Old Testament reading: Isaiah 49-50
There are three obvious Messianic references in today’s reading, all of them noteworthy, but one is often overlooked. The first is in Isaiah 49:6 we see Israel pictured as “a light to the Gentiles.” Simeon quoted this verse when Joseph and Mary presented Jesus in the temple in Luke 2:52. The second is found immediately following, in verses 7-8. Speaking of “Him whom man despises” (cf Isa 53:3), and “Him, whom the nation abhors,” this one would be the object of the respect of kings and the worship of princes. Continuing, Isaiah speaks of “an acceptable time” and “the day of salvation.” This text is quoted by Paul in Corinthians 6:2 as he pleads with those brethren that they may not “receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor 6:1). This verse is often cited concerning the urgency of the invitation offered at the end of a sermon. However, the context teaches us that the time of acceptance and the day of salvation refer to the gospel age, the Christian dispensation. Finally, In Isaiah 50:6, we find a prophecy concerning the suffering of Jesus: “I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide my face from shame and spitting.” We are familiar with the first and last part of this verse, as these indignities are recorded in the New Testament. Though the plucking of Jesus’ beard is not recorded in the New Testament, it nonetheless was a reality in the life of our Lord.
New Testament reading: Matthew 1-4
Even the Lamb of God had some “black sheep” in His family tree. We should never allow our ancestry to hinder us from being what God intends us to be. Both sides of my family had a long history in my hometown. At the beginning of each year of junior high and high school, I knew how my year would go with each teacher based upon the family member with whom I was associated. A year could be good or bad based on my family history. Sometimes, I started the year “behind the eight ball” before I ever had a chance to prove myself. A little study into the lives of many of Jesus’ ancestors will reveal some rather unsavory characters. As Jesus should not be judged based in his ancestry, so also should we let each man stand (or fall) on his own merit.
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