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The Promise of the Messiah. Chapter 7. God ’ s Promise to Adam & Eve. * The Protoevangelium – Latin for “ first Gospel. ” I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head,
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The Promise of the Messiah Chapter 7
God’s Promise to Adam & Eve * The Protoevangelium – Latin for “first Gospel.” I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, and you will strike his heel. (Genesis 3:15) * Literal and Spiritual Interpretations: * Literal sense – explains why snakes and people don’t get along * Spiritual sense – God’s first promise (covenant) to send a Savior to free humanity from the effects of the Fall. * Jesus as new Adam/Mary as new Eve – they will restore humanity’s original holiness and justice that was lost by Adam and Eve.
The Old Testament Covenants • Ancient Israel is unique – they enter into covenants with God – not with other kingdoms. • God initiates the covenants and stays faithful to them. • God communicates his love for humanity and his desire to restore our communion with him. • These covenants point us to the Paschal Mystery – the redemption of all humanity through Christ’s Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension.
The Covenant with Noah • To never again send a flood to kill all life on earth (Genesis 9: 8-17). • Sign of the covenant is the rainbow (Genesis 9:14-15). • Importance: Covenant is universal – extends to all nations of the earth (Genesis 10:32) • Nations always in danger of polytheism – the false belief in many gods, also nation worship/king worship. • Covenant with Noah assures us that God is still at work among these nations.
The Abrahamic Covenant (I) • God calls a Chosen People to have a special role in his plan to restore humanity’s holiness and justice. • God initiates a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) • God promises Abraham 3 things: (1) many descendants; a great nation, (2) a land of their own, and (3) to make Abraham and his descendants a blessing for all the nations (shows how to live in a right relationship with the one true God). • Abraham’s descendants = Hebrews=Israelites=Jews.
The Abrahamic Covenant (2) • God asks Abraham & descendants to commit to: • (1) to walk with God-to recognize the one, true God. • (2) to be blameless – to live a life without sin. • (3) to practice circumcision – physical mark of the covenant.
The Mosaic Covenant • The theophany at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:16-25) • Dramatic signs of God’s presence – show the importance of what is to come. • God summons Moses to the mountaintop – renews with Moses the Covenant he had with Abraham. • God gives Moses the Law – summarized by the Ten Commandments. • Keeping the Law = sign of faithfulness; breaking the Law = unfaithfulness to the Covenant. • Torah – Hebrew for “law” – first 5 books of the OT.
The Davidic Covenant • King David wishes to build a Temple to hold the Ark of the Covenant. • The prophet Nathan tells David no; that his son will build the Temple. • God promises David that “your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.” • “house” = bloodline; line of descendants. • Jesus Christ is a direct descendant of King David; the Kingdom of God endures forever.
Prophecies of a Messiah • Old Testament Covenants – point us to something more. • That “something more” is revealed in the messianic prophecies in the OT (p. 82 & 83). • Prophets were God’s instruments of hope to his Chosen People. • Prophets spoke of a messiah/savior to deliver the people from their earthly and spiritual bondage. Messiah – “anointed one.” • Jesus Christ brings the ancient Covenants and prophecies to fulfillment.
Moses • Great OT prophet – “God’s voice” • The Lord knew him “face to face” (Deut 34:10) • From the Tribe of Levi; raised as an Egyptian by the Pharaoh’s daughter • Freed Israelites from slavery in Egypt • Persevered, trusted God, allowed God to work through him • Shaped Israel to be a people of the Covenant