Looking back to the looking ahead helps bring things into perspective. This is what has been provided by the One Who knows and is able to declare the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10) What God plans comes to fruition in its fullness of time. (i.e. Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:9-10) God’s track record through the Scriptures clearly reveals this. As the plan was to send the Son through Whom we would receive salvation — as was in the mind of God even before the ages began (note 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2) and before the foundation of the world (note 1 Peter 1:20; and also John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4) — looking back through the early Scriptures we glimpse the shadows of the realities that were to come in order to clearly see their fulfillment in God’s good time.
It was by this means of looking back to the looking ahead that Jesus drew the attention of the two He joined on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) who were struggling to understand the scenes of the death, burial, and reported resurrection of the Lord. And though, at the moment, they did not realize it was Jesus Who was walking with them (Luke 24:16), as Jesus noted the suffering of the Christ that was to precede the entering into His glory (Luke 24:26) we read. . .
“(27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27 ESV)
When Jesus later appeared to the other disciples who also struggled in believing (Luke 24:41) we again read. . .
“(44) Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (45) Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,” (Luke 24:44-45 ESV)
Here was the looking back to the looking ahead of the fulfillment of the plan of redemption through Christ. The Heavenly plan was always focusing forward toward this fulfillment. In looking back at all the Scriptures have revealed, let us then trust in the sufficiency in Christ as we continue focusing forward to the ultimate fulfillment of all things in Him!
Have a great day LOOKING BACK TO FOLLOWING IN GOD’S FOCUSING FORWARD!
Carl
