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The relationship between the Jews and Gentiles at the
time of Christ was tenuous. Paul spoke of the first fruit of the
fledgling Christian church consisting of Jews. The root of the
church was Jesus. Gentiles were being grafted in because of their
faith in Jesus but Paul wanted to make sure there was no place for
Gentiles to boast over their salvation while the Jews were being
cast away because of their unbelief. Paul also stated that all of
Israel would be saved and this has produced a lot of confusion as to
whether God has a special plan for the Israelites. Fortunately,
clarification is found in the writings of Isaiah, Ezekiel and
Zechariah that God will supernaturally gather a remnant, bring them
back to the Promised Land and open their eyes so they understand
that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel. This will take place toward the
end of the Antichrist’s reign. This is good news and bad news, as
all the Israelites who rejected Jesus up to this point are the enemy
of God, but because of the promise to Abraham, the Lord is going to
reach out to a remnant. Gentiles should not boast over what is
happening to the Israelites; instead, we should be thankful, humble,
loving and praying for their salvation. |
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