The Advent of the Anointed One: A Christmas Reflection on Daniel's Prophecy
As the Advent season unfolds and we anticipate the joyous celebration of Christ's birth, it's fitting to delve into the prophetic tapestry of the Old Testament, where God, in His infinite wisdom, meticulously laid out the plan for our salvation. The birth of Jesus was not a mere happenstance of history, but the culmination of centuries of divine orchestration, foretold with remarkable precision in the writings of the prophets.
Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, eloquently captures this divine plan:
The Lord God appointed a set time for the coming of his Son into the world; nothing was left to chance. Infinite wisdom dictated the hour at which the Messiah should be born, and the moment at which he should be cut off. His advent and his work are the highest point of the purpose of God, the hinge of history, the centre of providence, the crowning of the edifice of grace, and therefore peculiar care watched over every detail. Once in the end of the world hath the Son of God appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, and this is the event before which all other events must bow. The studious mind will be delighted to search out the reasons why the Messiah came not before, and why he did not tarry till yet later ages. Prophecies declared the date; but long before infallible wisdom had settled it for profoundest reasons. It was well that the Redeemer came: it was well that he came in what Scripture calls the fullness of time, even in these last days. Note again, that the Lord told his people somewhat darkly, but still with a fair measure of clearness, when the Christ would come. (Sermons on the Book of Daniel, 121)
Spurgeon's words resonate with the profound truth that God's plan was not haphazard but meticulously designed. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ stand as the pivotal point in all of history, the very linchpin upon which our salvation hinges.
One of the most remarkable prophecies concerning the Messiah is found in the book of Daniel, chapter 9, verses 24-27. Here, the angel Gabriel reveals to Daniel a vision of "seventy weeks," or more accurately, "seventy sevens," referring to a period of 490 years. Within this timeframe, God outlines a series of events that would culminate in the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.
The Seventy Weeks Prophecy
“Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.”- Daniel 9:24
Daniel 9:24 outlines six significant events to occur within these seventy sevens:
Transgression is to be finished: The Messiah would bring an end to the power of sin.
An end is made of sin: Sin's dominion would be broken.
Atonement for wickedness is to be made: The Messiah would offer the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Everlasting righteousness is to be brought in: Through the Messiah, true righteousness would be established.
Vision & Prophecy are to be sealed up: The Old Testament prophecies would find their fulfillment in the Messiah.
The “most holy” is to be anointed: This could refer to the anointing of a future temple, or more likely, the anointing of Jesus as the ultimate "Holy of Holies."
These seventy sevens are further divided into three sub-categories:
7 weeks (49 years): This period likely marks the time from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 7:12-26) to the completion of the city walls.
62 weeks (434 years): This period, following the previous 7 weeks, points to the beginning of Jesus' ministry and His ultimate sacrifice.
1 week (7 years): This final week potentially symbolizes the church age or a future tribulation period.
Interpreting the Prophecy
While various interpretations exist regarding the seventy weeks prophecy, the most convincing view aligns the first 69 weeks (483 years) with historical events leading up to Jesus' ministry. Starting with the decree of Artaxerxes I in 457 BC, this calculation pinpoints the beginning of Jesus' ministry around AD 27, culminating in His crucifixion around AD 30.
This precise prediction of the Messiah's arrival underscores the divine authorship of the Bible and the meticulous planning of God's redemptive plan. The prophecy leaves no room for doubt: Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Anointed One, sent by God at the precise time foretold centuries earlier.
The Significance of the Prophecy for Us Today
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, Daniel's prophecy serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The birth of Jesus was not a random occurrence but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan to redeem His people.
This prophecy also challenges us to consider our own response to the Messiah. Have we embraced Him as our Savior and Lord? Are we living in light of the everlasting righteousness He established?
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, let us do so with a renewed appreciation for the prophetic Word of God and the divine plan that unfolded through the ages, culminating in the arrival of our Savior.
The Already/Not Yet Reality
Daniel's prophecy encapsulates an "already/not yet" reality. While the first 69 weeks have been fulfilled, the 70th week remains future. This final week is associated with the rise of the Antichrist, a period of tribulation, and ultimately, the triumphant return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
This "already/not yet" tension reminds us that we live in the in-between time. We rejoice that Christ has come and accomplished our salvation, yet we eagerly await His return when He will make all things new.
Conclusion
As we light the Advent candles and sing carols of joy, let us remember that the Christmas story is not merely a heartwarming tale but the fulfillment of God's divine plan for our salvation. Daniel's prophecy, along with countless others throughout the Old Testament, points unequivocally to Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Anointed One who came to finish transgression, make an end of sin, and bring in everlasting righteousness.
May this Christmas season be a time of renewed faith and deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan. Let us celebrate the birth of our Savior with hearts full of gratitude and hope, knowing that He is the fulfillment of prophecy and the anchor of our souls.
Pastor Tim
