ine. The population explosion is something of great concern. But far worse than this is the world-wide famine for the Bread of Life. People are hungry for things that satisfy the soul. Only Christ can meet this need. If there is a void and emptiness in your inner man, if you have been trying to satisfy this hunger through “things”, turn to the Lord. Only He can satisfy the longing heart and fill the hungry soul with joy. Why not receive Him today as your Saviour? Chapter Six It should never cease to amaze us when we consider the miraculous manner of the Redeemer’s birth. How wonderful it is to realize that God would tell us centuries before the birth of the Saviour how He would come into this world. This is exactly what is stated in Isaiah 7:14: “There fore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall con ceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah lived in the days of wicked King Ahaz. The promise was made to the entire house of Israel. Some liberal theologians would have us believe that the word “virgin” should be translated “young woman.” But what would be so miraculous about a son being bom to a young woman? This verse speaks of die supernatur al. Keep the occasion in mind. Israel was surrounded by enemies. God promised she would not be over-run, but that victory would be given. The New Testament gives us the proper interpretation of this particu lar verse, for the Bible is die best commentary on the Bible. Matthew 1:21-23 gives us the fulfillment. Here we have the Spirit of God interpret ing the prophecy of Isaiah who lived 700 years before the actual birth of Christ. The word Matthew uses for virgin can only mean that and not young woman. The message the an gel gave to Mary is very clear and explicit.
Mary came from Nazareth, a vil lage near Gallilee. Jesus was known as a Nazarene and a Galilean. To day Nazareth is governed primarily by Arabs. This was not true in the days of our Lord. It is interesting that Joseph and Mary did not select the name for their child. This is cer tainly not true with us. The Bible tells us that Christ’s name properly came from heaven. Further, the an gel told Mary that her baby would be called the Son of the Highest. There are those who erroneously feel that the term “the Son of God”means that Jesus is somewhat less than God and not equal with Him. The term does not imply inferiority at all. It simply means that He is of the very same characteristics and attributes, for Christ is God. Mary was told that her Son would be a*Ruler. The One who was cruci fied on Calvary’s cross some day will come back to be Ruler over all the earth. Of His kingdom there will be no end. Mary responds in a beauti ful manner (vs. 46). The desire of any Jewish maiden was to be the mother of the Messiah, Israel’s prom ised King. Mary acknowledged that she was not a sinless person. She said, “My soul doth rejoice in God my Saviour.” Her Son was her Sav iour! Finally, consider the condescension of God to come and five among men, to be born from the womb of a wo man, and to live among men. Why did He do this? John 3:16 gives us the answer which is all based on His love for us. “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” ( I I Cor. 8 :9 ). Can you say today, “My soul doth rejoice in my Saviour”? Chapter Seven There are many signs along the road to Bethlehem, all pointing to the person and ministry of the Mes siah, the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the most graphic is Luke 2:1 to 7 Page 17
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