremiah 23:5-6

Jeremiah 23:5-6 and cross references

I have noticed that we tend to put individuals on pedestals. We flock around them to hear their words of wisdom and learn from their actions. We watch and trust that they have our best interests in mind when they make decisions. We allow ourselves to become wrapped up in their lives and influenced by their choices; good or bad. This is very much like the Israelites in the days of Jeremiah. They were trusting in their leadership rather than on God. This had taken them from great power under King David to near ruins through the unjust and unrighteous behavior of the Kings and rulers of the time.

In this prophecy we see God taking the leadership of Israel into His own hands. Through the voice of Jeremiah, he strengthens His promise of a Messiah coming from the seed of David. The Messiah will come in the future as a righteous branch from David's line. A branch starts as a humble bud from the original and grows over time to become strong, sturdy and resilient. It is also over time that fruit will begin to blossom and seeds will be spread widely.

Recognize the scope of God's declaration is for all people, not just the Israelites. His appointed King will be just and righteous to all mankind. Declaring safety to Israel provided reassurance to His people that He was their protector, comforter and provider. The final statement of this prophecy though, secures their understanding that the Messiah would be God incarnate. Only God himself could provide justice and righteousness. So, for God to state that His Messiah would be the Lord Our Righteousness; He is stating to the people of that time that the Messiah would indeed be God himself.

This was also confirmed in Isaiah 7:14; "the virgin will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us)." As you celebrate Christmas, do not let this origin slip from your mind. The Messiah was brought forth from God directly to bring righteousness to all man-kind.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 15: Zechariah 9:9

Daily Thoughts – December 19^th

Prophecy 15: Zechariah 9:9

"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." - Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 and cross references

This is a direct prophecy of Christ's triumphant Palm Sunday entrance into Jerusalem. Israel had been without a king for nearly 500 years from the point that Zechariah wrote this prophecy. Within the prophecy to the church of Zion and Jerusalem God clearly communicates that a new King is coming and will be riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.

A few things to note:

1) God will once again provide a King for Israel after years of silence.

2) This King will be anointed by God and placed into power with salvation and righteousness

3) The king the people were desiring was of this world, and Christ is of future

Is it any wonder that the people lined the streets during that triumphant entry to lay palm branches before Him in an act of worshipping their new King. The rulers of the day certainly saw this act of homage to Christ and took insult from it, thereby fueling their anger and hatred towards him. So, thinking this through - the rulers (studied in the scriptures and prophecy) refuse to accept Him; yet the masses (traditionally less studied) follow the prophecy, recognize their new King and rejoice. Was God stimulating the excitement amongst the masses, and likewise stimulating the bitterness amongst the rulers?

Five hundred years pass between the prophecy and the fulfillment. The fulfillment once again was exact in nature and out of the control of the masses. God's planning was impeccable and on His schedule, not man's. We need to consider this as we think about future plans from the Creator.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 14: Psalm 69:8

Daily Thoughts – December 18^th

Prophecy 14: Psalm 69:8

"I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. "    - Psalm 69:8

Psalm 69:8 and cross references

Here again we find the psalmist David, writing the words of a sufferer, but certainly referencing the coming Messiah as well. Yesterday, I pointed out the fact that Christ was hated by the masses and authority in His last days. Today, I wanted to take this one step farther. We find references to Christ being refused by his family, disciples and those closest to him.

How can this be? How could the disciples - Matthew, Peter, John and the others turn away from the man they had walked and lived with for those years? We see this prophecy fulfilled in John 7:5 and John 1:11. Then there is the often-quoted scriptural reference to Peter denying Christ the night of His betrayal.

It really comes down to the motives and expectations of those around Christ at that time. Their history had told them that the King would come and re-establish Israel to its proper place of strength. It was not that they didn't believe in Christ, but that they couldn't comprehend His purpose and His true place in God's plan. His brothers questioned His role by trying to place Him in the public's eyes where he would gain popularity and rise to King. His disciples continued to underestimate the authenticity and power of the man they were walking with. We see other times them trying to steer him clear of the masses, even the children. They all left His side in the Garden of Gethsemane. After His death on the cross, they converged to hiding in the upper room, unsure, confused and wondering what to do next. How could their King be killed? He was the chosen one of God.

