To Him all the prophets bear witness - Part 3

  To Him the prophets bear witness - Part 3

Acts 10: 43  " To Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name".

So now, that we looked at the reason for His coming, Let's (in the words of Julie Andrews in Sound of Music)  Let's go back to the beginning. Well,  His birth too was prophesied! 

This blog about his birth will be in 2 sections.  Let's just call it section A and B. 

Section A:

Throughout the Old Testament a number of barren ladies later on gave birth - and these persons became greatly used by God. Patriarch of the nation, priests, prophets, judges, etc. For a few of these ladies it was specifically mentioned that God opened their wombs! 

To borrow some words from Hebrews chapter 9:

"If the fruit of the womb of barren ladies turned into patriarch, prophets, priests and other great men of God, how much greater will the virgin's baby be.... The Messiah Himself!"   ( words borrowed from Hebrews 9: 13-14)

Sarah gave birth to Isaac        Genesis 15; 17; 18; 21.         

Rachel gave birth to Joseph    Genesis 30:1; Gen 30: 22-24

Hannah gave birth to Samuel   1 Samuel 1

Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist    Luke 1

Ruth (Okay this is a bit vague, but a possibility).  When Ruth was still married to Naomi's son, there is no mention made of any children.  But when she married Boaz she had a child Obed, who is the grandfather of David.    Ruth chapter 1 and 4;   Matthew 1: 5-6

and then Mary...  Matthew 1-2;  Luke 1.

Section B

The verses (which are often on our Christmas cards)  but some others too, which point to the birth of the Messiah, and things which will happen. 

The Star -- Numbers 24:17.   Revelation 22: 16

The Kings   --  Psalm 72: 10-11  (I think this prophecy will be doubly fulfilled later on, when all the nations' kings will render Him tribute.  Philippians 2....) 

Born in Bethlehem   -- Micah 5: 2- 4.    (Here is some great messages on the meaning of why our Messiah was born in Bethlehem....  (What Mary didn't know  and  The reason for the season )

Called our of Egypt  Hosea 11: 1; Matthew 2: 15

Born of a virgin -  Isaiah 7:14   (another great podcast to listen to:  A pregnant virgin? )

He is of Jesse's line Isaiah 11: 1; Matthew 1: 5- 6. 

To us a child is born  Isaiah 9:6. 

Enjoy reading and listening and worship your amazing God who wrote His redemption story before time began!

(Picture credit for all 3 pics: Pinterest). 

Laying aside the weights which so easily entangles us - to run free the race God gave us

 I wrote this some years back, and only now posting this.   Yes, the remarks and the people that gave them are forgiven, but sometimes a reminder pops us and it still sting. Just a reminder to forgive again.   Whether the remarks were made intentionally or unintentionally, it does not matter.   And I am posting this... because maybe you received remarks that stung, about something that you believed were what you were supposed to do, and stopped doing it. Forgive and give it over to God. Leave it in His Hands, and do what He called you to do. 

Laying aside the weights which so easily entangles us - to run free the race God gave us

So there was me

living my life

Doing what is right

What God placed on my heart

perhaps it looked different that your job

Remarks and comments came my way

I would take the punch and brush it off

but in defense learned to hide

learned to accommodate your ignorance

started to bother what others would say

I knew in my heart I did what was right 

perhaps I have tripped up and messed up at times

fell down and bruised my knee

we all do...

but more comments came

that hurt

comments that humiliated me

and I learned to worry what others say

but carried on what i need to do

but had this heavy burden to bear

that was never meant to be carried

tears cried in secret that was never meant to be cried

We all have different roles to play

we all have different places to go

we all can only do so much, and not more

It came to a point where I was not in a good space

because this burden of caring what others thought of me

was just too much.

