ISRAEL'S INCREDIBLE FUTURE
Has anyone dared report what the scripture says about the incredible future of Israel, without spiritualizing it for the Church?
I love the Church; it is the fullness of Him who fills all in all. The nations coming to Christ and receiving the abundant blessings that accompany salvation is the reason for the creation of the earth and the purpose of everything that has transpired throughout the history of man. God’s desire for a family resulted in the birth of His Church and eternity has been designed for Christ’s union and fellowship with His Church.
Israel, however, still holds a special assigned position in the overall plans of God and that position is more significant than most people realize. There are three distinct comparisons given to us in Scripture, by the Apostle Paul; the comparison between male and female, slave and free, and Jew and Gentile. They are listed in the following verse. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:28
You can be born into slavery (God forbid) or be a free man, yet you are the same when it comes to salvation and eternal life. You can be born a man or a woman, yet you are the same when it comes to salvation and eternal life. You can be born a Jew or born a Gentile, yet you are the same when it comes to salvation and eternal life.
These comparisons do not say that there are no distinctions at all. We know there is a difference between men and women. We are the same redemptively but we are not the same physically and our roles are different. To mention only one of their many differences, women have babies and men do not. Likewise, Jews have a historic and an eternal role that distinguishes them from the rest of the Church. Redemption is the same, it only comes through Christ, but the Jews have a task that is special to them alone.
Abraham was the first one in the Bible to be called a Hebrew but he, although a main player, represents only one step in the positioning of the chosen people. Other dramatic keys that identify their special calling are as follows: all of the Bible patriarchs, heroes, prophets and first disciples and apostles were Jews; all of the Holy Scriptures were written by Jews; all of the principles for godly living came to us through Jews; God’s temple in Jerusalem was built by Jews; Jesus, the Son of God, was a Jew; the Gospel was first extended to the Jews; the Jews are called ‘God’s chosen people’; Jesus will return to the land of the Jews; He is called the King of the Jews and will one day rule the nations from Jerusalem; and the Jews will host the people of the nations who stream to Jerusalem to worship Him. Furthermore, we see a picture of the resurrected Christ in heaven, in Revelation chapter 5, verse 5. There in heaven, Jesus is still a Jew; He is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David.
Why are the Jews chosen above all other peoples on the earth? (see Deuteronomy 7:6) We cannot say, but it is God’s choice. If He had chosen the Cubans, the English or the Egyptians, then some would have a problem with that choice. The truth is, He chose Israel, and while the Church of the nations has been grafted in, it did not replace Israel, for the gifts and calling of God, concerning Israel, are irrevocable (see Roman 11:28-29). God’s position on this is so final, that He attaches blessings to those who bless the Jews and curses to those who curse them (see Genesis 12:3).
Isaiah 60 highlights some of the amazing blessings that the Jews will receive. After they return to their land, they will have military protection, experience revival and eventually, welcome the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The reason for their blessings is mentioned in verse 21. It says, “They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.” Isa. 60:21
God has chosen Israel to show forth His splendor. With a people who failed, He demonstrates His abundant grace. Besides hosting the nations who come to worship the King, the Jews will be an everlasting testimony of God’s love and blessings for all humanity.
The following portions from Isaiah 60 highlight some of the extraordinary blessings that will belong to the Jews. These statements are listed exactly as they are written in the Bible, and included in the order they are given.
We start with verses that identify Israel. “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob [Israel]”…“This is my covenant with them”…“forever, says the Lord.” Isa. 59:20-21
- “Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you”…“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isa. 60:1-3
- “to you the riches of the nations will come.” Isa. 60:5
- “Foreigners will rebuild your walls and their kings will serve you”…“the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish;” Isa. 60:10,12
- “all who despise you will bow down at your feet”…“I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations.” Isa. 60:14-15
- “I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer,” Isa. 60:16
- “No longer will violence be heard in your land,” Isa. 60:18
- “They will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted”…“for the display of my splendor.” Isa. 60:21
- “I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.” Isa. 60:22
The Lord, who is glorious, will have a people who are glorious, and all the world will see what God does for those who are His. The blessings that will come to Israel are a sign of God’s blessings over all people of every nation. Our hope is connected with Israel’s hope. As they are blessed so is the Church, for the glory of the Lord is extensive; it will cover the earth as the waters cover the seas.
We pray our monthly teaching
devotional empowers & inspires you
to live a supernatural Christian life.
DR. PETER WYNS
Founder & President
Christian for Messiah Ministries
Pastor at Antioch International Church
Instructions in Righteousness is produced by “Christians for Messiah Ministries” (CFM). Dr. Peter Wyns is the President of CFM and the Head Pastor of Antioch International Church. He has served as a pastor for 54 years and ministered in more than 45 nations.
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