The Jews divided the Hebrew canon (the Old Testament) into three parts, the Law, the Prophets and the Writings. This highlights the fact that a significant portion of the Old Testament is made up of prophecy. How does that fat slice of Scripture help us today? Does Old Testament prophecy do more than make for interesting reading about a distant culture to egg-headed theologians? Do those prophecies have any bearing on Christian life after Jesus fulfilled them in the New Testament? You may be surprised to learn that millennia-old prophecies have a connection to you today.
Generally, Old Testament prophets can be placed in one of two categories—early and late (or “former” and “latter”). While we frequently think of prophets predicting future events, the early ones did not have that as their focus. An interesting fact about the likes of Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Elijah and Elisha (early prophets) is that you won’t find their words recorded in the Bible. I don’t mean there were no spoken words recorded in Scripture. I mean you will find virtually no predictive prophecy spoken by these famous prophets. That is because the role of the early prophets was to call the people to repentance. These men tried to point the people back to their covenant relationship with God. Sadly, biblical history shows that their message failed and the people rejected God.
After repeated violation of the covenant, God “divorced” His bride, His chosen people. For God this was a breaking point, and it’s here that the late prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel enter the scene. Enormous portions of Scripture are dedicated to their prophecies. Why? Because these men predicted the judgment that was to come for the people’s failure to listen to the early prophets. They outlined the impending punishment for impenitent hearts, but they also prophesied about the deliverance that would follow.
One of the purposes of long-term prophecies was to remind later generations (the ones experiencing the judgment) that God was in control of all that was happening. Without predictive prophecies it would have appeared that other gods were more powerful than Yahweh. In one example, the exile of Israel by Babylon was one of the most violently disruptive events to happen to God’s people. Numerous Jews were executed and most of those that remained were dragged to a foreign land. On their enslaved march, they would be able to recall the prophecies and know that everything was going according to God’s plan. It is reminiscent of the quote from U.S. Marine, Chesty Puller, who said, “We’ve been looking for the enemy for some time now. We’ve finally found him. We’re surrounded. That simplifies things.”
So what’s the connection to you today? A look at ancient prophecies is a reminder that God has time laid out plainly before Him. He is not exclusively a God of past events. He is a God that controls the present and the future. You may not be under the hand of God’s judgment, but you may be experiencing difficult trials. Prophecies had the ability to provide assurance to exiles that their God was in control and that He promised deliverance on the other side of it. Every step of the march to exile was a reminder that God had His enemies right where He wanted them. You too can be assured that none of the details of your circumstance are a surprise to God and that He will provide deliverance in His perfect timing.
God called His shot through the prophets and He continues to do the same today in your life. A look at ancient prophecies is a reminder that everything is under control—God’s control. Note the definitive speech God used through Isaiah.
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” (Is. 46:9–10)
To remember the “things of old” is to be reminded that God’s hand will not be stayed. He will accomplish everything He intends in your life through the means that He has ordained. That purpose includes what He articulated in another place through Isaiah.
Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” (Is. 35:3–4)
Do you have an anxious heart? Remember the ancient promises and be strengthened! His past prophecies are today’s assurance. Even in your difficult march you can be assured that everything is going according to plan because He is a God of justice and deliverance.