NT authors saw history as prophecy
NT authors saw history as prophecy [∞]
- ▸ ± Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Which of the OT books were written by prophets? This is a trick question. Jesus said all the scriptures spoke of him, therefore, all of the books are prophecy. Prophecy was written ‘in diverse manners’ not merely when a man said “Thus sayeth the Lord”!
The story of Judah and Tamar in Gen 38 was examined previously in “Gen 38 as Luke would read it”. This story was written by Joseph after he was reconciled with his family. Joseph had a dream that one day his parents and siblings would be ruled by him, and the story tells how that dream came true.
The dream itself was a prophecy concerning Joseph, but it was recorded because it was a prophecy of Christ. The history of how Joseph’s dream came true was not only a historical account, but a prophecy of Christ.
Because it speaks of Christ, other historical events which speak of Christ, often look similar. David was the youngest son who became king and ruled over his parents and brothers.
In both cases, the one who was the least of the seed (brothers) became great. This is beginning to sound like the parable of the Mustard seed. The same story is told repeatedly so that there is no mistaking God’s intention.
When Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree, what was notable about him? He was little of stature. This is very similar to the least of the seed. His name means pure, but he was chief tax collector. We can’t serve God and money, and so he represents the purity of Christ, and our sin which he bore. He is hanging in a tree, representative of the cross.
In this literal history, the element of being least is combined with other prophetic elements to make a living prophecy of Christ on the cross. Jesus went to dinner with him to finish the picture. Can you find which dinner Jesus goes to when he comes off the cross?
