Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world

Christian Meditations – A Chris Hansen Column

December 14, 2007

Historical Evidence For The Virgin Birth Of Jesus Christ? – A Series Part 4

Christ Hansen

Five hundred years before Christ, Jeremiah prophesied that God would make a new covenant or agreement with His people.  The author who wrote to the Hebrew Christians explained it this way:
"For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.  But God found fault with the people and said:  (Hebrews 8:7-8) (quoting this ancient prophecy in Jeremiah 31:31.)  "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.  It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt."  The old covenant required God's people to keep 613 regulations!  These regulations required a special priestly class to make sure each regulation was followed.  Now, Jesus is our priest.  Now we obey two regulations: love God and love your neighbor.  And best of all, our sins are permanently paid for!  Under both old and new covenants, worshipers must take the initiative to come to the high priest.  Take the initiative.  Come to Jesus your personal and eternal high priest.

When Jesus ate his final meal with His disciples, He fulfilled a prophecy in Psalm 50:5.  "Gather to me my consecrated ones who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
Just how was this prophecy fulfilled?  Luke 22:20 tells us part of the story.  "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you," Jesus told His disciples.  Luke 22:28 tells us the rest of the fulfillment: "You are those," Jesus continued, "who stood by me in my trials.  And I confer on you a kingdom just as my Father conferred one on me."  We can also gather to Him.  We too can make a covenant with Him by sacrifice."  He certainly is worthy of our small sacrifices, small when compared to His life of sacrifice!

Jeremiah lived five hundred years after the legendary king David, and five hundred years before Jesus Christ, Messiah.  Things looked very bad for Israel.  Babylon loomed on the horizon.  Jeremiah's ministry was unpopular.  In the midst of all this he prophesied: (Jeremiah 23:5) 
"The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will raise up to David a Righteous Branch, a King who will reign  wisely and do what is just and right in the land.  In His days, Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety.  This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness."  When Jesus came at last, the Jews were confused because they expected this King to rule justly right away.  They did not realize that Isaiah chapter 53 had to be fulfilled first!  There is always suffering before the crown!  Revelation 3:21 makes this very promise.  Only when we overcome first, then and only then may we expect to reign over the universe at His side.  Are you willing to suffer with Him?  Are you willing to patiently wait for your crown?  Reigning over the universe at His side comes at a price!  Is it a price you are willing to pay?

Chris Hansen

chrishansen54@sbcglobal.net