Tag Archives: Israel

Zechariah 7- The Scattering

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Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.’ Zechariah 7:8-10

As we continue through this chapter of the prophet Zechariah, this is a continuation of Gods rebuke of Israel’s false religion and worship. As in my previous article, the people were asking the prophet Zechariah , what is the bare minimum they have to do to be “OK with God” (Zechariah 7:3)

This is exposing the heart of the people, they honor God with their lips but their heart is far from him” (Isaiah 29:13) This is the false religious system being exposed by God. And its still the same today, the majority of “self-professed Christians”, rely upon a works based salvational system rather than truly loving God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) and being saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2)

God is telling the prophet Zechariah what true religion looks like , to love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39) “Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, don’t oppress the lowly person, and don’t carry evil in your heart”! Many of these principle Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 7:11-12

Even after the Israelites came back from exile, their hearts were still hard, they still refused to listen to Gods word, The Law sent by His Spirit (The Holy Spirit) This has been the continual history of Israel, including the crucifying of our Lord, the Messiah

“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Acts 7:51

This is why we need to be Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) This is why we need to be regenerated, Born from Above, with a New Heart, a New Mind, the Spirit of God put within us! (Ezekeil 36)

Therefore it happened, that just as He proclaimed and they would not hear, so they called out and I would not listen,” says the LORD of hosts. “But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they had not known. Thus the land became desolate after them, so that no one passed through or returned; for they made the pleasant land desolate.” Zechariah 7:13-14

Because of Israels continual disobedience and hardness of hearts, God gave them over to their sins (Romans 1:24-28) They would not listen to God, so God stopped listening to them and once again they will be scattered

“This the land became desolate after them” The land of Israel became desolate after the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, as Christ fulfilled the Old Covenant and religious system. However Israel had become reborn in One day as prophesied in 1948 (Isaiah 66:8) Christ has pointed his attention to the Church at this present time, however as the prophet Zechariah will reveal later, Christ will come back to save Israel (Zechariah 14, Romans 11) Christ will not lose any of His Sheep (John 10) Amen!

Romans 11- Grace and Mercy

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As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Romans 11:28-32

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, continues to explain the “Mystery of Israel”, as many Christians find it hard to understand how God can still have a plan for the nation that crucified The Lord (Acts 2:36) “As concerning the gospel, they (Israel) are enemies for your (Church) sakes” So it’s no surprise that a majority of Christians today consider Israel to be their enemies, because they haven’t been Born Again yet

However what most Christians forget is election and the sovereignty of God, For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” (Romans 9:15) Many who claim Israel has been “done away with”, are not only denying the Word of God but they are also denying the sovereignty of God. As God can raise up an army in a valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37)

“But as touching the election, they (Israel) are beloved for the fathers sake” There is still a remnant that God has saved (Romans 9:27) And just because you can’t understand it or maybe you don’t like it, doesn’t mean its not happening. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable or without repentance”  This is the grace of God being fully demonstrated on Israel, none of us deserve mercy , all of us deserve eternal Hell-fire, but its because of the grace of God through faith in Christ we are saved (Ephesians 2:38)

“For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience,” before you condemn Israel, before you condemn anyone, remember your calling. Remember when you were unsaved headed to eternal damnation. But Christ choose you and gave you grace and mercy, you didn’t do anything to deserve mercy, but its by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ “even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.”

“For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” God will use Israel as an example to the world, that no matter how far away we have strayed, mercy is still possible though our Lord Jesus Christ, who is calling all the prodigal sons and daughters home (Luke 15:11-32) so all of heaven can rejoice! (Luke 15:7) Amen!

Romans 11- Mystery of Israel

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For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Romans 11:25-27

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, sends a message to the Church, that is very relevant even today. “For I would not, brethren (Church), that you should be ignorant/unaware of this mystery” So what is the mystery that the Church is ignorant of? It’s the same “mystery” that even todays Church seems even more ignorant of. As Paul warns the Church “lest you should be wise in your own opinion” How many Christians today, disregard what scripture says by the Holy Spirit, and are wise in their own eyes? Paul is calling out the Church!

