| |
| |
|
Religion Information |
|
|
|
The Christmas Victory
As the Chritmas season approaches, I figured it's a good time to submit the following article: THE CHRISTMAS VICTORY A logical and practical interpretation of Is.7:14 in the light of context and language. As you celebrate Christmas, sending out cards, putting up the tree with bright lights and decorations and getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift-buying, do you stop to ask yourself what is the real meaning of Christmas? If you do, what is your answer? Simply that a babe was born in a manger 2000 years ago? But then, do ask how does it apply to me? I'm sure some of you would say that of course the babe was our Savior, who would later die for our sins. True, but even this doesn't go quite far enough. In fact, it makes Christmas seem somewhat subordinate to Good Friday, which, according to some, should be the major holiday we celebrate and not Christmas. I believe however that if we would realize the full intent of His coming as given by God in the Holy Scriptures, we would see that we have good reason for making Christmas the major holiday it is and for celebrating to the hilt. What, you ask, is the full intent of His coming? It is notsimply that without his birth there would not have been Hisdeath, but rather that His birth was, in itself, a sign andguarantee both of this death and of the salvation it would bring in all it's fullness. This fullness includes not only a future eternity, but also a present victory and freedom from fear in our everyday lives.In Matthew 1:20-21, Joseph is told by the angel not to be afraid to take Mary for his wife because "that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost, and she shall bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who will save his people from their sins." The very name "Jesus" means "Savior," or more literally, "Deliverer." It is the transliteration of the Old Testament name, "Joshua." Just as Joshua led his people into victory in the land of Canaan, so Jesus leads us to victory in the land of our Spiritual heritage. Then in verse 21, Matthew explains "Now All this took place that what is spoken by the LORD through the prophet might befulfilled, saying, "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, WHICH TRANSLATED MEANS 'GOD WITH US.' Before we look at the quote, we must notice the word "fulfilled." In the original Greek, its literal meaning is "filled up" or "completed" or "completely filled." Also let me mention at this point, to avoid misunderstanding later, that the word for "virgin" in Matthew allows for NO other translation. Verse 23 is a direct quote fromthe Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures) of Is.7:14, which uses the Greek word specifically indicating one who is a virgin. Please keep the meaning of these three Greekwords in mind as we continue. "Jesus" = Deliverer," "fulfilled"= "completely filled up," and "virgin" = "virgin."Yes, there is no question that in Matthew the word "virgin" can only mean "virgin." When we come to original Hebrew Is.7:14,however, the case is different. The Hebrew language, being much broader in its word usage than Greek, allows for several related meanings to be attached to one word within a general context or circle of meaning. For example, the word "shalom" not only means "peace," but also "welfare," "blessing," "hello," and "goodbye,"among other things. The same sort of thing is true of the Hebrew word "alma," which was translated as "virgin" by the King James translators in Is.7:14 The word has a broad meaning of "a young woman of marriageable age, one of whose characteristics may or may not be that she is a virgin." (See I Chr.15:20, Ps.68:25, Prov.30:19, Song 1:3 & 6::8) Thus, the translators of the RSVtranslated it as "young woman." They were roundly criticized, although this is a perfectly allowable translation, and one that fits more readily into the context as we shall see. One of the main principles of interpretation is to check thecontext. In this case the immediate context would be the 7th and 8th chapters. Forget for a moment the prophetic nature of verse 14 and try to picture yourself back in the time of Ahaz andIsaiah. In the beginning of Chapter 7, we see that we areinvolved with a situation of actual physical warfare. Ahaz, king of Judah is facing two enemies, Rezin, king of Syria and Pekah,king of Israel, and he's scared to death. Thus, the LORD sent Isaiah to tell Ahaz not to fear, because these two kings would bedefeated. Sensing Ahaz's doubt, the LORD asked Ahaz to as Himfor a sign, but Ahaz, in a false piety, refused. So the LORDsaid that He would give Ahaz a sign. Thus, we come to verse 14. The fact that the message is addressed to the "house of David"does not negate its being intended for Ahaz, as he was the ruler,and thus the representative of the nation. If we translate"alma" as "young woman" and continue reading through verse 16, wesee clearly what the sign to Ahaz was. The LORD is saying that achild will be born, and before the child is