Were these actions intentional or contrived to fulfill the prophecy? Of course not. These were predicted a thousand years before His birth and fulfilled through His life and those around Him, to once again demonstrate from God the Father just who Jesus Christ was. So tell me then, with all of these examples why does man still ask this question?

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 13: Psalm 69:4

Daily Thoughts – December 17^th

Prophecy 13: Psalm 69:4

"Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal."  - Psalm 69:4

Psalm 69:4 and cross references

The psalmist David, wrote these words of himself. Yet, in reading them, we find the words of our Lord and Savior. Echoed in John 15:25, "They hated me without cause", and in 1 Peter 2:22, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.”  In the scriptures, the life of Jesus Christ is detailed as loving, helpful and merciful. His ministry lasted no more than 3 years. What we know of Him is that He taught those around him of God's love and peace. The world was in need of a Savior and had been waiting patiently for the arrival of the Messiah. So, needing him and wanting him, what were they afraid of when He arrived?

Have you ever considered why Christ was so hated by the people of Israel? He entered Jerusalem a week before His death. He rode a donkey into the city amidst cheers and praises of glory and hallelujah. Within a week the masses were screaming "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" In that week, Christ had healed the sick, forgiven the sinful, restored life and challenged the authority of Jerusalem. It was this authority that knew the scriptures, the signs and what to expect; but also felt threatened by Christ's message of salvation. As David writes in Psalm 69:4 - Christ is forced to restore what he did not steal. The salvation of mankind was upon his shoulders and his shoulders alone.

In the last 2000 years what has changed? There are more that hate Christ today than ever, and for what reason? His love of mankind or His merciful grace. He's done nothing against mankind that would cause hatred. Perhaps, it is similar to the authorities of that day. Christ does not meet the image that some people are looking for in a Savior or they feel convicted by His message, so they choose to deny him or hate him. Many simply don’t want to believe, because that means they would need to abide in His teachings and give up some of their worldly desires and activities.  The love of Christ is there for them though, just as it was for the masses and authorities in Jerusalem on that day.

Remember the most powerful apostle of Jesus Christ was Saul of Tarsus (also known as Paul). He hated Christ and Christians to the point of killing them, yet Christ's love and grace, once revealed to him, turned him into the most profound apostle of all time.  We are equally blessed as Paul was to have Christ’s salvation revealed to us, but are we as profound in spreading that message to the masses.  We should be.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 12: Isaiah 53:5

Daily Thoughts – December 16^th

Prophecy 12: Isaiah 53:5

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."         - Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53:5 and cross references

Have you seen the movie The Passion of the Christ? It represents the final 24 hours of Christ's life. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the tomb, concluding in the resurrection of my Savior. There are glimpses of His past filtered throughout the movie to reveal the miraculous grace and glory that He brought from the Father above. Most would agree though that the graphic depiction of the brutal scourging He received as punishment from Pontius Pilot was horrifying and grotesque. I've seen interviews with Mel Gibson and James Caviezel commenting that the reality of the beating was critical to the authenticity of the movie, and they wanted to get it perfect. Through enormous research they determined the weapons and tools that would have been used to inflict the punishment, and the movie is as real as it gets. If you have not seen the movie, my brief description will not do it justice, but imagine his back, sides, arms, and legs sliced deep with gashes in the flesh. Bone was visibly showing in many places, the blood pooling at his feet as he hung from shackles from the whipping stone in the center of the courtyard.

With this image in mind, can you understand Isaiah's prophecy foretelling of the Messiah's beatings? The Father above placed these words upon the lips of Isaiah 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Pontius Pilot executed the punishment which required his beating. Do you think Pontius Pilate was attempting to fulfill a prophecy in his decision?

