The Jews - God's Witnesses "Therefore
ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God" (Isa. 43:12).
The Jews, the descendants
of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, have a special place
in the purpose of God with mankind. They were recipients
of, and custodians of, God's written revelation. Through
them God raised up His Son, their Messiah. In their
deliverance from Egypt and their subsequent history they have
become witnesses to the truth of God's promises to them, and
thus witnesses to His existence. Their role has not ceased
with the first coming of Jesus, for their regathering in
the twentieth century, in fulfilment of Bible prophecy,
is a witness to the nearness of Jesus's second coming,
and the focus for the revelation of Divine power to save them
from international aggression. This will cause God's Name to
be known among all nations, and will establish Jerusalem
as the centre of the Kingdom of God. Gentile believers are given title to the promises made to the fathers of Israel through belief of the gospel (also described as the Hope of Israel) and baptism into Jesus Christ. If faithful they will be part of the "all Israel [that] shall be saved" (Rom. 11:26) when Jesus comes.
Beloved for the fathers' sakes The children of Israel
were selected as the channel of Divine revelation because
they were the descendants of the faithful fathers,
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not for their moral excellence.
They were expected to show a similar faith by believing
and obeying God's Law. In this way they would become an
example to the surrounding nations, and fulfil their
calling as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (Gen. 12:2; 13:15,16; 22:16-18; Ex. 19:4-6; Deut. 4:5-8; 7:6-11; Jno. 8:39)
A covenant people The descendants of Jacob
were forged into a distinct nation in Egypt. Their
deliverance was a signal act which showed God as a God of
judgement, power and graciousness. This event is commemorated
annually when Jews keep the Passover to celebrate their
redemption from Egypt. At Sinai their calling was confirmed
when they agreed to be obedient to God's law. This covenant
was renewed with the generation that actually entered the
Land of Promise, Canaan, and is the basis of God's
treatment of them, as witnessed by their history:
"You only have I known of all the families of the
earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities". (Amos 3:2; Gen. 15:13,14; Ex. 1:7; 9:13-16; 12:15,17; 24:7; Deut. 4:23,24; Josh. 24:21-25; Rom. 3:1,2)
Scattering and
regathering Israel were offered
prosperity and blessing in return for obedience, but
deprivation and cursing if disobedient. Continued disobedience
would result in removal from the land and scattering among
the nations, where they would be oppressed and become a
proverb. Both outcomes have been experienced by the
nation. Blessings were abundant in the reigns of David
and Solomon and other faithful kings; trouble and
captivity came following continued disobedience,
culminating in the deportation of the ten tribes to Assyria
and the two tribes to Babylon. Following the national
rejection of Jesus as their Messiah, the nation was
scattered throughout the world for nearly two millennia, and
Jerusalem became subject to Gentile control. Yet their national
identity has been preserved, a witness that God keeps His
word. God's promises also
allowed for their return and re-establishment as a nation
in the Land of Promise. This became a reality in 1948, and
the whole of Jerusalem came under Jewish control in 1967. However,
the prophets tell us that this situation will be opposed by
other nations, resulting in an international attack that
will require the nation to be saved by Divine
intervention on Jesus's return. (Deut. 28; Lev. 26; Joel 3:1,2,9-17,20,21; Zech. 14; Lk. 21:20-27)
Not cast off Some contend that Israel's persistent disobedience, culminating in the murder of their Messiah, means that the nation has been cast off and its place taken by believers in Jesus Christ. Paul specifically refutes this idea. The Jews are still the basis of God's work of salvation, but Gentiles can, by faith, share the promises, which will be fulfilled at the return of Jesus when "all Israel shall be saved" (Rom. 11:26). Source: The Testimony Magazine
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