Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 29:13-21.
Memory Verse: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18)
INTRODUCTION:
Christ gave life, or spirit, to prophecy, and He taught what the Father sent Him to teach (John 5:30). But through the prophets of old many important messages came that had to do with national affairs. Foreseeing the future, God gave information as to what would happen: “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them (Isaiah 42:9). Christ said, “the Scriptures must be fulfilled” (Mark 14:49) and “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).
Man cannot alter the performance of what God has said, any more than he can stop the sunrise. “No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Daniel 4:35). We are also admonished: “Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Proof will show the proper value of prophecy. When proved, God’s word is found to be true; and the events foretold that have not come to pass, will come in God’s time and order.
God told Abraham his descendants would serve a nation that would afflict them, and in the fourth generation they would be freed (Genesis 15:13-16. The record shows Israel left Egypt in the fourth generation of those born in Egypt, and exactly 430 years from the time the promises were made to Abraham (Exodus 6:16-20; 12:41; Galatians 3:17). Pharaoh tried to prevent God’s Word, not recognizing God as authority. This brought severe plagues on his people.
For centuries, Egypt was a powerful nation with a flourishing civilization, but decline came which God said would make Egypt “the lowliest of kingdoms” (Ezekiel 29:15). From the time Egypt became subject to Rome, has a native prince ruled? Under the Turks and Arabs no material progress was made. Nasser boasted of his plans, but he was an Arabic descendant and not an Egyptian. Egypt truly has become a base nation.
LESSON QUESTIONS:
- How did God declare Himself above false gods? Isaiah 42:8-9; 45:21-22.
- To whom did God reveal His secrets? Amos 3:7. What did Jehoshaphat tell the people? 2 Chronicles 20:20, last part. If one fails to believe, what will be the result? Isaiah 7:9, last part.
- How was prophecy fulfilled in Israel’s bondage in, and freedom from Egypt? How long was Israel really in Egyptian bondage? Genesis 15:13-16; Exodus 12:40-41; 6:16-23; Genesis 46:11.
- What is said of Egypt in Ezekiel 29:14-16? How did Babylon enter the Egyptian controversy? Ezekiel 29:16-20.
- What was predicted concerning Babylon? Isaiah 13:19-22; Jeremiah 50:1-3. Who was to lead in the overthrow of Babylon? Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-4.
- What was prophesied concerning Tyre? Ezekiel 26:2-6. Who was a chief agent in this? Ezekiel 26:16-20.
- From your knowledge of Bible prophecy, point out the certainty of its fulfillment. Can we trust God to validate His Word?
- What challenge is found in Isaiah 41:21-23; 45:21? Who has been able to answer the challenge?
- Give some examples of prophecies concerning the Messiah that have already been fulfilled.