Tuesday, July 15, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Hebrews 7
This summer, I am leading a Group through the book of Zechariah. Images of charging horses, flying scrolls, angels with measuring lines, and flying women with stork wings are filling my imagination. These images are strange, to say the least, but I am constantly amazed as I see God speaking through these passages. I can see how he has fulfilled, or is fulfilling, all that he has promised.
Admittedly, the prophets are difficult to understand, but they contain some of the most powerful promises about Jesus. Isaiah 9 foretells the birth of the Messiah. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is foretold in Zechariah 9. Jesus is described as a suffering servant in Isaiah 52 and 53. Finally, in Revelation, we see how the story ends. Jesus, the slain lamb, will return as a conquering lion (Revelation 5) and will restore creation, judge Satan and those who have rebelled against God, and gather his people to dwell with him forever.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus constantly reinforces the authority of ALL scripture by quoting from the law and the prophets. He reaffirms that the truths of the Old Testament are still true for us today. Remember, our Old Testament was Jesus’ Bible. All of the rituals, sacrifices, and poetry are pointing forward to him.
Luke 24:44
Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
As we read Scripture, we know that much was fulfilled when Jesus took on human flesh. His death and resurrection accomplished the first prophecy given in Genesis 3:14-15. But there is still much to be accomplished. There are promises of a complete restoration when God will dwell with his people. These promises should give us hope for the future.
Knowing that God faithfully fulfilled his promises in the past gives us hope that he will continue to fulfill his promises. Jesus will return as the conquering Lion of Judah. He will judge all sin and wickedness. The hope that sustains us will find its completion. When this happens, all of the words of Scripture will be fulfilled, and all of God’s people will join together and sing:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty -
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
Revelation 4:8
Questions:
Have you ever read through the entire Bible?
What is keeping you from regular Bible reading?
Next Steps:
Commit to read through the entire Bible. The Bible Recap is an amazing resource that will help you work through the difficult parts.
Consider joining a Bible Study Group in the fall. There are many people who love the Bible and want to help you love and understand it, too.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for being our great promise keeper. As I read through the pages of Scripture, I am constantly in awe of your faithfulness and how you are constantly drawing people to yourself. Give me a love and hunger for your Word. When I am discouraged with my life or the world around me, remind me that your promise to make all things right will come to pass in your perfect timing. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 85:8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.
This post was written by Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.