God has promises not only for our lives today, but also for our future. Today may be dark and uncertain, but we do have hope for something beautiful. Some (or perhaps much) of that future goodness may only be known and understood on the other side of this earth. In the meantime, even as walking and breathing dust in this temporary place, we can experience joy and hope and beauty. Sometimes, it catches us by surprise, like a sunburst suddenly appearing from behind clouds, but we can also be aware of an underlying joy and hope, even in the midst of difficulties.
Today, some of us may indeed be walking through tunnels of darkness, but we have hope of the sun shining on the other side of that walk. I understand how difficult it may be at times to see that hope, or to even believe in that hope. But, just like we know the sun is in the sky even if it is obscured by a dark ring of clouds, so is that hope. God’s love and promises do not change, though it may be hard to see through a cloud of circumstances.
God gives us pictures of His love for us through the stories of people, circumstances, and His deeds written in His word. This word is not a random scattering of letters or images, but is the true and inspired word that He left for us like a window into His heart for us to peer into. We see imperfectly, but we have enough light to see His character and love for us.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of God’s plan for us. We see His plan for redemption and a Redeemer. We see tomorrow’s promise, we see hope, we see a light at the end of the tunnel… we can even see “tomorrow’s sun” illuminating the path for us while we walk today.
In the Old Testament, God gives us glimpses of His Son in:
Genesis… as the Seed of the woman
Exodus… as the Passover Lamb
Leviticus… as the High Priest
Numbers… as the Cloud and Fire
Deuteronomy… as the Prophet like Moses
Joshua… as the Captain of our Salvation
Judges… as the Judge and Lawgiver
Ruth… as the Kinsman Redeemer
1 and 2 Samuel… as the Prophet of the Lord
1 and 2 Kings… as the Reigning King
Ezra… as the Faithful Scribe
Nehemiah… as the Rebuilder of the Walls
Esther… as the picture of Christ interceding for His people
Job… as the Dayspring, the Redeemer
Psalms… as the Good Shepherd
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes… as the Wisdom of God
Song of Solomon… as the Lover and Bridegroom
Isaiah… as the Suffering Servant
Jeremiah and Lamentations… as the Weeping Prophet
Ezekiel… as the Son of Man
Daniel… as the Son of Man
Hosea… as the Bridegroom
Joel… as the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit
Amos… as the Burden Bearer
Obadiah… as the Mighty Savior
Jonah… as the Forgiving God
Micah… as the Messenger with beautiful feet
Nahum… as the Avenger
Habakkuk… as the Evangelist, calling for revival
Zephaniah… as the Restorer
Haggai… as the Cleansing Fountain
Zechariah… as the Pierced Son
Malachi… as the Son of Righteousness
Isn’t it amazing that the Old Testament was written by about 30 different people, over a span of about a thousand years? Isn’t it amazing to see this common thread of redemption and restoration that is woven through all those pages? God’s word and promises are true and can be trusted. We see a plan and pictures of Jesus all the way back in Genesis. God had a plan from the beginning.
There is a song I really like called “King of the World” by Natalie Grant. Here is the song and the lyrics:
I tried to fit you in the walls inside my mind
I try to keep you safely in between the lines
I try to put you in the box that I’ve designed
I try to pull you down so we are eye to eyeWhen did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you’re the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the worldJust a whisper of your voice can tame the seas
So who am I to try to take the lead
Still I run ahead and think I’m strong enough
When you’re the one who made me from the dustWhen did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you’re the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the worldOh, you set it all in motion
Every single moment
You brought it all to me
And you’re holding on to meWhen did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you’re the one who holds it all
When did I forget you’ve always been the king of the world
You will always be the king of the worldWritten by Becca Mizell, Natalie Grant, Samuel Mizell • Copyright © Music Services, Inc, BMG Rights Management US, LLC
The King of the World. God made the world, created us, and made a plan for us. He’s in charge, not any of us. He is the sunrise we can look forward to; He is the hope and sun shining through the darkness. He is the hope for tomorrow.
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