I had to ask myself

what happened to the girl that said

"I don't care what it takes, I don't care what they say"

Where is she? 

and I let go of the burden

I could not carry it anymore

and I let it go

and now I am free

free to serve where God placed me to serve

and not to worry about your comments

your rotten tomato thrown in my face

God will help you understand your place, and my place

and we should not compare each other's places

just serve your God

with the purpose He gave you

Riana Odendaal

October 2019

Oh taste and see that the LORD is good

 Oh taste and see that the LORD is good

A story within a story

Real people living in real time

Living Writing Pointing

Yet what they do and don't do

Point to something Bigger    Someone Bigger than them

Like the aroma of spices drifting through the passages of time

Tells you of a curry cooking in the kitchen

Moses and the prophets

Spoke about and pointed to

The Redeemer,  The Messiah to come

Garlic, Ginger, caraway, cumin, and cardamom

Hearty pieces of beef, paprika, and bay leaf

all blended in the curry stew

A lone piece of star anise

sharing about the Morning Star to arise

Later on David and friends too

Following the promptings of the Master Chef

Added their salt and pepper of poetic prophecy

Pointing to the One with compassion and mercy

The aromas fuse together and fill the globe

Make sure to eat This Meaty Curry

with some John 6 Bread and Matthew 26 Wine

It will sustain you for life- eternal

and invite others too for this meal

so all can share in the joy of His grace

Joy of sins forgiven

For ever we will sing His Prise

L'chaim! - To Life!

Riana Odendaal (June 2023)

To Him the prophets bear witness - Part 2

 To Him the prophets bear witness (Part 2)

 Acts 10: 43  " To Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name".

So in the previous blog we looked at some of the prophecies relating to His death.  But Jesus did not stay in the grave.... and this too was foretold. Here are some prophecies to look at  concerning his resurrection! 

Psalm 16                          Acts  2: 22- 41

Psalm 118:17-24            John 20 ; 1 Peter 1: 3-9; 20-21; 1 Peter 2:4- 7         

  

Hosea 13:14                  1 Corinthians 15

Isaiah 53:10                   Romans 6:9

John 2:19-22; Matthew 26:61;  Revelation 21: 22; Matthew 28:6;   Luke 24: 5-7

Sign of Jonah:  Jonah 1: 7;  Matthew 16: 4; 21; Matthew 28:6

The woman with the issue of blood

 The Woman with the issue of blood

The Woman with the issue of blood

Unclean  outcast  unknown

Pushes past society's pharisaic looks and rules

The holier than thou crowds

with their heads held up so proud

but their attitudes so cruel

Her only hope

The Divine Rabbi from Galilee

with healing in His wings

With hope she reaches to where healing can be found

and She is free   

 F   R  E  E

The Rabbi compassionately asks "Who touched me?"

"Daughter" 

She is now family, no longer outcast and unknown

"Your faith made you well"

"Who the Son sets free is free indeed"

Still centuries later

there are unknown men and women

with issues that can only be cured with Blood

Brokenness Hurt Pain Outcast Empty  Sin

sin and the consequences of sin

Reaching out in faith

For healing in their hearts and souls

They reach for the Hem dripping with Blood

The Blood of the Lamb

The Lamb who takes away the sin of the world

The Perfect Sacrifice made once for all time

They are made well

Sin forgiven

They are free

Consciences cleansed from trying to do 

dead works that won't forgive or heal

now free to Serve the Living God who gives life

Life eternal

Given the right to be called children of God

Son Daughter

We are all reaching out to the same Rabbi's hem 

Keep pointing others to this Divine Rabbi

with Healing in His wings

The Lamb of God who takes away sin

Simply put your faith and trust in Him

Ask Him for your healing

Forgiveness

Eternal Redemption

(Riana Odendaal - June 2023) 

(Picture credit: Pinterest)

To Him all the prophets bear witness

 Acts 10: 43  " To Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name".

Luke 24:25-27 "And He (Jesus) said to them, "O Foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ (Messiah/ The Promised One) should suffer these things and enter into His glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

 I don't claim this to be an exhaustive list of all the prophecies pointing to Messiah's death, and resurrection. (If you have any more verses, of either a prophecy or its fulfillment, or both,  please feel free to send me a message with them).  This list is about the prophecies about Messiah's death and resurrection and the occurrences that went along with it.  Perhaps later on I will do another blog post on what this promised Messiah will do, and one on His birth.  This blog specifically focuses on His death and resurrection. 