So what is the mystery? The Holy Spirit continues to tell us “that blindness is part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles (Church) come in” Its no suprise to God that the majority of Israel has rejected Christ, because they are under a spiritual blindness of God. Is this forever? No, until the fullness of the Church, God is not finished with Israel, God has not done away with Israel, this is the mystery that many can’t comprehend. 

If this is not clear enough for you, the Apostle Paul states, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “And so All Israel shall be saved” This destroys modern day dispensationalism, many people will try to inject that the Church is Israel, this is not found anywhere in scripture. Even here, Paul is speaking of Israel and the Church separately. Make no mistake, salvation only comes through Jesus Christ, in Gods timing, the spiritual blindness will be lifted on the elect of Israel and they will be saved in Christ

This is not a new revelation, this has been Gods salvation plan since the beginning, as the Apostle Paul quotes Old Testament prophecies “The deliverer (Christ) will come out of Zion (Israel), He (Christ) will turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Israel)” (Isaiah 59:20-21) This is nothing new the Apostle Paul is revealing here, this is the same the prophet Isaiah fortold, the same the prophet Jeremiah fortold (Jeremiah 31:33-34) The New Covenant has come!

“For this is my covenant with them (Israel), when I take away their sins” (v27) Christ the Deliverer will save His remnant of Israel, they will be saved the same way we are saved, by the cross and resurrection of Christ, don’t be ignorant of this mystery, Church! Amen!

Romans 11- The Natural Branches

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Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? Romans 11:19-24

Many “Christians” today will boast that Israel has been done away with, they will proclaim that they are the “New Israel” , however this arrogance should be a warning to them! As the Apostle Paul states they say “The branches (Israel) were broken off, that I (Church) might be grafted in” Why? “Well because of unbelief they were broken off, and I stand by faith” Because of Israel’s rejection of Christ , because they have crucified The Lord, many were broken off (Acts 2:36) 

However the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit , gives a strong warning about this “Do not be arrogant/haughty/conceited but tremble/fear”! While most of the Church seems to celebrate the “breaking off of the natural branches”, the Church should instead be in fear and trembling? Why? “For if God did not spare the natural branches (Israel) He will not spare you either” (v21) If Gods elect, Gods chosen people can be cut off because of their disobedience and lack of faith, you can be cut off also!

Understand this warning is from the Holy Spirit, I can already hear many Christians arguing this statement. Consider what The Lord Jesus said “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28) Israel should be a warning to the Church, and the Church should be a light to Israel, however instead many just boast in their arrogance and have no fear of their Lord and God

However the gospel is good news, while many were cut off, they can also be grafted in through Christ as the Apostle Paul reveals “And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.” (v23) This is like Jesus’ parable of the prodigal Son, (Luke 15) the Father had 2 sons, not just one. When the prodigal son came home, what was the response of the other son? He was angry, he had hatred in his heart, instead of rejoicing like the Father and all of Heaven, when one sinner comes to repentance (Luke 15:7)

“how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?” (v24) Many natural branches that were cut off, will be grafted back in through Jesus Christ, instead of hardening your hearts, rejoice brothers and sisters, because of God’s great mercy He demonstrated to us! Amen!

Romans 11- Grafted In

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For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.  Romans 11:16-18

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is going to use an illustration to demonstrate to us, the salvation of Israel, and the salvation of ourselves. There is a process called “grafting” , its describes as “a horticultural technique where parts of two different plants are joined to grow as one” 

Paul uses this technique to demonstrate how Israel and the Church are grafted together to be Children of God (Ephesians 2:14)  The Apostle Paul says “if the root (Israel) be holy, so are the branches” The root is in reference to the patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacon) Remember Christ came through Israel, salvation came from Israel because of Jesus, this is the root of our faith. 

