36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37 and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."
God’s perfect foreknowledge regarding the very minutest detail of Christ’s death is here soundly proven. Nothing in the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus happened by mere luck or chance or happenstance – all had been arranged long beforehand in the counsel of God. We must not forget that prophecy never had its origin in the will man or it would surely be flawed. I am reminded of Peter’s words to us in 2 Peter indicating to us God’s divine plan revealed through prophecy of which we as believers are to pay close attention:
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21 (NIV)
Prophecies are born of God not originating from the prophets themselves – their writings being inspired by God. These human authors were controlled by the divine Author – the Holy Spirit - as a sailing vessel is carried along by the wind yet all the while they were consciously involved in the process. God’s Words were given through men - superintended by the Holy Spirit - so that they are without flaw or error. Paul tells us:
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)
King David also verifies the Truth of God’s Word which is not tainted by deceit or error yet instead is totally dependable and trustworthy:
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. Psalms 12:6 (NIV)
The untarnished nature of Scripture is as if it had been refined seven times – the number of completion and perfection. Therefore we as believers can take unfulfilled prophecies to the bank so to speak – they will come about. I am reminded of the words John penned in Revelation:
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. 7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. Rev 1:5-7 (NIV)
Christ’s second coming will be visible to the entire world including unbelievers. He will come as the conquering King of Kings and Lord of Lords - in contrast to His first Advent as a lowly babe in the Bethlehem manager. Jesus is the One who is and who was and who is to come – the all powerful One.
“We must hunger after Christ until the dawning of that great day when our Lord will fully manifest the glory of His kingdom.” John Calvin
“At His call the dead awaken, rise to life from earth and sea; all the powers of nature shaken by His look prepares to flee. Careless sinner, what will then become of thee?” John Newton
27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb 9:27-28 (NIV)
1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor 6:1-2 (NIV)
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23 (NIV)