If you are a believer, I pray that this will strengthen and deepen your walk with the Lord. If you are someone who is seeking, please go and read these verses in the Bible, and may Messiah reveal Himself to you. If you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him - He will reveal Himself to you, send people (believers) across your way. He works in so many ways. Jeremiah 29:13. 

Something else to consider when you study these verses... the prophets lived hundreds and hundreds of years before Jesus walked on this earth. The events took place exactly as said it would.  Did the Roman soldiers knew they were fulfilling prophecy when they casted lots about his tunic? Definitely not. They didn't even believe in the God of the Bible. Did He came for them, and paid the debt of their sin too? Of course He did.  Did they know that it was prophesied He would be "numbered with the transgressors"? No.  Did it happen that way - Of course yes.  

He gave His life for us            John 10:14-18                    John 19:30        

Additional cross reference: Ezekiel 34- He promised a good shepherd to come. 

He will rebuild the temple in 3 days - The reference being He is the temple. John 2:19.22; Matthew 26:61; Rev 21:22; Matthew 28:6. Luke 24:5-7

He took the Curse upon Himself.   Genesis 3:14-16; Deuteronomy 21:22-23        Matthew 27:29(a); Galatians 3:13-14; Acts5:30-31

Sign of Jonah: Jonah 1:7; Matthew 16:4; 21              Mathew 28:6

The scepter will not depart until Shiloh comes. Genesis 49:10;      John 19:14-16; Luke 23:1; Phil 2: 8-10

(The Jews were not the ruling party at the time when Messiah came - they had to go to the Roman officials. Shiloh is a reference for the Messiah. Some translations read "Him to whom all peoples pay obedience")

Your King is coming to you on a donkey   Zechariah 9:9            Mark 11:7-11; Matthew 21: 1-11

He pays for our sins.  Isaiah 53: 12            2 Corinthians 5: 21        Heb 9:12-14; 26; John 1: 29; 36; Romans 3: 22-26; Revelation 1: 5; Revelation 5: 9-14

30 pieces of silver                                                  Zechariah 11:12            Matthew 26;15

The Potter's field bought with the "blood money"   Zechariah 11:13            Matthew 27:6-7

He would be betrayed by a friend               Psalm 41:9              Matthew 26:20-25; Luke 22:47-48

They would mock him, pull His beard     Isaiah 50:6-7; Psalm 22;7-8        Mark 14:65; Matthew 27:41-43

He was silent before His accusers        Isaiah 53:7                                    Matthew 27:12-14

Numbered with the transgressors        Isaiah 53:12                                    Matthew 27:38; Luke 22:37

They gave Him sour wine to drink        Psalm 69:21                                    Matthew 27:48

They pierced His hands and feet        Psalm 22: 16                                    John 20:25

Not a bone broken                               Psalm 34: 20; Exodus 12: 5a            John 19:33-37

The divided His garment                    Psalm 22: 18                                    John 19:23-24; Luke 23: 34

(Just a sidenote - to weave a seamless tunic like what Jesus was wearing, takes a special skill. Whoever did this for Him, blessed Him with their skill).

Buried in the richman's grave                Isaiah 53:9                                    Luke 23: 50-56

He intercedes for us                                Isaiah 53: 12                            Hebrews 7:24-25

He called the disciples His brothers         Psalm 22: 22-23                    Matthew 28: 10; Hebrews 2: 9-17

This time in Matthew is one of few times, if not the only time He called the disciples His brothers.    

They would look on Him whom they have pierced  Zechariah 12: 10 (Not entirely fulfilled yet - but He was pierced).   John 19: 34        Revelation 1: 7

Birthday Fundraiser 2022

 Dear Friends and Family

For my birthday, please do not give me a gift but here is my request:  

In Revelation 5: 9-10 we read: " Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe, and language and people and nation, and you have made the a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." 

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Please use as reference: Donation and the project code: Himba1000    i.e  : Donation for Himba1000  or if you don't have much space in your reference area just put "Himba1000"

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Psalm 96: 3-5 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens! 

Romans 10: 13-15: 

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”