RPG Adults
THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13
Deuteronomy 30:1-10
Jeremiah 32:36-44
“And they shall be my people,
and I will be their God.”
THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL
The Lord is always true to His Word. In the subsequent history of Israel, we read of the fulfilment of God’s prophecies. As much as every transgression has consequences, repentance also brings relief. However, the damage that comes with God’s vengeance leaves scars that last for ever. Israel reached the highest point of her glory as a nation in Solomon’s days. The land was peaceful and prosperous, and yielded much fruit. While they saw the hand of the Lord in that blessing, they at the same time became careless. They did not fully obey the Law and allowed personal ambitions to overtake them.
The nation was divided during the reign of Solomon’s son. Led by their kings, they forsook the Lord, and followed after idols. Prophets were sent to warn them and to restore them to the ways of the Lord. But few listened. Consequently, the nation was taken captive, in batches, to foreign lands. Only Judah returned to the Promised Land after seventy years in captivity, but the former glory was never restored. Even the second temple that they built was seen as inferior to the one that Solomon had built.
Modern Israel was restored after spending centuries in the diaspora. Though Israel is prosperous in many ways, they are in a state of war constantly. Their main transgression is the rejection of the Messiah. Since He came, the Jewish nation as a whole has never recognised Him. Only a handful of Jews have acknowledged the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The offer of repentance still remains today, and they can still be saved.
Moses told Israel then that God will circumcise their hearts and cause them to love Him. This expression means that God will change them and bring them into fellowship with Him. All the curses will be turned to their enemies.
Today, our personal relationship with God is important in seeking His blessings and eternal rest.
THOUGHT: God has given the offer of salvation to all who repent.
PRAYER: Father, may I always hope in Thy promised eternal rest.