The Word Made Flesh

Don Mehl, a good friend and dear brother in Christ (and a wonderful Bible teacher), shared something yesterday on a discussion forum relating to Israel and the Church. I'm copying it here because it not only blesses me, but it will help readers understand why we believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God, carefully pieced together by the Holy Spirit to give a complete picture of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The Messiah Prophecies


The following is from Zola Levitt Ministries. It's only an example of the Messiah prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. There are others, but this is a highlight and a good way of looking at them because the OT prophecies are lined up with NT fulfillment scriptures.

Born in Bethlehem:
Micah 5:2 .... fulfilled in Matthew 2:1-5

The Son of God:
Psalm 2:7 .... fulfilled in John 3:16-17

Of the tribe of Judah:
Genesis 49:10 .... fulfilled in Hebrews 7:14

Born of a virgin:
Isaiah 7:14 .... fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-22

A prophet like Moses:
Deuteronomy 18:15 .... fulfilled in John 7:15-17

The King of Israel:
Zechariah 9:9 .... fulfilled in John 12:12-15

Rejected:
Isaiah 53:3 .... fulfilled in John 1:11

Beaten:
Micah 5:1 .... fulfilled in Mark 15:19

Silent:
Isaiah 53:7 .... fulfilled in Matthew 27:1-2

Betrayed:
Psalm 41:9 .... fulfilled in Mark 14:17-20

Tried and Condemned:
Isaiah 53:8 .... fulfilled in Matthew 27:1-2

Crucified:
Psalm 22:18 .... fulfilled in John 19:23-24

His garments divided:
Psalm 22:18 .... fulfilled in John 19:23-24

Given vinegar and gall:
Psalm 69:21 .... fulfilled in John 19:28-29

His bones not broken:
Exodus 12:46 .... fulfilled in John 19:31-36

He is our Sacrifice:
Isaiah 53:5-6 .... fulfilled in 1 Peter 2:24-25

And raised from death!
Psalm 16:10 .... fulfilled in Luke 24:1-7, 47


Many of the OT prophecies came from different books, but when combined with the NT fulfillment Scriptures, it makes the Bible come together like a perfect puzzle.

Isn't it amazing? I am blown away by the prophetic precision! But, here's the deal … Jesus IS the Word of God made flesh. (John 1) He came to dwell among us, to offer Himself up as a pure sacrifice to atone for our sins, and lives today seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and me. Jesus IS the Word of God in the Old Testament AND the New Testament. If you take the Word of God and overlay it with a picture of the Messiah, you'll find they match exactly … the Word = Messiah; the Messiah = the Word. There is no mistake and it is NO coincidence!

I have a friend who was raised in the synagogue; she married a Jewish man but when she was confronted with the Messiah through a "strange" set of circumstances, she began her own search. (I emphasize "strange" because it was so obviously the hand of God leading her to these circumstances.) After not so many days of reading the Old Testament, then taking the plunge to read the New Testament, and going back once again to read the Old Testament, the truth became so obvious to her … Yeshua IS the Messiah. She accepted Him as her Lord and Savior and not long afterward, her husband did as well. (Her testimony is included in our new book Women of Passions: Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God which will be released this summer.)

He is there! His thumbprint is on every page of the Word of God, both OT and NT, even when His name isn't mentioned specifically. The Word of God … a picture of the Messiah. And, once we've seen Him, we've seen the Father since He (the Messiah) is the express image of His Father, the Lord God Almighty! (John 14:8-11)

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
hose who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

(Psalm 73:25-28 NIV)

Jan Ross