The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

HOPE FOR THE GENTILES

God’s promise to Abraham included a future when all peoples and nations would partake in the covenant blessings (Ge 12:2 – 3). God desired to show all nations what life could be like when led by the one true God; through his relationship with the Israelites, he demonstrated faithful provision, constant protection and dependable intervention. Even the judgment announced and carried out in the book of Jeremiah points to the value that God placed on his relationship with Israel. The Lord would use the Babylonians to uproot both Judah and the nation’s wicked neighbors. But he promised to bring exiles from each country back to their lands and to give the foreigners an opportunity to establish themselves among the Israelites (Jer 12:16).

Jesus came as Israel’s Messiah, but he would also become the Savior for whoever chooses to turn to him in trust (Jn 3:16). This included the Gentiles — that is, anyone not born of Jewish descent (Lk 2:30 – 32). Through the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ, men and women of every nation, tribe and tongue can have a relationship with God.

Jesus, thank you for including me in your plan. Help me to live in such constant love that other people want to be included as well. Amen.