The prison guards had to execute the punishment. Do you think they had knowledge of the prophecy from 700 years prior, and ensured to beat him beyond recognition to fulfill these prophecies?

After the beating, the people of Jerusalem demanded his crucifixion. Do you believe that the masses in Jerusalem conspired in order to fulfill the prophecy?

and finally, the centurion who thrust the spear into Christ's side as He hung on the cross. Is it possible that this Roman warrior was familiar enough with the ancient prophecies and did this in order to fulfill it?

The obvious answer to all of this are that these events happened by the hand of God's planning such that prophecies would be fulfilled by Jesus Christ alone. Accepting this, we now look to the results that are promised to us. So what does the prophecy say about why the Messiah would endure this scourging? "... for our transgressions...for our iniquities...brought us peace...we are healed." Jesus Christ came so that we would be forgiven, healed and receive peace from the Father, who was willing to let His own Son be crushed, beaten and killed. That is the most unbelievable love that could ever be shown, and it was given for you.

Knowing that God loves you this much there is nothing you can do to deserve it, but it is given regardless. This is what is known as grace, and it is available to all of you if you are only willing to accept it. The denial of His love and grace, means you are denying the very sacrifice He made and thereby denying the results provided by that sacrifice.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 11: Isaiah 35:5-6a

Daily Thoughts - December 15th 

Prophecy 11: Isaiah 35:5-6a

"Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy... "                  - Isaiah 35:5-6a

Do you believe in miracles?

Everyday activities that are taken for granted or explained away as coincidence or luck are actually miracles given from our heavenly Father. It's amazing to me how many miracles take place every single day. The birth of a new child, sickness' are healed, the lost are saved and the hungry are fed. Bills that couldn't be paid are suddenly somehow manageable. The gas gauge is below empty and there isn't a dollar or coin to be found in the car, yet there is enough gas to get home and back to the gas station the next day. A child slips and falls from the monkey bars landing on his back, yet there are no broken bones or internal damage. Christmas presents are unobtainable because of a lost job and someone leaves a bag of toys and a bicycle on the porch as a secret Santa. In your life think back and ask yourself where has God interjected His miraculous grace? Don't wave the little miracles off nonchalantly, look for them and thank God when they happen.

The preceding verse (Isaiah 35:3-4) describes how God will come with a vengeance and save His people. The prophecy in Isaiah 35:5-6 foretells that when God comes in the form of the Messiah, He will be bringing miracles along with salvation. Through-out the New Testament, we find numerous miracles performed by the one Jesus Christ, in the name of the Father. There were certainly those that performed magic in those days as there are today. Some would look upon Jesus as nothing more than a magician until he began restoring life, healing the blind and the deaf, curing leprosy and healing the lame. Also note that in each situation He gave the glory and honor to the originator of life. This is one thing that differentiated him from the magicians and wizards of the time.

When John the Baptist was in prison he sent some of his disciples to verify that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. In Luke 7:20-22 we see the men coming to Jesus, asking if He is the One or if there will be another. He sends back word to John "...the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is preached to the poor." This simple statement fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 35:5-6, and separates Jesus from the magicians of the day to all that heard and witnessed His miracles.

Jesus Christ came to open the eyes of the blind and open the ears of the deaf, such that they might hear His words of salvation and fully experience the glory of the Lord as intended by God's original design. Do not let the world's views blind your eyes or mute your ears from realizing His miracles in your daily life.

- Rich

Prophecy 10: Isaiah 61:1-2

Daily Thoughts – December 14^th

Prophecy 10: Isaiah 61:1-2

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God;... "           - Isaiah 61:1-2(a)

Isaiah 61:1-2 and cross references

This is an extremely powerful statement and prophecy to be fulfilled. I'm sure you have introduced yourself to someone in your life. Your introduction of yourself typically includes your name, perhaps where you work, what you do and references to relationships that might help the receiver to understand who you are. Perhaps something like this,

"Hi, my name is Rich Palmer. I work at Advanced Micro Devices in the Global Partners group on building strategic partnerships for business growth. You know my dad - Jim Palmer, from Tecumseh; he speaks highly of you."