of age, the landwhose two kings Ahaz dreads will be forsaken. If we continue oninto Chapter 8, we see that a child is indeed born. Isaiah had a son, whose name means "hast-ye-haste-ye-to-the-spoil," and asimilar statement is made in verse 4 to that of 7:16, tyingIsaiah's son in with the prophecy of physical victory made toAhaz. The child is even called "Emmanuel" in verse 8.Now you have a clear picture of what verse 14 meant to Ahaz. "But," you ask, "How does all of this relate to Matthew'squotation of verse 14, and the use by Matthew of a word whichcould only mean 'virgin'?" I believe the answer lies intypological interpretation. Do you remember the other word usedin Matthew, which is translated "fulfilled"? Remember we saidthat it literally means "completely filled up." The prophecy wasonly partially fulfilled in Ahaz's time. The completefulfillment would come later on. Thus, Isaiah's son, whose veryname has the ring of victory in it, was BOTH A SIGN TO AHAZ AND ATYPE OF THE ONE TO COME, WHO WOULD BE TO US A SIGN OF SPIRITUALVICTORY. In 8:18, Isaiah says that he and his children are forsigns and wonders in Israel, and the word used here for "sign" isalso translated as "type." (A type is a real person place thingor event in the Old Testament, which also represents, by way oflooking forward to, a corresponding Spiritual reality, [calledthe "antitype"] in the New Testament.) This typological interpretation allows for the full meaning of"alma" to come into play. Ahaz heard it as "young woman" and sawit fulfilled as such in his time with the birth of Isaiah's son. But, looking back, we can see that this was not all that Godintended. God had more in mind than the birth of Isaiah's son. He was also looking down the corridors of time to when He wouldsend His son, through a virgin. Thus the prophecy was completelyfilled up by the birth of the antitype, Jesus, as recorded inMatthew. Hopefully, we can now see more of the reason that Jesuscame and why we can celebrate his birth to the full. Ahaz fearedtwo enemies. We also have two enemies, which we need now nolonger fear. I mentioned Is.8:18. This verse is quoted in theNew Testament in Hebrews.2:13 in reference to the incarnation ofChrist, and in verse 14 & 15, we see that he came to set us freefrom the fear of death. Paul also speaks of this inIcor.15:55-57. The second enemy that Jesus came to defeat is theenemy of sin, mentioned by Paul in Romans 6, saying in verse 14that it shall not have dominion over us. He combines these twoenemies in Romans 8:2, saying that Christ has set us free, or"delivered" us from them. Thus, as He tried to tell Ahaz, weneed no longer fear them. Of course, Rezin and Pekah may also represent your own personalfoe or foes. Whatever your Rezin & Pekah are (the multiple ofthings the Devil may use to get you down), do not fear, but knowthat Jesus came to deliver you. This is the real meaning of Christmas-that Jesus came to be oursign of victory-to show us that we need no longer fear themultiple forces that may be arrayed against us in the Spiritualrealm. It is evident as well in Chapter 9 of Isaiah, where thespecific promise of the birth of Christ-the son to be given inverse 6-is couched in the language of warfare and victory (vs.4 &5). It is further confirmed by the prophecy of the angel to Maryin Luke 1:33, and in the Magnificant of Mary and the Benidictusof Zacharias (Luke 1:46-55 & a68-79), especially vs.69, 71,&74-75. These especially present the idea that Jesus delivers usfor fear-free service to God. Read these wonderful portions ofscripture and rejoice in the fact that victory can be yoursthrough faith in Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at this time ofyear. May the bright lights beautiful decorations, and fancilywrapped gifts we see this season serve to remind us of theglorious victory which can be ours through the one whose birthdaywe are celebrating. Rev. James M. Becher, M.Div., Bible teacher, Publisher of the "Inspirational Succcess Tips" E-zine (to subscribe, send a blank email to:inspirationlsuccesstips@Freeautobot.com), author of the novel, "OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM, A Novel of Biblical times,"(visit http://www.publishedauthors.net/jamesmbecher/index.html
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Biblical Hermeneutics - Part 2 Should we be tempted to believe that our system of interpretation is the only system that has ever existed, Ramm makes it very clear in his discussion of the "historical schools" that this is not so. The "Battle for the Bible" may have, in fact, been born as the second century Christian exegetes, who were influenced by Jewish Biblical scholarship, espoused a literal reading of Scripture which assumed its historical accuracy and included a healthy respect for questions of context. Making Merchandise of Christians - Prosperity Gospel Blight Anyone who has read their Bible would have to concede in principle at least that it does say that God loves to bless his children. It also does promise that if we are giving individuals