Ep.1290: Is the Jewish Nation Really God’s Chosen People?
The history and destiny of the nation of Israel and their favor with God
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CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: Jeremiah 31:33
Israel. Just say the name and likely if anyone listening follows anything about events on the world stage, they will have a strong opinion one way or another. This is fascinating because the nations of Togo and Honduras, while not well-recognized in world events, have about the same population as Israel. What is it about this tiny nation on this tiny sliver of land that draws such attention? Biblically, there are thousands of years of history and events that keep Israel in the forefront of world events. From a Christian perspective, we know God had cast them off as a result of rejecting Jesus as their Messiah. So, what’s the story with that consequence? Did Israel lose their standing with God on a permanent basis, or is there hope for their future? If there is hope, what does it look like?
The start of Israel
Tracing the roots of the nation of Israel brings us to a specific point in ancient history. The seed which was planted to establish their very existence was God’s unique and specific request of and promise to Abraham. God told Abraham (known as Abram at the time) to leave his father’s house so God could bring him to a land in an undisclosed location. If Abram went then God promised that he would greatly bless he and his children, and they’d become a great nation. Through Abram’s posterity God further promised that all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Though this was an amazing promise, it had several logistical issues. First, Abram was already 75 years old with no children. Second, he had no idea where he was going. Nevertheless, he followed God’s direction and many years later had his son Isaac. We all know the account of Isaac and his son Jacob, who had 12 sons and whose name was changed to Israel. The nation was established, just as God had promised.
What about the promise?
We also know that Israel had a checkered history when it came to following God’s laws and direction. This lack of adherence to God’s ways culminated in their rejection of Jesus who was their long-awaited Messiah. Jesus himself told them that they would be cast off from God’s favor. History shows us how that dramatically happened as they lost their land and were dispersed throughout the world for many centuries. The obvious question here is, what happened to God’s promise of their blessing all the families of the earth? Did they forfeit it? Is this blessing somehow fulfilled in a different way?
Check out our July 17, 2023 podcast, “Is the Jewish Nation Really God’s chosen People?” for more. We delve into God’s promise to Abraham and the incredible ways that it has been and continues to be fulfilled. In spite of Israel’s dramatic missteps, God’s plan through prophecy, reveals just how amazing their future role in world events will be. Join us as we walk through history, Bible prophecy and current events. We peer into the future of God’s chosen people Israel and the entire world.
Is it possible to get a list of all the scripture that goes along with this podcast?
Yes! The CQ Rewind Show Notes have every scripture quoted and much of the commentary. Click on the Rewind button to see the PDF. These are available within a week of the episode airing. – Christian Questions
What scripture relates Jesus telling the Jewish people they had lost favor in God’s sight when they rejected the Messiah?
Perhaps you are thinking of Matthew 23:37-39: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” – Christian Questions