In this prophecy, Isaiah is speaking on behalf of the Messiah, foretelling of who he will be, and what he will do in a manner that the audience clearly understood what was to come. The careful use of words gives us many points to think about.  1) "...the Lord has anointed me..." - Messiah means "Anointed One", so by making this statement Isaiah makes it clear that he is speaking on behalf of the Messiah in a prophetic manner.  2) "...preach good news to the poor." - Priests and Rabbis were anointed to represent the service to the Lord, claiming to preach classifies the Messiah in the same category as these teachers.  The difference, though, is that the good news is not just for the upper echelon but for the poor as well. The implication is that the current priests were not reaching those that needed it the most. 3) "...bind up the brokenhearted...release from darkness..." - the Messiah will come to heal the sins of the people once and for all. 4) "and the day of vengeance of our God;" - God's revenge for sin of all time will come at the second coming of the Messiah, so we have to be aware that this prophecy is actually split across multiple events in time.

Now, forward your calendar 700 years to Luke 4:16-21. Imagine the impact of standing in front of an audience of highly Priests, Rabbis, and influential leaders of law and religion and introducing yourself by reading this scripture from the ancient scrolls.  This is exactly what Jesus Christ did the very first time he was asked to preach in the synagogue.  At the conclusion of his reading of the word, he carefully rolls the scroll back into place and makes the most profound statement, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing", and thereby proclaiming that He had come to fulfill this prophecy.

Can you imagine the shock on the faces and the shouts of anger from those in attendance? I'm sure there were cries of "blasphemy, stone him"; "wait, isn't this Joseph the carpenter's son". They were blinded by their own knowledge at that time. Blinded to the point that they couldn't accept the claim made in their very presence. Put yourself in their shoes, could you have accepted it? Would you accept it if a man stood in the front of your church or synagogue this weekend and claimed the same? 

We are told that His return will be swift like a thief in the night and that His sheep will know Him. An introduction will not be necessary when He comes again.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 9: Malachi 3:1

Daily Thoughts – December 13^th

Prophecy 9: Malachi 3:1

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty." - Malachi 3:1

Malachi 3:1 and cross references

Have you ever found yourself wondering about the modern-day relevance of this verse? Up to this point we have looked at prophecies of the coming Messiah, but in this verse Malachi is telling us of Gods' Messenger, who will, in turn, make the way of the Lord. John the Baptist was questioned as being Elijah and even the Messiah by some. But Malachi makes it very clear, John the Baptist was "sent" by God for a very distinct purpose. A purpose of incredible honor, dignity and high calling. To prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.

Have you been asked to do the same? As we wait upon the Lord for His return one day, are we not challenged to prepare the way? We have heard of the virgins preparing for the bridegroom by keeping oil in their lamps, for the Lord could come at any moment. Do you have the urgency in your heart that John the Baptist had in his? Why was he so intent on preaching and convicting the wicked of that day? Could it be that as God's messenger he wanted nothing more than for every man, woman, and child to come to an understanding of the mercy and grace of the Holy Father?

You see I believe that this prophecy is more true today than it was in the year 625 BC. Read it slowly as it pertains to today's world....

"...I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me." - as the church of Jesus Christ, we are the messenger of the Lord. We are not here to bring forth the "fluffy - feel-good Christianity" but I propose we are sent by the Holy Spirit to speak the truth and prepare the world for His return. Just as John the Baptist preached the truth of righteousness in those days to the wicked in an attempt that they might turn from their ways, we should be focused on the same. Do not look upon the wicked with tolerance and acceptance, but speak out the truth of the Lord.

"...suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come..." - we know that Jesus Christ will return like a thief in the night, and man will not know the time, or day. We are asked to be ready so we will be found righteous on that day.

