John 19:36-37
For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament that point directly to the Messiah. Here is an example of just 8:
- The time of His birth (see the Daniel 8 & 9 timeline).
- He would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
- He would be born of a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14)
- He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12)
- He would be mocked. (Psalm 22:7,8)
- He would be crucified. (John 3:14)
- He would be pierced. (Psalms 22:16)
- He would die with the wicked, but He would be buried with the rich. (Isaiah 53:9)
Peter Stoner was a Christian Writer and Chairman of the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College until 1953. He determined that the chance of just 8 prophecies (like these) coming true by sheer chance is 1 in 1017 — that’s a 1 followed by 17 zeros (100,000,000,000,000,000). That would be equivalent to covering the whole state of Texas (about 268,597 square miles) with silver dollars two feet deep and then expecting a blindfolded man to walk across the state and on the very first try find the ONE coin you marked.
Add eight more prophecies and the chances go to 1 in 1045 —which is more zeros than I care to add to this devotional—but still not enough for some people to take the Bible seriously. That’s a sad statement, of course, but the point of the prophecies was not to win over the most ardent skeptic, but simply to show that God does what he says he is going to do. He can be trusted. His Word can be trusted. His Son and Spirit can be trusted. Whether you choose to place your trust in Him is 100% up to you.
One Final Thought.
This is where rational thinking and God’s providence come to the uncomfortable intersection of man’s free will and the doctrine of election (which we have touched on before in this devotional series). We should absolutely be willing to make a rational case for believing the claims of the bible by using various tactics—including the one we looked at today—but we should never leave God’s providence out of the equation. For some, a rational argument using facts and figures is precisely what they need to hear, while for others you might as well be speaking Pig Latin. That’s why it’s so important to remember what Peter said:
“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Be willing to ask yourself: Why DO I believe the Gospel? Why DO I trust what God says in His Word? Some Believers have really wrestled with these questions while others have a more simplistic faith, and that’s a beautiful thing. God loves and accepts both versions and we should be willing to do the same. As for the unbeliever? Only God knows, but we should always be ready, willing, able, and enthusiastic about our LORD using us to draw men and women to Himself!
