A Look At Prophecy In The Gospel of Matthew
GOD WITH US
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Matthew connects Jesus to the First Covenant (Abraham) and the Second
Covenant (David).
Not if the Kingdom of Heaven is the focus of the Gospels rather than the
kingdom of the Evil One and Hell.
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TIDBITS GLEANED FROM MATTHEW CHAPTER ONE
The Holy Spirit's power includes the power of
impregnation
-- just as he has the power of creation.
Matthew 1:20-21: THE ANGEL SPEAKS IN A DIVINE PATTERN
We've seen it in all prophecy:
God's Hand "She will have a son..."
Man's Response "You shall name him Jesus..."
Prophetic Fulfillment "He will save his people from their sins..." **
**NOTE: "Saved from their sins," not saved from Rome,
Not some political statement,
Not saved from a punishment.
(This breaks the prophetic tradition.)
Matthew 1:22-23a: A PROPHECY FULFILLED
All of this fulfilled Isaiah 7:14, a prophecy against Ahaz and Israel for depending on Assyria rather than God. A poignant statement about the move of the forgiveness of sin from man (like under the law and other religious systems) to the Divine. And thus a prophecy to us not to depend on man but on God.
Matthew 1:23b: A PROPHECY UNFULFILLED
The "they shall call him.." was not fulfilled in Joseph's instructions. Neither was it fulfilled in Jesus' time. How blessed we are to know him as "God with us" in our day.
But how often do we call him Immanuel? How often do we live and fellowship as if he is with us?
Matthew 1:24: AND JOSEPH OBEYED GOD!
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Photo Credits:
Pregnant by Janine some rights reserved @flickr.com
Stone Tablet Prayer Offerings In Tibet by unknown
Immanuel03 by unknown
Stone Tablet Prayer Offerings In Tibet by unknown
Immanuel03 by unknown
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