Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”
In proclaiming the truths of the everlasting gospel to every nation,
kindred, tongue, and people, God’s church on earth today is fulfilling
the ancient prophecy, “Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face
of the world with fruit.”
Isaiah 27:6
. The followers of Jesus, in co-
operation with heavenly intelligences, are rapidly occupying the waste
places of the earth; and, as the result of their labors, an abundant
fruitage of precious souls is developing. Today, as never before, the
dissemination of Bible truth by means of a consecrated church is
bringing to the sons of men the benefits foreshadowed centuries ago in
the promise to Abraham and to all Israel,—to God’s church on earth in
every age,—“I will bless thee, ... and thou shalt be a blessing.”
Genesis
12:2
.
This promise of blessing should have met fulfillment in large mea-
sure during the centuries following the return of the Israelites from the
lands of their captivity. It was God’s design that the whole earth be
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prepared for the first advent of Christ, even as today the way is prepar-
ing for His second coming. At the end of the years of humiliating
exile, God graciously gave to His people Israel, through Zechariah,
the assurance: “I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst
of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the
mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.” And of His people
He said, “Behold, ... I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.”
Zechariah 8:3, 7, 8
.
These promises were conditional on obedience. The sins that
had characterized the Israelites prior to the captivity, were not to be
repeated. “Execute true judgment,” the Lord exhorted those who were
engaged in rebuilding; “and show mercy and compassions every man
to his brother: and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the
stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his
brother.” “Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the
judgment of truth and peace in your gates.”
Zechariah 7:9, 10
;
8:16
.
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