"You Are My Witnesses"

We have just finished a series showing the Jewish People as God's Chosen People. We learned the following:

God chose them to be a blessing to the people of the world  Genesis 12:2

God chose them to be a great nation - Genesis 12:2

The land God gave them is larger than current day Israel -Genesis 15:18

This week's message illustrates Jehovah God referring to His Chosen People as His "Witnesses." Isaiah 44 shows God speaking to Israel as His Chosen Servants. Verse 6 says, "Thus says The Lord, the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, The Lord of Hosts; I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God."

The verse actually shows God, The King Of Israel and Jesus, The Redeemer, speaking together saying "Besides Me there is no God." Then in verse 8 they say about Israel, "You Are My Witnesses." As a result, Israel  is chosen to declare Jesus as their Redeemer and The Redeemer of the world! Bless His Holy Name!

Has Israel obeyed God and functioned as His Witnesses? YES! Just prior to Jesus ascending into Heaven He said to His Disciples who were all Jewish men, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." In effect, Jesus commissioned His Disciples to be His Witnesses or Missionaries to the world at that time. {Matthew 28:19}

Shortly after the Day of Pentecost when the Apostles of Jesus received the Power Of The Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the crowd saying, "Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of The Holy Spirit." {Acts 2:38} As a result, three thousand were saved that day becoming the First Church Of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

Additionally, a major portion of the New Testament describe the Apostle Paul's four missionary journeys from Jerusalem all the way to Rome. Yes, God's Chosen People became His Witnesses! This raises the following question - Are they His Witnesses today? Stay Tuned!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day,

Frank