FEBRUARY 21
MATTHEW 5:17_or the prophets…
Many prophets of the Old Testament knew persecution – first hand (go back to verse 12). The prophets were men and women God used to speak His words to His people.
To tell a true prophet from a false was simple enough. The true prophet’s prophesies always came true – exactly as God had given. If the prophesy was some type of judgment for disobedience, the result was persecution for the prophet. The power-people of the day resented someone telling them the truth of God’s Word. They were able to discern for themselves what was best – or they had people to do that. Their people were far more gifted and trained than people who called themselves prophets of God … or so they thought!
If the prophesy took decades, centuries, or millenniums to be fulfilled, the recognition of the true prophet could be discounted by the power-people.
Jesus taught from the writings of the prophets. He even taught about Himself – to those who had the heart and wisdom to understand.
Jesus is the balance between the prophesies of the Old Testament and the truths of the New Testament.
PRAYER
Great Balancer, Help me balance judgment and mercy in my life. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ is the Great Balancer—He will balance me!