Read John 14:27-29

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

²⁸ “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

Big Idea: God always fulfills His word.

God uses prophecy to communicate His plans to people before the event occurs. Through prophecy we see that God is eternal, without time, declaring “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). Through it, we see God is faithful and trustworthy, always fulfilling His promises (Isaiah 55:10-11). With over 2,000 prophecies fulfilled already, studying prophecy builds our assurance that God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do.

Here are a just a few amazing prophecy fulfillments to read today. Study more at THIS LINK.

• 70 years in Babylon: In Jeremiah 25:11-12, God tells the prophet that the Israelites will be captive in Babylon for 70 years because of their sin, but after 70 years, He would bring them out. In Ezra 1:1-3, God moves the heart of the King of Persia and after 70 years in captivity, he decides to simply let them go.
• Virgin gives birth: In Isaiah 7:14, God tells the prophet that the Messiah will come from a virgin. This remarkable prophecy was fulfilled in Mary in Luke 1:26-38 because, “no word from God will ever fail” (v 37).
• The death and resurrection of Jesus: The prophets foretold in clear detail that the Messiah would suffer, die, and be raised to life (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Psalm 16:9-11). Furthermore, Jesus confirmed His death and resurrection many times before it happened (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31-32, John 12:23-33, John 2:18-22). Once accomplished, the fulfillment was witnessed by more than 500 people, many who gave their lives because of their witness (1 Corinthians 15:3-7, Acts 2:32-41, Acts 13:26-38, Acts 6:8-7:60).
• Israel returns as a nation: Even though the nation of Israel was scattered all over the world, God proclaimed in Ezekiel 37:1-14 that they would live again and become a nation in just 1 day (Isaiah 66:8). This prophecy was fulfilled in modern time on May 14,1948 when Israel was miraculously declared a nation (article link).

But what about the prophecies yet to be fulfilled? God promises that Jesus will return for His bride and we will dwell with Him forever (Revelations 1:1-8, Matthew 24, John 14:1-3, Luke 17:20-35, Revelation 22:6-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, Daniel 12, 2 Peter 3:3-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Zechariah 14:4-9). Just as Jesus fulfilled over 300 Messianic prophecies at His first coming, we can have full assurance that He will fulfill the promises of His second. So be encouraged and prepared as the day approaches!

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