Notice “some of the branches (Jews) were broken off” Some of the natural branches, those who have rejected Jesus as Lord and Christ, will be broken off. Remember salvation is only through Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) and while branches will be broken off, there will be a remnant of Israel that will be saved (Romans 11:5)

“You being a wild olive tree, (Church) were grafted in among them (Israel)” Many Christians don’t like the idea they are being “grafted in” to the family of God with Israel. Many “Christians” reject this, even though scripture is clear by the Holy Spirit. And in the same light, many Jews are not happy to be grated in with the Church. The devil has made the Church and Israel enemies, when in reality we are united in Christ, we are all grafted into the same root, Jesus.

As the Apostle Paul continues “become partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree” Heres a warning to the Church, “boast not against the branches, but if you do boast, remember you do not support the root, the root supports you” Many Christians will boast “away with Israel”, however remember the root (Israel) supports you, without Israel, you the wild olive tree, would never have been saved.

The Word became flesh, dwelt among us, died for our sins on the cross, and rose again on the 3rd day so we can be grated into His Kingdom, Amen!

Romans 11- Life from the Dead

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For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? Romans 11:13-15

As of right now, all eyes of the world are on Israel right now. As Israel has always been the center of everything going on in the world. Some will say, “this is a great conspiracy”, is this is a fake Israel? Well then why is Satan continually trying to destroy Israel? If you look throughout world history, the Jews have been under attack and hated by most of the world. If this nation is from Satan, then why does Satan persecute them?

The answer is in the Bible, as the Apostle Paul spoke by the Holy Spirit “God is not finished with them yet”! (Romans 11:1) So in our text today, the Apostle Paul is giving a direct message to the Church (Gentiles) “For I speak to you Gentiles (Church), inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles (Church)” Pauls calling was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, so why doesn’t the Church adhere to his teachings? Why is the majority of the Church, so misinformed about Israel?

Paul then states “if by any means I may provoke to emulation or jealousy those who are my flesh (Israel) and save some of them” Gods granting salvation to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ is to provoke jealousy in the Jews to bring them to Christ. I don’t think many understand this, while Israel and the Church are jealous of one another, this jealousy is by God to lead them to salvation in Christ. 

“For if their (Israel) being cast away/rejection is the reconciling of the world, what will their (Israel) acceptance be but life from the dead” Again all the eyes of the world are on Israel, many believe Israel is spiritually dead, many believe their is no hope for them, but imagine when Christ returns to save Israel (Zechariah 14:4) and many Jews receive Christ as their Lord and Savior, imagine the witness this will be for the rest of the world! This is what the Apostle Paul is saying here, life from the dead! Amen!

Romans 11- Saved By Grace

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Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded  Romans 11:5-7

As we continue with the teaching of the Apostle Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we see God still has a remnant of Israel by the election of grace. This is a concept and truth that angers many people, how can God still have a remnant from Israel? Well God can do whatever He wants, God doesn’t need our permission or need to fit into your theological box of your faith tradition.

The Apostle Paul states “at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace” The Holy Spirit has spoken this and its truth regardless of your theological beliefs. Today many have made an idol out of their religious system then being obedient to the Word of God. So you might ask, how can this be? How can God still preserve a remnant?

 Well the Apostle Paul continues “and if by grace, then it is no longer works, otherwise grace is no more grace” How are we saved? We are saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) Its the same way the remnant will be saved by grace through faith in Christ. Remember you were once spiritually dead also, you were once dead in your sins and an enemy of God (Ephesians 2) But God demonstrated His love towards us, even though we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

None of us deserve the grace of God, however God has preserved a remnant by His grace. As the Apostle Paul continues “but if it be by works, then its no longer grace” We are saved by the grace of God not by our works, if there are any works coming from us, its because of the Holy Spirit. None of us deserve to be saved, that’s the honest truth, we all deserve Hell, however because of grace, God saved us. When you understand this, you understand grace. 

