Prophecy Polarization & Peace

Happy Sunday, and Merry Christmas! I want to thank many of you that have donated to David Shivers Ministries this year, a lot of you in the past week, um, as year-end giving goes. We really appreciate it. We are a 501c3; it's tax deductible, and thank you.

50 years ago, I was forced to take Spanish in high school. I thought that it was preposterous back then. I reasoned that I would never have any need to speak Spanish; I lived in America. I was wrong. I could use it every day.

You know, I'm not very good at predicting the future. I'm no prophet. The prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus is staggering. Some say that there are over 300 Old Testament scriptures pointing to Jesus and his life, his birth, his death, his resurrection. Today I'll share just a few.

Micah 52 says, "But you, oh Bethlehem, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf." Those words were written 725 years before Jesus indeed was born in Bethlehem. For perspective, this would be like us today trying to predict what will happen 725 years from now, in the year 274 9.

Isaiah 7:14 predicts this: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel." The book of Isaiah was written around 700 years before this took place.

Hose, Hosea wrote these words around 750 BC. As you recall, Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt after Jesus was born. Hosea 11:1 tells us, "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."

The Old Testament has a great deal to say about the crucifixion of Jesus. Isaiah chapter 53 reads much like a news report of the day Jesus was on the cross, and again, it, it was written 700 years before the event. Listen to verse seven: "He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before his, its shearers, he was silent. He opened not his mouth."

A thousand years before he was on the cross and offered vinegar to drink, Psalm 69:21 was recorded, a thousand years. It says, "They also gave me gold for food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." I could go on and on. I'm always amazed at the prophecy pointing towards Jesus. How people doubt is beyond me.

Jesus came 2,000 years ago knowing full well that he would be crucified. He knew of the betrayals and the beatings and the crown of thorns and the nails and all of it, yet he came. Knowing all that he knew, he came because he loves us.

It's hard to believe that 20125 is just over a week away, and looking back over 2024, magazines and influencers have chosen the man of the year, the woman of the year, the athlete of the year. Maybe you've seen the choices that have been made. Miriam Webster, the dictionary people, have chosen the word of the year for 2024. They do this every year. This year, year, the word they chose: polarization.

They defined polarization as "division into two sharply distinct opposit, opposites." Sadly, I, I agree. I think the word applies to our time. This world is deeply divided, so polarized. There's too much hatred. There are too many that do not have the peace and the joy that Jesus brings.

Today I am thankful that because of Jesus, I have peace and joy in this crazy, polarized, divided world. I pray you do as well. Let me read you some words from my friend Luke. You've heard them.

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were so afraid. And then the angel said to themo not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Merry Christmas. I pray that you have the peace and the joy that is ours through Jesus Christ our Savior. Pray with me.

Lord, thank you for Christmas right around the corner. Thank you for coming for us and loving us so very, very much. Uh, forgive us if we have those doubts. It's amazing, the prophecy that was given to shed light on you coming, and how people don't understand is beyond me. But you have chosen to reveal yourself to us.

And so today, if those watching this are believers, let them be grateful and joyful. If they're not, let them run to you. Thank you for this day. Thank you that we're not polarized from you, but we're your children. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Merry Christmas. God bless.