Lesson 2 The Story of His Glory

Assignment: pgs. 15-18 "A Mind of Missions: OT Scriptures," by Paul Borthwick. Write a paragraph about why God chose the Israelites to be “set apart,” based on this article. Israel was called to be holy so they could glorify God’s name among the nations. Give an example of an O.T. missionary and how God used them. Daniel: After God had saved him from the lion’s den King Darius ordered, “all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land” to “fear and reverence the God of Daniel” (Daniel 6:25-27). Homework Review

Is there a larger story within the Old Testament. There is Is there a larger story within the Old Testament? There is! There is a recurrent theme that suggests a plot to the whole. The fourfold theme: 1. Israel is given an obligation with respect to the nations. 2. Israel is given an opportunity to fulfill this charge. 3. Israel, with a few exceptions, is disobedient to God. 4. God is persistent in bringing Israel back to an awareness of her obligation and opportunity. The objectives of this lesson do not so much concern knowledge of certain facts but rather an understanding of a flow of Biblical history. Introduction

The Obligation The Abrahamic Covenant : The covenant with Abraham promised not only that Abraham would receive blessings, but that he and his seed should be a blessing to all nations. The Sinai Covenant: The covenant at Sinai specified Israel’s role as a “portable” people among the nations, set apart to participate with God as priests for the nations. The Obligation

What was Israel specifically supposed to do What was Israel specifically supposed to do? What gospel did she have to proclaim? The gospel of death, resurrection, and second coming of Jesus Christ was not announced at this time. They did know God as gracious, forgiving, and faithful in open covenant relationship. Abraham worshipped the true God in “the obedience of faith” and walked in a vital, trusting fellowship with the living Lord. This is the message they could and did announce. In short, they were to witness to His name. Israel recognized God’s name as the focal point of nations knowing God. The Opportunity

Israel was called to be holy so they could glorify God’s name among the nations. They were to be sanctified and separated unto the Lord. 1. Holiness as it relates to moral character. 2. Holiness as it relates to consecration to God. Israel was to be a “holy” nation in both senses. God distinguished Israel from all other nations in order to set His name apart from the gods of all other nations. God’s Role for Israel

Israel Among the Nations The geographical location of Israel was pivotal in the affairs of the ancient world. God allowed Israel to build a place for His name to dwell – the temple. It was intended to be a focal point for worship and knowledge of the only true God. People of distant nations did indeed hear of God’s great name. God blessed the Gentiles via His Covenant People. Israel Among the Nations

Israel’s Disobedience Israel mixed with the nations and profaned the name of God. In doing so Israel forgot her obligation and denied her opportunity. Religious intermingling: God was relegated to a position of national deity – acting as if He were only one god among many. Political intermingling: God was thought of as the national god instead of the God of the nations. Marital intermingling and political expediency of treaties sealed by the marriage of kings with daughters of foreign rulers brought tragedy. Israel’s Disobedience

God’s Judgment and Redemption God judged His people because of the Nations. During the events leading up to the demise of the nation-state of Israel and during the time of her Exile, several prophets challenged Israel’s preconceptions of her privileged position. God was in effect strongly reminding Israel of her obligation and destiny. The defeat of Israel forced them to separate the true and living God from any national god. Like Jonah before, if she would not bring the good news willingly to them, God would take her involuntarily to the nations. God’s Judgment and Redemption

The Old Testament prepares a universal message for what will become in the New Testament a universal mission. The basis of the mission is to reveal the glory of God…to make His name known. Let our banner be: “To know God and to make Him known.” We need to submit our lives to God and live holy to bring glory to His name for the purposes of making Him known. Are we living for ourselves or for Christ? Application