Then Paul turns his focus on Israel “Israel has not obtained what it seeks, but the elect have obtained it and the rest were blinded” There is a spiritual blindness on most of Israel, but God still has a remnant, and that blindness to the remnant will be removed in Gods timing (Romans 11:25) God has still preserved a remnant that has not bowed a knee to Baal, (1 Kings 19:18) Amen!

Romans 11- The Remnant

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I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Romans 11:1-4

Now we start looking at maybe one of the most controversial or misunderstood chapters in the Bible, the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes a clear case for Israel and God’s remnant. While many people today believe God is finished with Israel, the Holy Spirit tells us a different story. As the Apostle Paul begins with a rhetorical question “Has God cast away His people”?

Paul then answers his own question “God forbid” or “Certainly Not” , now this should be the end of the debate whether God is finished with Israel, however Paul will go through an entire chapter explaining God is not finished with Israel yet. I know this knowledge angers many Gentiles and Jews, however this was predicted as the Church and Israel are going to drive each other to jealousy over their relationship with God (Romans 11:11, 14)

The Apostle Paul who is a Jew himself, from the tribe a Benjamin, a well trained Pharisee, he knows the Mosaic Law , He knows how radical the New Covenant in Christ is, Jews and Gentiles can become Children of God through Christ, (Galatians 3:26) A concept that many still can’t grasp, however as the Apostle Paul states “God has not cast away His people which He foreknew” It’s clear God is not finished with Israel yet!

Now the Apostle Paul uses an example of the prophet Elijah to teach his point the prophet Elijah made intercession to God against Israel saying “Lord they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars and I am left alone” I can hear many Christians today saying the same things, claiming we are the only ones who are worthy of being saved, claiming we are the only ones who haven’t blasphemed God, beware of our self righteousness!

What was God’s answer to the prophet? “I have reserved myself for seven thousand men who have not bowed a knee to Baal” God still has a remnant in Israel, just as God still has a remnant in the Church. There are many “Churches” today that are as blasphemous as the one who rejects Christ, but God will always have a remnant! Is God finished with Israel, No, God has preserved a remnant that will become Born Again in Jesus Christ, just as the early Church did, Amen!

Romans 9- Election

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Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9:6-13

One of the great questions or mysteries about Israel, is how can they be Gods people when the majority of them reject Christ? The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit addresses this topic right here. Paul brings up the topic of election, which is a concept throughout the Bible, however I think most Christians don’t understand the concept of election. The late Dr. Michael Heiser I think did a great job explaining election, I would highly recommend you check out his work. The summary is, just because you are elect doesn’t mean your automatically saved!

There are many examples, but lets look at the example of the “Rebellion of Korah” (Numbers 16, a priest named Korah lead a rebellion against Moses and challenged his spiritual authority. The punishment was severe, as God opened up the ground and swallowed all 250 men destroying them. These rebellions of Korah were Israelites, they were part of the Exodus, they were elect, yet they all lost their salvation because of their disobedience to God. We can look at Angels, another elect group, where many lost their salvation due to disobedience to God (Jude 1:6)

So its important to understand election doesn’t automatically equal salvation. You can be elected and still lose your soul. You need to be Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12) So when were talking about Israel is elect, they are the chosen people of God, we are not saying they are all going to be saved. Obviously there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ, however they have been elected to fulfill a purpose! Election caused many to great jealousy, as the Jews are jealous of the Church and the Church is jealous of Israel (Romans 11:11) You can’t allow that jealousy to reject the Word of God!

The Apostle Paul gives another great example of election, Jacob and Esau, God hated Esau, why? Well Esau sold his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34) Esau despised his birthright, it was a heart issue, Esau hated God, he was disobedient and lost his salvation. Esau was the firstborn, He should have inherited everything, He should have been a patriarch of Israel, however his disobedience to God lost his salvation! Amen!