Why God Never Wanted Israel to be “Reckoned among the Nations”
IT’S WORTH CONSIDERING
Behold, a people who dwell apart, and shall not be reckoned among the nations (Numbers 23:9).
This profound verse is part of Balaam’s prophecy regarding Israel after Balak, king of
Moab, tried to get the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. The account is found in Numbers 22-25 and 31:8. For an overview of this most interesting section of Scripture, Check out The Error of Balaam PART ONE and The Error of Balaam PART TWO. In these posts I focus on how the world, largely through the United Nations, has fulfilled this prophecy. Today, however, I’d like to focus on something else we can learn from this passage. It may seem like God simply knew what was going to happen and wrote about it here. I think there’s more to this story.
AS I SEE IT
I think we need to remind ourselves that God doesn’t just respond to history. He isn’t at
the mercy of what happens in the world and isn’t in a constant state of damage control or strategy modification. The truth is that God has control over everything including history. I believe that God never wanted Israel to be “reckoned among the nations.” Israel was to be set apart, different from the other nations, a representative of the uniqueness of Israel’s God. He (speaking of the Godhead) has no partner and no equal. Despite Israel’s excellence, accomplishments, and genuine desire for peace, the other nations will find reasons to condemn her.
I think this is part of God’s plan. He will use man’s freewill, which will ultimately be used against Israel, to show His power and might. He will show that it is God alone that runs not only earth but the entire universe and He needs no help. This does not mean that in the days of the Tribulation all will have abandoned Israel and the Jewish people. God will raise up supporters and defenders of the Jews. Matthew 25:31-46 is all about the judgment of the enemies of the Jews and the rewards for the friends of the Jews.
My point is that God’s sovereignty extends further that we usually realize. God is
orchestrating everything that is going on in the world, regardless of how chaotic it looks. It was ordained before time began, and so were the roles He planned for His “children” during this exciting and opportunity-filled time. Muslims are coming to Christ in record numbers. I personally am seeing the receptivity of so many Latinos to the relational gospel of Jesus Christ. God is teaching and equipping me now more than ever before, and He wants to do the same for you. Will you let Him have His way with you so you can be used mightily in these last days?
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Within hours of the recent news that Tesco’s ‘all beef hamburgers’ contained 30% horse meat, These British quips hit the internet:
A woman has been taken into hospital after eating horse meat burgers from Tesco. Her condition is said to be stable.
Anyone want a burger from Tesco? Yea or neigh?
Not entirely sure how Tesco are going to get over this hurdle.
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