I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. – Deuteronomy 18:18
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-22
At Christmas, our thoughts naturally turn to the miracle of God’s Son, born of the Virgin Mary, an infant lying in a manger. This, however, is but the start of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We rightly celebrate His birth, but we must not neglect to meditate upon the whole of His ministry. He was born to be our chief prophet, in fulfillment of the prophecy given in Deuteronomy 18. In His prophetic office, Jesus fulfills the Scripture.
God’s people need a prophet because we need a message from the Lord. A prophet’s task is to bring God’s people the Word of the Lord. That Word is the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Son of Man, Jesus was like us, His brothers, sin excepted. He shared our human experience and anointed by the Spirit, He proclaimed the message of salvation, which is our great need as fallen human beings. The child born in Bethlehem was sent by the Father to preach the good news. No wonder so many in His own day were amazed at the power and authority of His message. Today, our souls are transformed by His powerful Gospel.
Be reminded at this season that God sent His only begotten Son to be our chief prophet. His message is for us, you and me, His brothers. It is exactly what we need, the good news of redemption through His birth, death and resurrection. Believe His message! Seek none other. His Word, that Gospel of salvation, stands firm forever. Let us praise God for that.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray for an increase of faith to believe fully and sincerely the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for wisdom to live out that faith today and every day.
Rev. Gregg V. Martin has pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces since he was ordained in 1977, and also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional.
