The Impossible Imposter
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“But he was pierced for our
transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The punishment that brought us peace
was on him,
And by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
In the early 1900’s, the U.S. was in
a state of “Chaplinitis.” Charlie Chaplin’s silent movie character became a
phenomenon and from it sprung a pastime of “look-alike” contests. Entertainment
folklore says that Charlie himself dressed up in character and entered a
contest in San Francisco.
He failed to make the finals.
I’m pretty sure Jesus could relate
to how Charlie might have felt.
Since Old Testament times, the human
race has been looking for Messiah. Prophets have foretold hundreds of details
about Messiah, and dozens have claimed to be the Promised One.
Only One fulfilled them all…Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) of the Virgin Mary (Isaiah
7:14). A descendant of King David (Isaiah 9:7), he healed the
brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1-2) and was rejected by His own people (Psalm 69:8).
He was betrayed (Psalm 41:9), falsely accused (Psalm 35:11), crucified with
criminals (Isaiah 53:12), and mocked (Psalm 22:7-8).
Messiah would pray for His enemies
(Psalm 109:4), be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9), resurrect from the dead
(Psalm 16:10 and 49:15), and ascend to heaven (Psalm 24:7-10) as the sacrifice
for all sin (Isaiah 53:5-12).
In fact, there are over 700 biblical
prophecies concerning the Messiah. The odds of one person fulfilling
even 48 of them are 1 in 10 to the 157th power. Mind-boggling!
As we consider how Jesus fulfills
all of these prophesies, let’s remember that everything else that He
said must be true, too.
Which means He’s Coming
Back! This Easter season, as we reflect on the triumph of the
resurrection, let’s also remember that, “…Christ was sacrificed once to take
away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear
sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).
Amazing!
GOING DEEPER:
1. How does seeing Jesus
as the miraculous fulfillment of prophesy affect how you see His role in your
life today?
2. How does the knowledge
that Christ is going to return impact your life?
FURTHER READING:
Along
with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative,
serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader and a High School home
group leader.
