THE 144,000 The New Covenant was promised to, and has been made with, the house of Israel. That is the express statement of Scripture. First, it is affirmed that the "covenants" pertained, or applied, to them (Rom 9:4). Second, looking forward to the New Covenant, the Lord promised, "a new covenant WITH the house of Israel, and WITH the house of Judah" (Jer 31:31; Heb 8:8). Notice, the promised covenant was to both Israel and Judah – all the posterity of Abraham. Their kingdom was divided at the time of Rehoboam, successor to Solomon, and third king of Israel. Yet, part of the benefit of the New Covenant would be realized in making the people one again. -- Tomorrow:
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb" (Rev 14:1-4).
Devotion 7 of 26
THE COVENANT MADE WITH THEM
Although the Jews rejected Christ, the promises still remained in tact. They are, to be sure, only realized in Christ Jesus.
SALVATION FOR THE WORLD INDUCTED AND EXPANDED BY THEM
With arresting language, the Holy Spirit opens to our understanding the role of Israel in the salvation of the world. The Gospel was first preached by the Jews, and the last great ingathering will be accomplished through them. "I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles" (Rom 11:11).
A vivid description of the offering of salvation to the Gentiles, and the effect of that offer, is provided in the thirteenth chapter of Acts. "But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.' Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:45-48).
There the principle that is declared in Romans 11:11 is lived out. The Gentiles were provoked to jealousy by the glorious good news declared to the Jews. When the Jews rejected the message, it was declared to the Gentiles, much to their joy.
THEIR FALL BROUGHT RICHES. THEIR FULNESS WILL BRING MUCH MORE
Hear the Spirit as He takes this matter further. "Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!" (Rom 11:12). Remember, this is the Divine manner of both purpose and thought. If, when the Jews "fell," stumbling over the Stone, what will happen when they rise again? If their "failure" brought riches, what will their reinstatement bring?
When Scripture speaks of Israel's "fulness" it means their "full inclusion" (RSV) or "fulfillment" (NASB). If the impact of salvation was great among the Gentiles when Israel rejected it, it have "much more" of an impact when they embrace that Gospel.
When they were cast away, the world was reconciled. When they are accepted, there will be life from the dead. "For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" (Rom 11:15). Remember, the entire nation of Israel was not "cast away." Rather, it was only "SOME of the branches" that were cut off (verse 17). Yet, even in the casting away of "some of the branches," the reconciliation of the world was accomplished. Who but God can do such wondrous things? And there is more to come.
PRAYER POINT, Father, in the name of Jesus, I praise You for your unparalleled wisdom.