Sometimes you have to back away from the details to get the big picture. As I was jogging this morning I thought about the people of Israel. They form a core part of the Old Testament and they remain a nation today, still very much in the news. I think it is amazing how long this nation has lasted, and that they are still a nation, despite so many difficulties. Then I considered the fact that this is one nation that God clearly established, Himself. We have the detailed history and genealogy, going back to Adam and then feeding through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel as the nation sprang directly from his children). We are taught in the New Testament that the Old Testament was given as examples and warnings for us. I think the nation of Israel is an important example of how God can start with an individual and build a nation. That seems to have its fulfillment in the centuries since Christ first came. Starting with Jesus, as an individual, we see the church built across the generations and that is building God's Kingdom. In Israel we see the picture of an individual becoming a nation. In the New Testament we see the fulfillment of an individual growing into a Kingdom. You really can't explain the existence or persistence of Israel apart from the reality of God. And you can't explain the existence, persistence and growth of the true church of believers apart from the reality of God either.
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Romans 9:6 Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God's people!
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blessings and reflections to you!
Rob Smith
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