Divine Purpose: Israel's Role in Global Reconciliation

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I would be all the more impressed if there was an equal Islamic protest about the violence against Christians in the Sudan and Indonesia, Pakistan and in other places where there's been the most horrendous and brutal devastation of Christians. Then I would sense a truth in a reality in this concern for violence. [00:02:50]

Israel evokes something about the truth of our condition that somehow a religious persuasion has not altered. I'm the kind of naive believer who suspects that if we have an authentic relationship with God that there's no place in the attitude of that one for murder, violence, mayhem, or bitterness. [00:04:13]

The evidence that you know God is the Pacific peaceful benign patient attitude of God, not in general, but to those who especially distress and chasing you because I believe that that's God's character. I believe that his love and patience and kindness and so and I when I don't see this kind of expression by those who are devoutly religious, I'm questioning the validity of the God they presumed to know. [00:04:37]

The issue of Israel is not the issue of some narrow national interest or even a place of safety for a people who have been in exile and living in the land of Gentiles that they should have the safety of a homeland. The essential purpose of God is the selection of a nation that will bless all the families of the earth. [00:15:05]

Paul says in the book of Romans that this gift and calling is irrevocable. It is without repentance. God will not take it back, not because of Israel's sake but because of his sake. Can you understand that the issue of God is at stake with the fulfillment of his intention for this people whom he chose out of obscurity and nothingness to be a witness of himself? [00:15:55]

The ultimate resolution to the crisis in Israel lies in a transformation akin to resurrection, where the nation moves from division and hostility to unity and peace, fulfilling its divine purpose. This transformation is not just a political change but a profound spiritual renewal that only God can bring about. [00:39:44]

Israel is on the way to a political and national death, but it's the condition out of which God will raise it and raise it as he himself was raised unto a newness of life. Jesus himself is the paradigm. This is the classic resurrection without which there is no resurrection of Israel. [00:39:44]

The unfolding events in Israel are part of a divine plan that will ultimately lead to reconciliation and peace. This requires a transformation that only God can bring about, a resurrection from the current state of division and hostility to a new life of unity and blessing for all nations. [00:39:44]

The vision of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel united in peace is a prophetic promise that challenges the current political realities. This unity is a testament to God's ultimate plan for reconciliation and blessing among nations. It is a vision that transcends human understanding and requires divine intervention. [00:01:11]

True concern for violence should extend beyond local or national interests to a global perspective, reflecting God's heart for justice and righteousness. This broader concern reveals a commitment to truth rather than bias. It is a call to look beyond our immediate surroundings and see the world through God's eyes. [00:02:50]

Israel's current state serves as a reflection of the human condition, highlighting the need for divine intervention and transformation. This mirrors the universal need for redemption and reconciliation with God. It is a reminder that we are all in need of God's grace and mercy. [00:04:13]

Despite Israel's current unbelief, God's calling for the nation to bless all families of the earth remains. This calling is not based on Israel's merit but on God's faithfulness and purpose. It is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to his promises and his plan for humanity. [00:15:55]

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