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By Dean Kelly

There are a few jobs in the world that draw a tremendous amount of criticism to the ones doing them. Umpires come to mind, and even coaches. 

The list is extensive, but one of those occupations that puts you in the negative limelight time and again is a TV meteorologist. They work with all the most up-to-date scientific instruments, sophisticated radar and so much more, but ultimately it really comes down to the “whims” of mother nature to tell what really happens with the weather. 

At best, when it comes to storms, etc., meteorologists can give an educated guess. They must add the warning, “but things can change” to their prognostications.

It is that uncertainty about foretelling what is to come that makes the Bible stand out because its prophesies have always been absolutely certain. They are made as if by someone who has already seen what is to come. In fact, they are written through the power of the eternal God, who in every moment is He Who created time but is not bound by time. 

He saw what had not been yet seen, He has known what cannot be known without first-hand knowledge. Take note of some examples:

A young prophet foretells events that would happen with Josiah, whom he called by name in 1 Kings 13:2 approximately 300 years before Josiah was born.

Isaiah said that Cyrus would allow the city of Jerusalem to be rebuilt in Isaiah 44:28, nearly 200 years before Cyrus was born.

Micah said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem – Micah 6:2 – approximately 700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 

Isaiah prophesied in great detail the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross – Isaiah 53 (among other passages in Isaiah) – approximately 700 years before Jesus was born.

These are only a handful of the multitude of prophesies given hundreds of years before Jesus came that are fulfilled in Him. Our hope lies in meeting Him at the cross in obedient, submissive faith. This is absolutely certain.

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.