Welcom Viewers

Researching this piece before the Easter celebration became a challenge, having undergone heart surgery and a valve replacement. I wonder, is it too late to publish and share this article with a Christian worldview and unbelievers alike? Easily could I have buried the piece in an archive, which would be considered a waste of good energy; I would rather simply hope with the same faith of prophecies resting on God’s promises, that He lives and restored my life, Amen.

According to Old Testament writings, the prophecy of Jesus Christ spanned centuries. Distinctively researching data, the chronology of the prophets spiritually inspired, authenticating the coming of the Messiah. God by His wisdom had Angel Gabriel counsel Zechariah a priest, who serving in the Temple, and regardless of being ahead in years, included Elizabeth his wife, would give birth to John the Baptist, the one formerly introduced the Son of God, known also to be the “Son of Man” Jesus Christ to mnister throughout a region by Word and miricales as a personal testimony reveal His identity that fit as a perfect puzzle for believers. Crucified after a few brief years of travelling, finally, the universal Christian worldview accepted Christ’s teaching and death as an atonement -a way back to God. Without Christ’s birth and death, the globe would not have the opportunity of sharing everlasting happiness after earth’s departure.

Before John was born, the Old Testament did not prophesy that John the Baptist would specifically baptize Jesus Christ. However, it was largely prophesied that a messenger – a figure like Elijah- would come to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6), which Matthew 3:1-3 confirms was fulfilled by John.

The prophecies of the Messenger in the Book of Isaiah date to approximately 700 years before Malachi, who foretold a voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord.
However, the New Testament identifies John the Baptist as the fulfillment of this prophecy, whose role was to preach repentance and identify the Messiah. The three prophecies are Isaiah, Malachi, and the Book of Matthew read:

The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight ^[a]in the desert
A highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3, NKJ).

“Behold, I send My messenger,
And he will prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, He is coming,”
Says the Lord of hosts (Malachi 3:1, NKJ).

 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” ³ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight (Mat. 3:1-3, NKJ)”..

 The angel Gabriel informed Zechariah in the Temple that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son named “John“, who would bring joy, be great before the Lord, and turn many to God, according to the Gospel of Luke. Elizabeth, often described as a relative and cousin of the Virgin Mary (the mother of Jesus Christ). Despite being barren and well past childbearing age, Elizabeth conceived John (the Baptist) after the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah. Zechariah was chosen to be the father of John because he and his wife, Elizabeth, were profoundly righteous, blameless in obeying God’s laws, and faithful despite Elizabeth’s long-term infertility and old age. Zechariah’s service in the Temple as a priest provided the setting for this miraculous, divine.

Jesus was born approximately 15 months after the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah in the Temple. This timeline is based on John the Baptist’s conception shortly after the vision, followed by Mary’s conception six months into Elizabeth’s pregnancy, and Jesus’ birth nine months later. According to Luke 3:23, Jesus was “about thirty years of age” when he was baptized by John the Baptist and began his public ministry. This age was culturally significant as it was considered the time of maturity for Jewish men to begin teaching or to serve as a priest.

Historical records, primarily the canonical Gospels, offer limited details on Jesus’ life before age thirty, often referred to as the “hidden years“. He lived in Nazareth with his parents, likely working as a carpenter or builder (Mark 6:3). His childhood was characterized by obedience and, except for a visit to the Temple at age twelve, lived an ordinary life. 

We know Jesus was sent by God and is the Son of God through the witness of the Bible, specifically his resurrection, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, his sinless life, and miracles. Divine affirmation came directly from God at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, while his own claims and the testimonies of disciples confirm Jesus’ identity. 

For many in the twenty-first century, pursued with technology and advanced AI (artificial intelligence), the Bible, with reduced faith, takes a back seat to unbelief on the surface of pleasures and worldly attractions. This is all good, but the Creator of the universe sets a stage for genuine repentance, providing an only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) to pay the price with His blood. Now, whether one believes or not, God does not twist one’s arm; that’s why He provides each individual with free will.’ There is nothing wrong with enjoying the wonders of this world. Those putting God’s Word on the back burner are scorching a life God expects to be reverenced through thoughtful prayer and meditation; He is not asking for much. Simply putting Him first and being thankful to Him whenever receiving or obtaining, be sincere.