O Israel, hope in the Lord! – Psalm 130:7
From the first pronouncement of the Gospel, after Adam and Eve were deceived in the Garden, the people of God have looked for a Savior (Genesis 3:15; Luke 2:25). The promised Messiah was spoken of and given many names in the Old Testament. In a recent article, Dr. Henry Morris of the Institute for Creation Research has focused on one… the Branch of the Lord.
In Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, prophecies of the Messiah present Him as a branch, a king, and a servant (Isaiah 11:1; Zechariah 3:8; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12). Much had been taught about the coming of the Messiah, and many in Israel were waiting for Him. Simeon met Mary and Joseph in the temple as they brought Jesus to be presented to the Lord (Luke 2:27-32). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that this Child was God’s gift of salvation for His people.
Today’s passage emphasizes that hope comes from the Lord. Verse seven uses the word “redemption” to reference payment for sin… the reason for Christ’s coming. “Plentiful redemption” is a full and complete redemption for the iniquities of all. Simeon understood that.
Now that Christ has come and redeemed you from the wrath of God for your sin – He paid the full price in your place – you can be steadfast in your hope in the Lord and His plans for you. The Messiah has come. Pray for those who have yet to believe. Hope in the Lord! His promises are sure. The life to come will be eternal, with Him in all His glory.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 130:7
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Peter 1:3-11
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
