Our Hope
“…waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of glory of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:13
Our study in Romans 11 takes us out into the future. Events that are yet to come, but nevertheless foreknown by our Sovereign Father.
In Acts 1 the apostles asked Jesus a question: “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Obviously, this indicates an expectation on their part that Jesus was going to restore the Davidic throne and kingdom as had often been foretold in the Old Testament prophets.Jesus did not correct their question by telling them- “no, you got it all wrong. The prophesies about Israel in the Old Covenant are now going to be spiritually fulfilled by my new Covenant people- the church.” Rather He simply said: “It is not for you to know the times and seasons that the Father holds in His hand.”
This reply indicates that the premise of their question was correct: He will restore the Kingdom to Israel. He simply says, the timing is none of your concern- just go and be my witnesses after the Holy Spirit has come upon you.
So when will Jesus restore the Kingdom to Israel? Well, the time is not ours to know. But this we do know: preceding His glorious appearing Israel will “look upon Him whom they have pierced and they will mourn because of Him.”
This mourning will translate into faith as multitudes of ethnic Israelites receive Jesus as their Messiah.
Accompanying this great outpouring of God’s Spirit upon the nation of Israel, a great harvest will sweep through the nations. Parallel to this great revival Satan will be sowing rebellion and hatred toward Jesus.
War will break out, Christ will win, the Kingdom will come.
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Because of grace,
Tim
