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Where Is God’s True Israel?
In proclaiming the everlasting gospel to every nation, God’s
church is fulfilling the prophecy, “Israel shall blossom and bud, and
fill the face of the world with fruit.”
Isaiah 27:6
. As the result of
the efforts of Jesus’ followers, an abundant harvest is developing,
bringing the benefits God hinted at in His promise to Abraham, “I
will bless you ... and you shall be a blessing.”
Genesis 12:2
.
This promise of blessing should have met major fulfillment dur-
ing the centuries following the Israelites’ return from captivity. God
intended that the whole earth would be prepared for the first advent
of Christ, even as today He is preparing the way for Jesus’ second
coming. See
Zechariah 8:3, 7, 8
.
God did not want Israel to repeat the sins that had characterized
her prior to the captivity. “Execute true justice,” the Lord told those
engaged in rebuilding. “Speak each man the truth to his neighbor;
give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace.”
Zechariah
7:9
;
8:16
.
God promised rich rewards to those who would practice these
principles: “Just as you were a curse among the nations, O house
of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a
blessing.”
Zechariah 8:13
.
The Babylonian captivity cured the Israelites of image worship.
After their return, under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah they re-
peatedly pledged to keep all the commandments of the Lord. The
times of prosperity that followed gave evidence of God’s willingness
to forgive. Yet with fatal shortsightedness they selfishly kept for
themselves the blessings that would have brought healing and life to
multitudes.
This failure was plainly visible in Malachi’s day. In his rebuke
against transgressors, the prophet spared neither priests nor people.
Only by sincere repentance could they experience God’s blessing.
“But now,” the prophet pleaded, “entreat God’s favor, that He may
be gracious to us.”
Malachi 1:9
.
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