God chose the descendants of Abraham at their weakest point and took them out of Egypt in order to show us what the kingdom of God looks like and to demonstrate His love and righteousness. The Jews were chosen to form a nation reflecting God’s righteous lordship on the earth.
Throughout the Bible, we read of how Israel continually failed to pursue God’s standards and values. But Israel’s failure did not cancel God’s call and promises for her. Paul says in Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” The modern restoration of the Jewish State of Israel is a confirmation of God’s continuing faithfulness.
God’s gifts to Israel come in the form of the Promised Land, the Mosaic law, and the privilege of knowing Him, and these gifts are still applicable today. Israel is His nation, His special possession, a light of God in this world, and a people that display His name and character.
God will not withdraw His call on Israel to be a light to the nations and an instrument of His redemptive purpose. He did not choose Israel because they were better than other nations, and He will not forsake her because of her unbelief and disobedience. Israel has been and will be an object of God’s care and attention forever. God created the Jews for Himself. However, like all of us, the Jews need God’s redemptive grace.
When Yeshua returns and sets up His throne in Jerusalem, the nations of the world will come and learn His ways for building societies based on His values and principles. Israel will be the first nation to serve God in complete obedience to His Word and to walk in holiness in every aspect of life. Israel, as a priestly nation, will be teaching the nations about God’s eternal principles for life.
“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.’” (Isaiah 2:2-3)
“But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, they shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast.” (Isaiah 61:6).
This article is an excerpt from “Influence. Responding to the Call of God.”