Celebrate the Fulfillment
Scripture Reading — Luke 24:13-27
He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:27
Feel the pain. Hear the grace. These two things will help us get the most out of our Lenten journey through the minor prophets. But as we seek to unpack the prophets’ messages, we should also celebrate the fulfillment of those messages.
Many of us find the books of the minor prophets a bit difficult. The prophecies contain some obscure imagery, and there are historical references to nations and empires that don’t exist anymore.
What messages in these books can we apply to our lives today?
Many personal applications could be mentioned— all of which are connected to one overarching theme: every prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. All the judgments the prophets foretold were poured out on Jesus, who suffered and died in our place. And all the blessings the prophets described apply ultimately to the kingdom that Jesus will bring completely to a renewed creation.
Each of the prophets lived in a specific time and place. Each one also announced a message that was timely for the original audience. But it’s important to know that in those same books we can find passagespointing to the good news about Jesus, helping us to grow in our faith and life in him.
Lord, long before you sent Jesus into the world, you sent prophets who spoke about his coming. Use their messages to bring us closer to Jesus, we pray. In his name, Amen.
About the author — Peter Hoytema
Peter Hoytema has been a pastor for nearly 30 years and has served congregations in Ontario and New Jersey. He is currently the pastor of a congregation in Strathroy, Ontario. He is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary and San Francisco Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Grace, are the parents of four adult children.
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