From the OT to the Nativity: Prophecies of Isaiah, Micah, & Hosea

Stained glass window of Prophet Isaiah from St. James Church, Hohenberg, Germany

In this 4th Sunday of Advent sermon, Pastor Shane examines 3 Old Testament prophecies about the Nativity, and how this gift applies to us today. Click here for the recording of this 12/22 Service, and you can fast-forward to 24:53 to get to the start of the sermon.

Our text comes from the Old Testament

Isaiah 7.14 - Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel.

Micah 5.2 - But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 
Too little to be among the clans of Judah, 
From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.

Hosea 11.1 - When Israel was a youth I loved him, 
And out of Egypt I called My son.

About these texts

• Each of these prophecies were written between 700-800 yrs prior to the birth of Christ

• Conservative scholars interpret these as being about OT events and Christ; liberals, only about OT events

• Each of the OT prophets may have believed he was prophesying about events in the near future; each may or may not have had a concept of a prophetic word for the distant future

• Each was faithful to write what was directed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit- 2 Tim 3.16 says all Scripture is God-breathed, inspired by the Holy Spirit

6 kinds of prophetic words in the Bible

1. There is a word from the Word (Bible) - this is the safest, surest kind of word from God; a grammatical, historical interpretation of Scripture

2. There is an OT word of prophecy - foretelling (futuristic) and forthtelling, generally calling out sin; most OT prophecy is forthtelling;

3. A Word of Prophecy as one of the gifts of the Spirit (along with the two below), 1 Cor 12, 14.

4. There is a Word of Knowledge- divine direction regarding what to do.

5. There is a Word of Wisdom- divine direction regarding how to do it.

6. There is the discerning of spirits- a word/witness from the HS regarding either the genuine or fraudulent behavior of another .

These are word or message gifts, from God, to His people (including us) for His own purposes to aid us and/or His agenda.

Practical application for your life

1. Isaiah, Micah and Hosea each were given a word from the Lord for their time, Christ’s time, and ours today.

2. Just as they received a word from the Lord, you can as well (1 Cor 12, 14).

3. What you do with that word is up to you- you can be obedient, or not (ex- preaching on adultery at Easter).

4. There are consequences to obeying, and disobeying, a word from the Lord- obedience is ALWAYS better.

5. Being used in the word gifts is a matter of learning to trust and obey the Lord; you learn, and grow…