Israel-the Religious Leader
Exod. 19:6 “And ye
shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
In the days of the coming Kingdom the living nation of
Israel, converted and cleansed, will be restored to her original ministry in
the good purpose of God (Exod. 12:3). In the establishment of the historical
Theocracy at Sinai, the word of Jehovah came to Israel, saying, "Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of
priests" (Exod. 19:6), And, although the nation failed through unbelief
and disobedience, the purpose of God will not fail. In the dark days of
Israel's failure, Isaiah looked forward to a better time when "ye shall be named the Priests of the
LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God" (Isa. 61:6). And
here, lest there be any confusion as to the identity of the people in view, the
prophet carefully distinguishes between them and the Gentile world: "Ye shall eat the riches of the
Gentiles." Thus the blessing of God promised through the seed of
Abraham, although already realized in part even in the present age, will
receive its ultimate fulfillment in the future Millennial Kingdom of God on
earth. Then the religious ministry of Israel shall be fully recognized: "Their seed shall be known among the
Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall
acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed"
(Isa. 61:9). To prepare the nation for a world-wide mission among the Gentile
nations, God will give to the people of Israel faithful "shepherds" to feed them (Jer. 23:4). In this important
ministry the tribe of Levi will again have a definite place (Jer. 33:17-22). "At that time," the Lord
promises to Israel, "I will make you
a name and a praise among all the people of the earth" (Zeph. 3:20).
They finally get it right but what a journey, a picture of
the grace of God.
NOTE Let it be observed that these are the very terms which describe His purpose for His Church, so far as the earthly calling of that Church is concerned. Their response to that word of grace was a declaration that they would do everything necessary on their part to be worthy of that redemption, and to fulfill that purpose. How little they knew themselves! Their answer was sincere, but it was ignorant.
NOTE Let it be observed that these are the very terms which describe His purpose for His Church, so far as the earthly calling of that Church is concerned. Their response to that word of grace was a declaration that they would do everything necessary on their part to be worthy of that redemption, and to fulfill that purpose. How little they knew themselves! Their answer was sincere, but it was ignorant.
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