Therefore let no one pass judgment on you… these are a shadow of things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. – Colossians 2:16-17

Most everyone would rather be handed a $10 bill than an I.O.U. or real gold rather than iron pyrite. People generally prefer something substantive that has true value. A hardware store chain has even made a slogan out of it!

The entire Bible is God’s story of the redemption of humanity. While the Old Testament is the recorded history of the children of Israel, it is also a “picture language” providing an idea of God’s plan of salvation. For example: in the sin of one man, Adam, all humankind dies, but through the grace of Jesus Christ, all people may live. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, saving those who looked upon it from imminent death, the Son of Man was lifted up on a cross, saving all who look to Him for redemption. As Jonah was released after three days in the belly of a large fish, Christ was resurrected from the tomb on the third day after His crucifixion. When you look, you can see God’s finger pointing to Christ in each chapter of the Old Testament. The history and the stories were the shadow of the true substance of Christ, your Savior.

There will be a time when God’s story comes to completion and humanity’s journey on Earth will end. The Old Testament has a picture of that also! As the days of Noah were, so shall the days preceding the second coming of Christ be. Do not be dismayed as you observe the chaos in the world. Remember God is not surprised — He wrote the book. Pray for America’s governing officials today to consider their lives beyond written history. Ask that many choose to receive the substance and value found through the mercy of God in Jesus Christ.