we should expect to have many wonderful blessings returned to us as a result. The Story of Joshua and Caleb The story of Joshua and Caleb is one of the most powerful and dramatic stories in the entire Bible. There are major lessons in this story for all Christians to grab hold of!Most Christians have heard of the story of Moses, but many Christians are not aware of the story involving these two. Speaking of Speaking in Tongues A young bible college student once wrote and told me how the college she attends has been teaching that "speaking in tongues" is the sole evidence that one is filled with the Spirit and that no one WAS filled with the Spirit UNLESS they've spoken in tongues. Apparently, that didn't sit well with her and she wanted my opinion. Slain in the Spirit? WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE?A Catholic woman reported to me that a priest with the gift of healing had recently visited her church. After mass, the congregation swarmed toward the altar as the priest laid hands upon the faithful to minister healing. What Is The Most Important Righteous Requirement Of Gods Law? To live "under the law" is to live under theexpectation of fulfilling God's moral standardsthrough one's own human ability. However, rather thanexperiencing the joy of a clean conscience, wesometimes feel enslaved to legalism and guilt. Rebuilding Society and The Tax Protest Movement: Part Three Part Three continuedIt is important to recover and relearn the "original intent" of the founding fathers. Study in this area is valuable. Let Her Be Covered Part Three Now, let's recall again the text: "Let her be covered." That is God's decree. The Unbelievable Becomes Believable The Path Is Winding:Ever wonder why things that happen in our lives seem so cruel and undeserved? Why do these things happen to me? Why am I being punished like this? What am I doing wrong? All of us have sought answers to these questions dozens of times. Have you found the answer yet?We all have some sort of dubious answers as to why they happen. Finding Christian Love Online Finding Christian singles online.One of the many types of singles or dating sites on the Internet are Christian singles where you can meet like minded Christian singles for email, chat or potential marriage. Divine Power/Jesus is over Everything Divine power is so great, Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus says in 2Corinthians 10:3, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. Jesus Christ: The First, The Last, The Eternal Luke 17:20-17:24 Jesus Christ. The First, The Last, The Eternal. White Sun - Tao of Heaven: Heaven and Man are One Entity The whole universe originated from Tao. Mankind also originated from Tao. Amos And Social Justice Part 2 Amos was summoned by God to warn the Northern Kingdom of Israel of its impending doom due to the collapse of justice and the moral and spiritual decline of the nation. It should be understood that Amos did not travel to Israel in the footprints of Elijah and Elisha; working miracles and wonders. Building a Church and Church Building Designs Building a church is a large project that is more than constructing natural materials, because building a church is building an expression of a church congregation's heart. Building a church has a purpose that is much more than housing classrooms or meeting rooms. The 1000 Year Millennium Kingdom After the last bowl judgment is thrown by God the Father to the earth, the battle of Armageddon ensues and Jesus then comes back to put an end to all of it. The Antichrist and False Prophet are the first ones to be thrown into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. The Need for Biblically Minded Engineers There is a great need in the world today for engineers who think and work from a Christian worldview. These engineers are needed to design, prototype, develop, and manufacture goods that support family economies, as opposed to city-corporate-paper economies, which strain the traditional family. Housing Katrina Victims! Information many have been looking for!On Franklin Graham's website for his Samaritan's Purse ministry, he challenges all the churches in the southeastern United States to take in 10 families each. Likewise, I broadcasted a few nights ago that, with nearly 350,000 churches in the nation, we could each take one family each. The Freemasonic Order of the Golden Centurion I think most people who will read this will not accept what I am saying here without doing a lot of checking into the facts.'I tried sending through an attachment from a fellow researcher who is working on the Kaballah as derivative from Qaballa which is an ancient Verbal Tradition such as kept by the Bairds or bards and the Bardic Tradition for over 25,000 years. Is Your Life Significant? "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I willbuild My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." -Matthew 16:18 (NASU)The words of Jesus above spoken to Peter conveyed many meanings.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
