Daily Reflections, Thursday, December 27, 2007

Today's Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

Think about how Mary and Joseph felt as they left the temple that day. The priest recognized Mary’s child for whom He really was. That event had to bring exhilaration to their souls. And yet they had been given a prophecy. The baby Mary held so tightly right now would one day be pierced. And in that piercing, her very soul would be pierced.

The Jewish people knew the ancient prophecies. Ones like, "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet." Psalms 22:16 or "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." Zechariah 12:10.

But they expected a Messiah who would save them from their oppression. They chaffed under the authority and experienced terrible cruelty and beatings and crucifixions. They lived in poverty and paid high taxes.

And yet, they needed the salvation of their souls more than the salvation of their bodies from Rome. It would take some time for everyone to understand.

Today's Quote:  I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need. —C.H. Spurgeon