Prophecy & Hope

Kenneth Boa writes in his book, Jesus in the Bible, “Believe it or not, Christ permeates the Scriptures. He is the living Word (John 1:1) of whom the written Word speaks constantly. Everywhere we read, we find hints, glimpses, foreshadowings, veiled references, graphic pictures, whispered allusions, and prophetic mentions of Jesus. He moves through all the pages of the Bible, not just in the Gospels or in the apostles’ epistles. Look carefully, and you will see Him again and again in the poets and prophets.”—Kenneth Boa, ix

As we think about Advent, of the coming of Jesus, we follow the liturgical calendar. This Advent calendar ranges in its topics and expressions, but at the heart of celebrating the Advent season is remembering one of the most remarkable accounts in the Bible and human history: the birth of Jesus Messiah.

Many of you have observed Advent for decades. Others, perhaps, have only recently witnessed Advent. Regardless of where you are, whether you have observed Advent for 50 years or 1, it should always cause you to stand in awe at the plan of the Triune God and the grace and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On this first Sunday we celebrate the Candle of Prophecy & Hope. We have observed the many signs and pictures of various truths of God this morning. In a moment, we will observe the Lord’s Supper. While these, that is, Christmas and the Lord’s Supper.

First, the Lord’s Supper is what Christmas is about. The prophecies of Christ all point to his comings, both the first, celebrated during this season, and the second, of which no man knows the time.

The prophecies are found sprinkled throughout, and the prophecies provided hope for the people of Israel, and ultimately, the people of earth. While there are many prophecies which are worthy of our time, we will focus on the prophecy of the Passover, because it is of the Passover that speaks of both the death of Jesus (assuming His birth) as well as the return of Jesus (providing hope).

In Exodus 12:1-15, we read about the establishment of the Passover. In this passage several aspects deserve our attention.

First, if you observe 12:1-11 we see that the Lamb for the sacrifice needed to be perfect. The Scriptures demonstrate the perfection of Jesus Messiah, who “knew no sin,” according to Paul in 2 Cor. 5:21, or as Peter would describe, “the just” in 1 Pet. 2:18. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God (John 1:29).

Second, if you examine 12:6 and 13, blood was the requirement for deliverance from the “plague,” or the angel of death. Blood is a key theme that runs throughout the Word of God, coming slightly on the scene in Gen. 3:21, typified in all of the sacrifices of the Old Testament, and pointing to the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God. The author of Hebrews reminds us, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (He. 9:22) The sin that separated Adam and Eve from God, the sin that demanded death and eternal damnation, is the same sin that all of the sons and daughters of Adam have until the blood is applied. The Messiah’s suffering-induced blood, foretold in Isaiah 53, is fulfilled on that cross at Calvary.

Has the blood been applied to your heart? Have you, in utter desperation called out to the Lord to save you?

Third, if you look at 12:14, you will see that this Passover would be a “memorial.” More than a simple memory, the children of Israel were to reenact this incredible night. Each year the nation of Israel would observe this night and remember the Lord’s incredible deliverance of them.

Likewise, as we anticipate the Lord’s Supper, would you recall to your minds the Lord’s words? “Do this in remembrance of me.” Paul then commands believers, “For everything you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:25-26)

Prophecy is a key aspect of the Holy Scripture. But prophecy is not simply a foretelling of events yet to come. It serves a purpose. At times, prophecy was meant to encourage. Take, for example, the prophecy given by God to Abram (Gen. 15:12-16). God plainly told Abram of the coming enslavement to the Egyptians. God also told Abram that “I will execute judgment on the nation that they will serve.” This prophecy provided hope and endurance. Other prophecy is meant to warn. Many of Jeremiah’s prophecies were a means to call the people of Judah to repentance and trust in God alone. They promised certain judgment if Judah failed to return to God.

The prophetic message of the Passover and the Lord’s Supper also provide both hope and warning.

For the present we have hope and a warning. Hope, because if we eat and drink in a manner worthy we partake of Jesus Christ in a mysterious way. Warning because if we observe communion in an unworthy manner we face judgment.

For the future, we remember the Lord’s death and anticipate His return. We look forward to the day that, just as Jesus came in the first advent, He will return in the second. Though this second advent will not witness the suffering Servant. Rather, we will welcome the sovereign Savior.

Likewise, if you do not know Christ as your Savior, or if you are in a state that is not conducive to partaking of the Lord’s Supper, a warning is offered to you. Just as the blood had to be applied to the doorposts of the house for salvation, Christ’s blood has to be applied to your sin. It is not enough that your parents, or grandparents, or great grandparents were saved. It matters not how long you have attended or how much money you have given. What matters is if the Lord has saved you.

Make sure, then, that you are eating and drinking in a manner worthy, and look to this prophetic utterance behind the Lord’s Supper for hope for the present and the future.