OT Castaways Waiting for Christ

In describing the way Old Testament believers looked forward to the coming of Christ, Andrew Bonar (1810-1892) used this great illustration of castaways strain to see an approaching rescue ship on the distant horizon.

Onward from the hour when first the announcement of a Saviour was made in the words, "The seed of the Woman shall bruise the head of the serpent," the anxious inquiries of all saints were directed toward this person, to know who and what He was to be. The case of the Old Testament believers was like that of exiles, who had got the promise of return from banishment, but who saw not the means by which they were to be transported homeward from their dreary island of captivity. At length one whose eye has looked through the telescope comes among them, points them to a speck in the distant horizon, telling them that yonder is the vessel sent to carry them home. They have had intimations of their sovereign's pardon and goodwill already, but this is the most satisfactory proof of it. Accordingly, hour after hour do they keep their eye fixed on that distant object, and their joy rises in proportion as they are able distinctly to discern that yonder speck is indeed a vessel, bearing colours that proclaim from what land it has come. Having in their possession letters sealed with the king's seal, which speak of actual deliverance to be brought them when such a vessel should touch their coasts, they reckon its arrival to be their grand hope, and expect to find therein everything needed for their immediate recall. This was the position of Old Testament saints: they were gazing on this speck in the distant ocean. The vessel was seen by Job a little more distinctly than by previous patriarchs, when he sang, "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He will stand on the earth at the latter day;" and yet more plainly by those who heard that He was to be "Abraham's seed," and "Shiloh" from the tribe of Judah, and "David's son," as well as "David's Lord."

A still clearer sight was gained when Isaiah stood and cried, "To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God!" (Isa. ix. 6). And yet more, when Zechariah declared that he heard the Almighty call Him "The Man that is My Fellow!" (xiii. 7). The vessel was now seen with joyful distinctness, and the hope of the Lord's banished ones grew brighter and brighter, as Malachi (iii. 1) cried, "The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple."

-Andrew Bonar, The Person of Christ (free on Kindle)