My friend this prophecy from Malachi (also referenced in Isaiah 40:3) was fulfilled in the man of John the Baptist. Sent by God to the land of Judah to preach in the wilderness of the coming Son of God. We can look back over time and see the events unfold, but we can also use this as a prophetic message for you and me today. Let this prophecy rest well in your heart as you wait upon the Lord's return - be busy doing the work of the Lord.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 8: Jeremiah 31:15

Daily Thoughts – December 11^th
 

Prophecy 8: Jeremiah 31:15

"This is what the LORD says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because her children are no more."
- Jeremiah 31:15

Jeremiah 31:15 and cross references

A prophecy of great mourning and lamentation. We are frequently hearing in the news the terrible tragedies of children being kidnapped, trafficked, abused, killed, or aborted.  When the life of a child is taken or is in jeopardy, there are commonly feelings of anger and often times a diminishing faith in God. I know, it raises anger in me even when I have no personal attachment to the affected families, how much more does it impact the parents and direct family members? 

If you have been in this same state of anguish, then you know exactly how the men and women of Israel were feeling in the mid 6th century B.C. Rachel was the wife of Jacob. They had two children together - Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph was believed to be killed when actually was sold into slavery by his brothers. Jacob spent years in grieving and mourning, refusing to be comforted over the apparent loss of his beloved Joseph. Rachel died in Bethlehem after the birth of her 2nd son, whom she named Ben-Oni (son of my sorrow). Jacob then changed his name to Benjamin (son of my right hand).

In Ramah (a biblical city outside of Jerusalem), there was much mourning during the reign of David. The Amalekites had taken the wives and children of David and his men. In 1 Samuel 30:3-4 we hear of "...David and his men weeping until they had no strength left to weep." His men threatened to stone him over the loss of their sons and daughters, blaming David and God for not protecting them. David sought God's counsel and with His approval pursued and destroyed the Amalekite army, retrieving all of the women and children who had been captured.

So when Jeremiah references the great mourning and weeping of Ramah and Rachel in this prophecy, he is foretelling of (Matthew 2:16-18) King Herod's annihilation of all the male children under two in Bethlehem after the birth of the Messiah. In Jeremiah 31:16-17 though Jeremiah gives the comfort of knowing that like in Ramah and with Joseph, the children will return one day to their own land. The children referenced in these verses refer to the Israel nation of course, not the reincarnation of the murdered children.

Many times there are atrocities that happen in this life. Things that make our stomachs turn, and anger well up inside of us. We must think back though on the words of our Lord, "your children will return to their own land." God has these children in the palm of His hand and is sovereign in all things. He will in due time bring all of us back together once again in His land with rejoicing, thanks to His Son who was killed unjustly for our transgressions.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 7: Isaiah 9:1-2

Daily Thoughts – December 10^th

Prophecy 7: Isaiah 9:1-2

"Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan- The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."       - Isaiah 9:1-2

Isaiah 9:1-2 and cross references

The first thing to consider, realize that the times leading up to Isaiah's prophecy in ch 9 were filled with some very desperate times for the people of Israel. The threat about the coming invasion from Assyria had the Israelites in fear and gloom. Especially those regions in the North - Zebulun, and Nephtali. A little biblical geography: Nephtali was north and Zebulun was west of the Sea of Galilee. Nazareth is also west of the Sea of Galilee, near Zebulun. The Jordan river extends from the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee to the northern shores of the Dead Sea along the eastern border of Israel.

This word of prophecy was comforting and encouraging to the people of Judea and Israel, especially for those in the north so close to the Assyria border. The prophecy gives them an encouraging word from God that there is a special blessing in their future. Their land will be "...honored...a light has dawned" by God personally through the Messiah. Following the Assyrian invasion, these people in the north will experience walking in darkness, and therefore they will experience the light first. This was interpreted by them to mean that the Messiah would dwell in their territory and bring the light of the Lord to them and bring an end to their despair and trials.

