How can we apply the prophets' diligence in seeking Christ to our lives? Prophets’ passionate pursuit “...trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.” (1 Peter 1:11) The ancient prophets invested heart, mind, and years into understanding Christ’s sufferings and glory. Their example calls us to the same wholehearted search. Christ at the center • Luke 24:27—Jesus “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.” • John 5:39—“You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me.” The prophets kept Christ central before He arrived; we look back on His finished work yet still keep Him central today. Practical steps to imitate their diligence 1. Cultivate holy curiosity • Schedule unhurried, daily time in Scripture. • Read a whole book at once for context, then return slowly to savor details. 2. Search intentionally • Trace themes of suffering and glory—Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Daniel 7. • Use cross-references; let Scripture interpret Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21). • Memorize key passages; repetition drives truth deeper (Psalm 119:11). 3. Depend on the Spirit • Ask the Spirit who inspired the text to illuminate it (John 16:13). • Obey promptly; light received yields more light (Psalm 119:105). 4. Embrace the suffering-glory pattern • Expect hardship as part of discipleship (2 Timothy 3:12). • Anchor hope in the promised glory to follow (Romans 8:18). 5. Live with anticipation • Keep eternity in view; Christ’s return is near (1 Peter 4:7). • Let future glory fuel present faithfulness—work, family, church, community (1 Corinthians 15:58). Results of diligent seeking • Clearer vision of Christ’s person and work. • Stability in trials, knowing suffering and glory are inseparable. • Growing appetite for holiness and obedience. • Overflowing joy that draws others to the Savior. The prophets pressed forward to glimpse the Messiah; with completed revelation in hand, we have even more reason to seek Him diligently and reflect His glory in everyday life. |
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