Church History and Israel

Church history is marked by departures and restorations to Yeshua, its King and betrothed husband. I believe it mirrors the history of Israel, under the Kings. It started well under Saul with great victories, then fell into darkness, through Saul’s severe disobedience, until David became king and brought restoration. Yet, even then there were terrible issues that marred things, like Bathsheba and Absolam. Then Solomon expanded the kingdom and built the temple only to fall away through influence of his foreign wives. The subsequent kings created a great divide, separating the kingdom in two. I see this as the reformation which brought truth back, but set a pattern for future schism. The lesser kings generally did not follow God closely, although there were bright spots like Jehu and Hezekiah, until Manasseh led to Assyrian captivity. Hezekiah, like the Moravians, accomplished restoration of theological soundness and Jehu is a bit like the Puritans who restored holiness and religious freedom to the church.

It’s not a precise comparison, but both Israel and the Church illustrate the duplicity of human frailty and God’s unceasing mercy and compassion. Israel was scattered around the world, but restored as a nation again in 1947, by God’s promise. The Church has experienced apostates, divisions, and anti-Semitism of the worse sort, yet, God continues to draw people to Himself – it is still the day of salvation.     

King of the Nations Foretold

Jacob blessed his son Judah, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” (Genesis 49:10) This is a prophetic description of Yeshua Messiah, who alone has brought forth Children of God, Believers, from every nation. The only one in the line of Judah who is ruler over the nations. Jacob uttered the prophetic proclamation as early as it could be stated that the “King of the nations” was coming through Judah.
 

How it Unravels

It’s not time yet, but this farce will unravel like a coil of rope unkinked, peeling out freely when human strength fails. That which appears complex in the darkness of night will be as simple as counting to three in the light of truth. The mighty fortress will crumble like a sand castle in the rising tide when reality washes the lies away. A few silly people will be left scurrying around looking for a place to hide when real authority appears and demands an accounting. What was thought to be power and might will simply be hate, envy and greed, which is destined to be destroyed with all sin and death.

These dark storm clouds appear, moving with a few blustering winds, leave no rain, and break up as the blue sky opens to piercing sun rays. The criminal despots will meet justice and answer for their crimes. “Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” (Psalm 89:13-15)