Predictions.
Sometimes cause and effect are simple to predict.
In today’s economy, conditions exist that may or may not have been foreseen.
Shortages, higher prices, worker scarcity, and many other inconveniences are being
felt in society. Blame is like a bouncing ball, from COVID, to political parties, to
overseas markets, and to war. The fix for these problems doesn’t seem to be readily
available. Who knows where it will end and if things will return to a relative degree of
normalcy?
Biblical predictions are plentiful. Prophecies and promises that were fulfilled
number in the thousands. In my mind, the accuracy and fulfillment of these prophecies
and promises instill confidence in the Scriptures. We can believe what is said because
of how it came to pass.
Good Friday and Easter are only a few weeks away. These events were foretold
in prophecy many years before they occurred. Jesus even told his disciples directly
several times of what was going to happen.
In one instance he asked them who people were saying he was. They listed
John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet. He asked them who they
thought he was. He then told them he would suffer and be killed in Jerusalem but he
would rise the third day.
The disciples accompanied Jesus through Galilee as he taught and did miracles.
He again predicted what would happen to him. He said he would be betrayed and
killed, but he would be raised again the third day.
On another journey to Jerusalem, he told them of betrayal. He said he would be
condemned to death with mocking, scourging, and crucifixion. As before, he said he
would rise again the third day.
Finally, as Jesus kept the passover with his disciples, he cited a prophecy about
the shepherd being smitten and the sheep scattered. He added, “But after I am risen
again, I will go before you…”
I suppose it is human nature to to focus on the negative news. Moreover, bad
things happening to good people is difficult to reconcile. Yet the promise of resurrection was stated clearly and finally. Each time Jesus foretold his death, he mentioned his resurrection.
When the persecution unfolded as he predicted, the disciples were devastated.
The stark reality of his death faced them when they saw him crucified on the cross. His
dead body laid in a tomb seemed so final. They felt their hope and joy were gone.
The promise of rising again the third day was apparently forgotten by his
followers. An opposing group recalled his words and asked the Roman governor for a
guard to be placed at the tomb. He told them, “Make it as sure as you can.” This
effort at security did not stop the sure fulfillment of the promise.
Resurrection.
The reality of his resurrection was hard for the disciples to grasp. They heard he
was alive and struggled to believe it. Then they encountered him for themselves. The
resurrection opened a whole new realm of wonder and power for them through his
name and Spirit. The promise of resurrection was an anchor of hope for them as it is
now for believers.
That’s a prediction we can have faith in and hold on to.