In the vast mosaic of God’s love, the misconception of His distance fades away. It’s not about God being far off; it’s about the human heart, dimmed by sin. God, far from being silent, speaks actively in various ways. His primary voice is through His Son, Jesus, whose words and life illuminate God’s nature and redemptive plan.
God Speaks Through His Word
He also speaks through His Word, the Scriptures, supernaturally preserved for us. The Bible breathes out God’s wisdom, teaching, correcting, and training us in righteousness. It’s a timeless guide, echoing God’s voice through the ages.
God’s Classroom on Earth
God speaks through the nations, especially in the story of Israel. The Bible isn’t just a list of attributes; it’s a collection of stories revealing God’s nature. He is a brilliant teacher, using the world as an immersive classroom. Everything around us instructs us in the knowledge of God and our own identity.
Romans 1:19–20 (ESV) For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
God is not distant; He ardently desires to reveal Himself. Israel, a special gift to the nations, is a key player in this revelation. By studying Israel, we unlock a deeper understanding of God.
Israel’s Story and God’s Glory
The story of Israel serves as a context for glorifying God’s Son. While it’s easy to get off track by making Israel the main point, keeping Jesus central in Israel’s narrative prevents errors. Israel’s story is ultimately about Israel’s God, and His glory is entwined with her story.
Ezekiel 36:22 (ESV) “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name.”
Perceiving Israel correctly is crucial; it teaches us about God. Paul, reflecting on Israel’s story, erupted in worship, understanding the knowledge of God through it. We, too, can find profound worship in comprehending God through Israel’s journey.
Israel’s Narrative is the Gospel in Action
Israel becomes God’s parable to the earth, instructing the nations. Through Israel’s narrative, God unveils His nature and ours. Israel’s rebellion mirrors our own, and God’s interaction with her mirrors His interaction with us.
Israel as the Gospel Summary
Comparing Israel’s story to the plan of redemption reveals it as God’s gospel summary. God chose man and later chose Israel not based on performance but desire. God inserted Himself into humanity to redeem it, just as He committed to becoming an Israelite to save Israel.
The Gospel’s Cosmic Impact
God’s plan to save humanity extends beyond saving individuals; it redeems the entire cosmos. Similarly, His plan to save Israel impacts more than just Israel—it releases salvation into the nations.
Israel’s Story is the Gospel
The story of Israel, in essence, is the gospel. God, through Israel’s journey, reveals His tenderness, severity, love, discipline, judgments, mercy, and salvation. Israel’s narrative is an intimate revelation of God’s character, compared to a marriage.
The Gospel at Stake in Israel’s Story
What we think about Israel’s story reflects what we think about God. It’s also a revelation of our own nature. Israel’s failure mirrors our rebellion, and her redemption foretells our salvation.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gospel in Israel’s Chronicle
Understanding Israel’s story is vital; it’s not just about Israel—it’s a living, breathing gospel in allegorical form. Israel’s story doesn’t end with her rebellion; it ends in salvation. The gospel is at stake in Israel’s narrative. As we grasp this truth, we discover the depths of God’s love and the brilliance of His redemptive plan, all intricately woven into the story of Israel.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Israel and the Great Commission—How the Great Commission Fulfills God’s Purpose for Israel and the Nations” by Samuel Whitefield.
