Sunday, 5 September 2021

There is a future for Israel

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Dan Juster first wrote a tome on Messianic Jewish theology called "Jewish Roots," probably 40 years ago. It was one of the first Messianic books I ever read. Now, in its 4th edition (this time with a complete rewrite), I'm reading it again. It is truly an amazing work. Near the bottom of page 30 there is a one sentence paragraph ...

God, however, has never given up His purpose of preserving a nation among the nations to demonstrate His Lordship.

That nation among the nations is the children of Israel. The question we must answer is this, "Is there a future for Israel?" Let's "reflect" on that. That "nation" God is preserving is Israel. In Hebrew, the "nation of Israel" is "Am Yisrael" (which could also be translated as "people of Israel"). Every other nation is a "goy" (and in plural, "goyim"). Too bad the term "goy" has taken on unsavory connotations in modern parlance. This was never God's intention, but man's fallen view perverts God's purposes.

God's stated purpose for blessing Abraham's seed (that purpose was restated to Isaac and then to Jacob [Israel]) is found in, Genesis 12:3c in you all the families of the earth will be blessed. Was that "blessing" completed with the first coming of Yeshua, or is there still a blessing to come through Israel to the world (all the other nations) at the second coming? Let's get our answer from Romans 11.

Read the entire chapter to keep it in context. In fact, to really keep things in proper perspective, read the 3 chapters, Romans 9, 10, and 11. Romans 11:11a I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! The "stumble" was the rejection of Yeshua by most of the leaders of Israel at His first coming. Romans 11:12 Now if their transgression leads to riches for the world, and their loss riches for the Gentiles, then how much more their fullness!

What's this? There is yet a "fullness" for Israel still to come? And, what would that fullness be? Is it for Israel alone? What follows is a prophesy of "life from the dead." These words are a prophesy of worldwide revival that springs forth from the salvation of Israel. Romans 11:15 For if their rejection leads to the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

And now, the "icing on the cake." There is a completion of the promise made about 4,000 years ago to Father Abraham. It is yet to come, but it is coming soon. Romans 11:28-29 Concerning the Good News, they are hostile for your sake; but concerning chosenness, they are loved on account of the fathers, for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. You know it, you saw it, and you just read it - chosenness (yours and Israel's) is irrevocable!!! We prosper by loving what God loves. You gotta love that Israel is loved, and so are you.