Reading: We’ve all been there – when we’re about to step into the batter’s box, and the third base coach gets our attention. He’s about to give an important sign. Suddenly you begin racking your brain to make sure you remember all the signs your team uses for different plays. He may be telling you to lay down a bunt, take a pitch, or perform a hit and run. The sign he gives is going to change what is about to happen on the field. The other team may not know it yet, but you do.

Peter goes on in chapter one to talk about the words of prophets throughout scripture. Prophecies are what God is telling man about future events. God used prophets in the Old Testament to tell of the things to come – his plan for the rest of mankind and the coming Savior.

2 Peter 1:19 says this about prophecy: “you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place..”. Most of us have seen a coach’s reaction to a player who misses a sign. God has given us these signs in scripture for a specific purpose – for us and his glory. 

For example, your team will never have a sign that tells you to strikeout or let the opposing team tag you out on the base-paths. A coach gives you a sign to help your team win! God doesn’t want us to miss his signs and his words so you can grow and his name is praised. Each sign is unique and important. They’re so important that Jesus wanted to make sure we were paying attention. Throughout scripture you may see Jesus begin a verse with the words, “very truly I tell you” or just “very truly.” Like in John 6:47, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” As believers in Christ, we need to pay attention and listen! 2 Peter 1:21 says, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The prophets listened to the Holy Spirit, and all of the prophecies that pointed to Jesus give us hope and reassurement. 

God never fails on his promises. We can rely on these passages to lean into God’s perfect nature and give ourselves over to God all the more - putting our faith more and more in him.

Reflection: Finish the table of some prophecies about Jesus (see the Old Testament prophecy and the New Testament fulfillment; answers are at the bottom of the next page):

Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a _____________; Zechariah 11:12, Matthew 21:4-5

Messiah would be praised by _________________; Psalm 8:2, Matthew 21:16

Messiah would be _____________; Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13, Luke 22:47-48, Matthew 26:14-16

Messiah’s betrayal money would be used to buy a ________; Zechariah 11:12-13, Matthew 27:9-10

Messiah would be falsely _______________; Psalm 35:11, Mark 14:57-58

Messiah would be _______________ before his accusers; Isaiah 53:7, Mark 15:4-5

Messiah would be ____________ upon and ______________; Isaiah 50:6, Matthew 26:67

Messiah would be ______________ without cause; Psalm 35:19, Psalm 69:4, John 15:24-25

Messiah would be _______________ with criminals; Isaiah 53:12, Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27-28

Messiah would be given _______________ to drink; Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, John 19:28-30

Prayer Prompt: God — your prophetic word is amazing! What a generous Father you are to give us such a gift. It is remarkable to know that you promise us so many great things, and always keep your promises. Lord, help me to trust in these promises. Let me learn more about your character and who you are through your promises. Give me the faith to trust and believe more and more in your Word. Give me a heart that desires to know your Word and spend time in it daily. Help me to recognize the true gift of scripture and its importance in my life. Thank you, Jesus, for suffering for my sins. Thank you for the love you show me daily, and the love we read of in Isaiah 53. You are so good and so worthy of giving up everything for!