A SAVIOR IS BORN
Terry R. Baughman
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
The prophet Isaiah declared that there would be a special child born that would forever reign on the throne of David. This Son that was given would be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He was declared to be the heir of David and it was promised that His kingdom would be without end. (See Isaiah 9:6–7). The miraculous sign of this favored Son was unmistakable, “'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23, also Isaiah 7:14).
The reign of King David was the fulfillment of an ancient promise to his forefather Judah, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor” (Genesis 49:10 NLT). It was no accident that this descendent of David was born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. The Prophet Micah had declared, “Bethlehem … out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2).
Even greater than David, the Son of David was predicted to eclipse the glory his reign. Jesus was recognized as the Son of David by the crowd that welcomed Him to Jerusalem as they prepared the way before Him, “Hosanna, to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). While Hosanna is often seen here as a praise in the triumphal entry of Christ to the city, it is actually a plea for salvation, a prayer for deliverance.“I beg you to save us,” they cried out in desperation to the one who had come for that very purpose. The angel declared, “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Throughout the Scripture God is seen as one who will respond favorably when people cry out for deliverance. Even from Egypt, a place that was symbolic of oppression, the prophet declared, “… They will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them” (Isaiah 19:20).
While some rulers have overthrown the oppressors and brought a measure of deliverance, there is only one who can truly save. God spoke through Hosea saying, “I am the Lord your God ever since the land of Egypt, And you shall know no God but Me; for there is no savior besides Me” (Hosea 13:4). Isaiah also expressed the singularity of His attribute of salvation when God said, “… There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me” (Isaiah 45:21).
Simeon served in the Temple and lived with a promise. When he looked in the face of the Child Jesus he said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). The One destined to save had come!
Scripture:
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Terry R. Baughman
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
The prophet Isaiah declared that there would be a special child born that would forever reign on the throne of David. This Son that was given would be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He was declared to be the heir of David and it was promised that His kingdom would be without end. (See Isaiah 9:6–7). The miraculous sign of this favored Son was unmistakable, “'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23, also Isaiah 7:14).
The reign of King David was the fulfillment of an ancient promise to his forefather Judah, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor” (Genesis 49:10 NLT). It was no accident that this descendent of David was born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. The Prophet Micah had declared, “Bethlehem … out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2).
Even greater than David, the Son of David was predicted to eclipse the glory his reign. Jesus was recognized as the Son of David by the crowd that welcomed Him to Jerusalem as they prepared the way before Him, “Hosanna, to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). While Hosanna is often seen here as a praise in the triumphal entry of Christ to the city, it is actually a plea for salvation, a prayer for deliverance.“I beg you to save us,” they cried out in desperation to the one who had come for that very purpose. The angel declared, “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Throughout the Scripture God is seen as one who will respond favorably when people cry out for deliverance. Even from Egypt, a place that was symbolic of oppression, the prophet declared, “… They will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them” (Isaiah 19:20).
While some rulers have overthrown the oppressors and brought a measure of deliverance, there is only one who can truly save. God spoke through Hosea saying, “I am the Lord your God ever since the land of Egypt, And you shall know no God but Me; for there is no savior besides Me” (Hosea 13:4). Isaiah also expressed the singularity of His attribute of salvation when God said, “… There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me” (Isaiah 45:21).
Simeon served in the Temple and lived with a promise. When he looked in the face of the Child Jesus he said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). The One destined to save had come!
Scripture:
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
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