"The Gathering"

Things to keep in mind…

The northern ten tribes, often referred to as “Israel” went into Assyrian captivity in 722BC. They were lost track of – no record is known as to where they may be. Remember the northern ten tribes were NEVER faithful to God. It is quite probable they became part of the “gentile” population of that time. This brings us to an interesting question: Who are the true offspring of Abraham?

The name Israel was given to Jacob on his return to Canaan. He wrestled with God all night, in the morning God gave him a new name, “Israel” – one who wrestles with God and overcomes. He was an overcomer of his selfishness and pride, and God gave him a new name. So who are the true Israelites of today? Those who wrestle with (not against) God and overcome sin in their own life are given a new name.

The New Testament understanding of true Israel is directly tied to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. How you relate to the Messiah determines whether you are a member of true/spiritual Israel. A Jew is not one who has Abraham’s blood in his veins, but one who exercises faith in God as Abraham did.

Galatians 3: 16, 29

Romans 2: 2: 28, 29

Romans 9: 6-8

The Scattering of Israel…

Because of disobedience, what experience came to God’s people? Jeremiah 34: 17 (see also Jeremiah 25: 8-11)

This was a direct fulfillment of God’s covenant with the Israelites (see Deuteronomy 28-30, the blessings and curses, especially Deut 28. 49-52, 64).

The first dispersion of the Jews occurred in 722 BC when the Assyrians took the northern ten tribes into captivity – they never returned. They have been lost track of. The next dispersion occurred under Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon in 605 BC.

God promised to bring them back from their captivity in Babylon. (Jer. 29. 11-13)

The Gathering of Israel…

Jeremiah 23: 1-6…Notice how the “gathering” from the nations is directly tied to their relationship with the Messiah. This promise was fulfilled in the return of the remnant under Zerabbabel (538 BC), Ezra (457 BC), and Nehemiah (430 BC). Is there a future application? Yes.

âDid you realize that the final gathering is taking place right now? As the Gospel is being preached to all the world?

The gathering in the NT sense is NOT a gathering of Abraham’s literal descendants to Old Jerusalem “in unbelief,” but a gathering in faith of the spiritual seed (those who accept Jesus as their Messiah/Savior) to the New Jerusalem, the city for which Abraham looked, “whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 8. 8-10).

Revelation 18. 1-4 gives the call, “Come out of her (Babylon) My people.

The Time of the Gentiles

Luke 21.24… the context is the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Matthew 24. 15-24 - a Parallel passage is that seems to parallel the “abomination that causes desolation” to the “time of the Gentiles” being fulfilled.

The “gentiles” are those who do NOT accept the Messiah

The time of the Gentiles end when the “Gentiles” accept the Messiah as their personal Savior, or when He comes in the clouds of heaven – at the Second Coming.

The time of trampling is over when the Gospel is preached with power. (Specifically the Reformation and beyond).

Remember the true Tabernacle is in heaven with Jesus as our High Priest (Hebrews 8. 1,2)

Isaiah 63.18…

Daniel 8.13…predicts a time of cleansing

Revelation 11.2…

It is the “meek” who will inherit the earth. This is a character issue – not an ancestral issue.

Psalm 37. 11…

Matthew 5.5…

When will this promise to Abraham’s seed be fulfilled? Matthew 25. 31-34…At the Second Coming

Conclusion…

In the New Testament the promises and prophecies to Israel apply to those who accept Jesus as the Messiah of God. They are the true members of God’s Kingdom, heirs of the promise and inheritors of the “land,” which is the whole earth – not just a small piece called “Palestine.” Christians need to keep our eye on Jesus, our High Priest, not on the Jewish nation.