“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;
but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.”
(Isaiah 60:1-2)
When we think of prophets, those Old Testament saints we’re so familiar with like Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Daniel come to mind. These and many others were charged with preaching God’s truth and through inspiration from God revealing His plans for the future. Many Old Testament prophets also healed and performed other miracles.
But these same prophets foretold of another that would come after them, whom the Heidelberg Catechism calls “our chief Prophet and Teacher” (A.31). In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses declares: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to Him.”
As chief Prophet and Teacher, Jesus not only taught the Word of God; He is the Word of God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14). “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by [not through!] His Son,” (Heb. 1:1-2).
At the beginning of His earthly ministry, God thundered from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, hear Him!” Those who did hear Him were amazed at His teaching (Mark 1:22), and actually referred to Him as “the prophet from Nazareth.”
Like the Old Testament prophets, Jesus foretold the future. He told His disciples of His pending death, resurrection, and ascension (Matt. 20:17-19; John 8:21). He foretold Judas’ betrayal (John 13:18-30), Peter’s denial (Luke 22:61), and His second coming (John 14:3).
And of course, like many of the Old Testament prophets, Jesus did many miracles, healing the sick and even raising the dead.
And yet at once, as chief Prophet and Teacher, Christ also put an end to the prophecies of the Old Testament by fulfilling them all, and that perfectly.
Paul declared that He was “made to us wisdom,” (1 Cor. 1:30) and that in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” (Col. 2:3). For this reason, he says, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” (1 Cor. 2:2).
John Calvin rightly comments, “it is unlawful to go beyond the simplicity of the Gospel.” The wisdom of God and of His Christ is perfect and complete in every way, causing all those who truly see it to strive to adore God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength to the glory of Christ, the Great Prophet of God.
- O Lord of light, You came to earth as all-powerful God in the flesh, holy, harmless, undefiled, and completely without sin. This was necessary for You to be the Savior, but as God, it is also Your nature. What a great and amazing free salvation that You provided for poor sinners!
- Lord Jesus, in your great work of salvation, You fulfilled for me the offices of Prophet, Priest and King. As the Great Prophet You speak to God for me and intercede for me every moment of every day. You reveal to me the will of Your Father, and You help me understand the truths of Your Word. How is it that the Spirit of God testifies to these wonderful truths in my heart? As I read and study Your Word, I see You directing me and helping me live the life You want me to live.
- Lord, I am thankful that I have a Bible to read wherein Your blessed Spirit shows me the mysteries of godliness. You inspired the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, to record Your Word, and You give me the ability to understand it through reading, study and meditation. Help me do this daily, that I might enjoy You more. Let me hear the Great Prophet in my quiet time speak to me through Your Word.
- Lord Jesus, I want to see You through the truth of Your Word and be filled with joy and delight. But what if I’m not as delighted as I should be? How can I be more delighted with Your Word, with You, than I am? You write Your Law on my heart, as a believer, so that I delight to do Your will and follow Your commands. Though imperfectly, I strive to keep Your commandments and honor You as the Great Prophet. You have taught me and shown me the Father. Help me come to know my Father more deeply that I may serve and worship Him more consistently.
- As I study Your Word, Lord, You enlighten my dark mind and unlock for me things I would have never known. You brought me from darkness to light when You saved me, but every day I search the Scriptures to see more light and more truth. I want to see You more clearly. I want to know the Spirit is working in me to lead me to understand more of Your Word so that I’m continually being conformed into Your image.
Further References for Isaiah 60:1-2
Isa. 52:2; Luke 2:32; Jer. 13:16; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13.
