LONGSHOT

14MAR24

“3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned —every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 52:8 (ESV)

When first diving into this text, it would appear that this is something that was taken directly out of the New Testament, but it gives us great joy to know that this was written over 600 years before Jesus was born. This is only one instance of Old Testament prophecy, but Isaiah gives us a beautiful image of the coming Messiah years before he walked the earth. He was despised and rejected, he was pierced for our transgressions, and his sacrifice brought us peace. Even still we stray like sheep, focused on our own ways, but Jesus took the iniquity of us all.

I am not sure about you but when I dive into Old Testament prophecy it fills me with joy. When you see words that are said in the Old Testament change into actions fulfilled in the New Testament, you realize our God does not work in coincidence. Prophecies fulfilled help to grow our faith and belief of scripture. Crack open the Old Testament and read some prophecy if you want a boost in your walk with the Lord today. The entirety of the Bible is about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and once you discover this fact you will be on the best scavenger hunt of your life into the Living Word of our God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your word that you have given us. Thank you for giving us a Living Word that gives us all the answers to anything life may throw our way. Thank you for fulfilling prophecy and showing us Your plan is always at work. Lord develop in me a love for Your word and a heart that desires to study and know you better. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.