| Let’s appreciate the preeminence of Jesus in … | |
| I. | creation (Col. 1:15-17) |
| II. | the church (Col. 1:18) |
| III. | reconciliation (Col. 1:19,20) |
Category: Messiah
Ezekiel 37
In the midst of their despair, the two halves of Ezekiel 37 contain:
- A vision of the restoration of the nation (37:1-14), and
- An enacted prophecy about the Messiah’s nation (37:15-28)!
- In the explanation of these things (Ezk.37:11-14), who were represented by the bones?
- Two sticks of Judah and Joseph demonstrating when all God’s people would be united in the Messiah’s nation!
- David, the second king of Israel (Acts 13:21,22), had died about 400 years before the time of Ezekiel (cf. Matt.1:17). So who then is the “one shepherd” described as “My servant David”(Ezk.37:24)?
- the “one shepherd” described as “My servant David” is David’s descendant, the Messiah(Acts 2:29-32)
What kind of covenant would be made?
- Ezek 37:26 “And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever.
- Col 1:20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Mary’s Song of Thanksgiving
When Mary found out that she was pregnant with God’s Son, her response is somewhat muted: “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” Mary appears to have had concerns about the matter, and it is not until after she visits her relative Elizabeth that her concerns are allayed and she is filled with joy and thanksgiving to the Lord for the great honour that is bestowed upon her: that she should carry the Messiah in her womb.
Mary’s song traces the same thread as the songs of Hannah and David before her, marvelling at the faithfulness of God towards those who serve Him; who exalts the humble and destroys the proud and those who are wise in their own estimation.