The First Testament

Is the Old Testament so old that it is irrelevant? No, not at all. In fact, the teachings of Jesus were consistent with the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies. It is God's first testament in a two testament Book.  

The first five books of Moses provide a theological foundation for the whole Bible. They describe the creation of mankind in the image of God, the sin and fall of mankind from God's grace, the ten commandments, and also the creation of a particular nation as a covenant people of God. The people of God however needed faith in the promised Messiah who was yet to come.  

God created these particular people by calling the Patriarchs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the land of Canaan, their promised land. Jacob's name was later changed to Israel, and his twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel, who over time grew into the nation of Israel. 

The Israelites however were forced to the land of Egypt to find food from famine, only to be saved by their betrayed, yet exonerated, brother Joseph. The Egyptians eventually forgot Joseph and enslaved the Israelites, but God raised up Moses to rescue them and return them to the land of Canaan. After Moses' life, Joshua brought the Israelites into the promised land where they struggled in faith and were then governed by the Judges.  

The Wisdom literature of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes describes many writings and teachings from the people of God as they walked and wrestled in faith. The lessons and questions of life were part of the experiences even for people of the Old Testament, which are the same as we also have today.

The Historical books of Samuel, Chronicles, and Kings describe how the people of God often stumbled in faith and even chose a king to lead them like the many pagan nations around them. They made Saul their first King. Kings David and Solomon followed in a golden age that was soon followed by civil war, and then several different kings, many of whom departed from the Law of God.

The Prophets were raised up by God to call the people of God back to the covenant of God. The Prophets spoke against the unrighteous kings and the coming Exile of God's people from the Promised Land. They also spoke of the redemption of God's people, and Nehemiah and Ezra saw this return and the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem.  

The Prophets still speak of living in faith today by living obediently to the Word of God. It is in the brokenness of life we can clearly see the need for a Savior which the people of the Old Testament also saw. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah of God's first testament who came into the world to save mankind from sin.

FAITH TODAY: Isaiah 9:5 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."