Hello, dear ones.
My internal clock is still mixed up. I guess it has already hit the noon hour here in Missouri. But Molalla time is 10:04am.
I managed a little walk/jog this morning amidst a temperature of 23(F) degrees. It was a nice excursion. Now I better give some more attention to playing with the little kids. I think that’s part of the job description of being a grandpa.
Blessings on you, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing. Ray.
There really is an amazing volume of Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ that have been fulfilled. It is one of the hallmarks of Biblical revelation that leaves no room for accident. At the same time it’s important to note that some Biblical prophecies concerning Christ have not yet taken place. The story isn’t over yet. The point is that they “WILL TAKE PLACE”—guaranteed! In fact, what Jesus said about prophecies referring to Himself in particular can also be said about ALL divinely-inspired prophecies—all “WILL TAKE PLACE.” Period!
The fact is that there were even Biblical prophecies concerning Judas Iscariot—the betrayer. It’s concerning him that Jesus exclaims, “It would be far better for him if he had never been born!” That is indeed a heavy condemnation. But just a minute! Was Judas a worse “scum bag” sinner than all other humans? My opinion is, NO—not necessarily. I think he is simply representative of the NATURAL SIN NATURE—and played a vital role in the drama of redemption—bringing to a head everything contained in the Old Testament sacrificial system, confirming Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). And if we carry over what we established yesterday that Jesus is “the very hinge on which all human destiny turns,” can’t the same condemnation Jesus pronounced concerning Judas be legitimately said concerning anyone else who rejects Christ?—God’s one-and-only hope and salvation for mankind? Wouldn’t it be far better if they had never been born too? If I’m processing this information correctly, I have to painfully conclude, “…how miserable it will be” for them too. After all, “Whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJB). Furthermore, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son” (John 3:18, NIV).