After his birth in Bethlehem, Joseph and his family eventually return to their home in Nazareth. Jesus spends the majority of his life in and around the Sea of Galilee. He lived in Nazareth and Capernaum and spent significant time during His 3-year ministry in Cana, Bethsaida, Tiberius, Beth Shean, Tabgha and Bethany. All of this fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 9:2 "living in the land of the shadow of death <Assyrian invasion from the north> a light <Messiah> has arrived"

In desperation, the Israelites of the 7th Century BC found comfort in knowing that God would provide a Messiah. How much more blessed are we to have seen these prophecies fulfilled and have seen God keep His promises. This gives us confidence that He will also keep His promises regarding our future.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Prophecy 6: Micah 5:2

Daily Thoughts – December 9^th

Prophecy 6: Micah 5:2

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." - Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 and cross references

Micah was one of the minor prophets in Judea in the mid to late 700 BC century. His prophecy regarding the birthplace of the Messiah was referenced over many generations as they awaited the arrival of the Messiah. There is more than one Bethlehem referenced in the Bible, but the reference to Bethlehem Ephrathah was directed toward the Bethlehem in Judea, 5 miles south of Jerusalem. I've been to this small village and to the Church of the Nativity, marking the spot where many believe Christ was born. Micah's prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 2:1 and is used by King Herod to identify the location of the Messiah's birth in Matthew 2:3-7.

In looking at this prophecy, I think it's important to break it into 3 questions: Who sent the Messiah?, Where did he come too?, and finally What did he come for?

First, Who sent the Messiah? To address this we must realize that Micah is speaking as a prophet of the Almighty God, and therefore the words are the words of God as captured by the man Micah. Keeping this in mind, read "...out of you will come for me...".  In this statement, God the Father is giving His approval and acknowledgment that His Son will come from Bethlehem, and by doing so, in essence, is sending His Son to be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah.

Second, Where did he come to? Of course, the scriptures are clear on this point. The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, but why? What was so special about Bethlehem that God would send His Son to be born in this little village? A little history lesson from my research on Bethlehem. Within this city were significant biblical events: Rachel dies while giving birth to Benjamin; the marriage of Ruth and Boaz was celebrated in the streets of Bethlehem and they were blessed with the fruitfulness of the Lord. This lead to the genealogy of David: Boaz - Obed - Jesse - David, and as we have studied up to this point the House of Judah, Stump of Jesse and Tent of David are all prophesied to the same Messiah. This alone justifies Bethlehem, but wait there's more. The word Bethlehem means "The House of Bread" and "The House of War". Jesus Christ came to become the bread of life for all mankind's nourishment, and yet at the same time declared war on the unrighteous and evil nature within man's soul. Finally, humility. Bethlehem was little among the thousands of cities in Judah. In the shadows of the mighty Jerusalem with its temple, polished stone, gold, and marble. Yet, Mary and Joseph travel from Nazareth in the North past Jerusalem another 5 miles to the small village of Bethlehem at the very moment she is to give birth. Coincidence? Do you think Caesar Augustus was trying to force this prophecy to come true by his own hand?  I think not. Only by God's hand influencing Caesar Augustus to decree that all men return to their home at that very time in history could align these specific events to fulfill the scripture. 

Finally, What did he come for? Micah clearly states that the Messiah will rule over Israel. A baby as the King of the Jews? This would be hard to accept for any from that time, Roman, Assyrian, Israelite or Gentile. Becoming a King was a process that required education, anointing and an appointment by the authority at that time. This would pose a threat to the current rulers of the day, and for years I am sure it caused them to keep a close eye on Bethlehem for one coming out of that city in prominence. How surprising to have the King of the Jews born in a stable and leaving the village on a donkey with no fanfare or celebration of his royalty.

Here again, we are drawn to the realization that Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem Ephrathah fulfills this prophecy from the mid-700BC century.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts