“Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ ” (Acts 4:24-25)

We notice that the early testimony of the Apostles used the Old Testament (Covenant) Scriptures. The New Testament (Covenant) was being written and would be passed on later but in the beginning, they needed to go back to the Old Testament to find the link to Jesus, the Messiah. It was right there but just needed to be discovered and explained. In that explanation many came to faith in Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. The promise of “all peoples on earth will be blessed” came to pass. It has been almost 2,500 years since the Jewish people have had a prophet. But they have, and more than a prophet, the Messiah, Jesus.

We wonder if the Old Testament is of importance to us as Christians. Can’t we just focus on the New Testament? If we do we miss the rich treasure of Scripture that points to the Messiah, Jesus. He is there. It takes some digging to find Him, but He is there. It sets the foundation that God set up to bless all of humankind. The Jewish nation was the launch pad for God’s Grace to go to all the world. So, yes, the Old Testament still speaks to us, reinforcing our faith in the Messiah, Jesus.

Heavenly Father, when You planned Your saving of humankind You chose a people to come out of Abraham. That people brought us Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Thank You for Your gift of Eternal Salvation through Him. We cherish the whole of Your two Covenants.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.