Israel in a New World

When colonists settled the east coast, they sought to create a new world. In the new world, Puritan ideals were put forth. Puritans believed in the God of Genesis. Because God created the earth, they believed the new land across the Atlantic was given to them to build a new world. They patterned their new society partly on inherent forms of church polity and partly on the Mosaic model of society. It was a biblically dominated new world. Our Puritan ancestors identified their new world as a new Israel. It was a city on a hill from which the light of Hanukkah would shine across the vast sea of humanity. Like the ancient festival, the Puritan Hanukkah celebrated the miracle of deliverance from the oppressive corruption of false religion and the restoration of Christian purity and freedom. Unlike the ancient Jewish celebration, the Puritan’s light of the world was to shine every day of the year. It was a celebration of a new way of life in a new world.

To put some critics at ease, this is not an effort of replacement theology. Although later in Massachusetts Bay history, Puritans did adopt the view of Massachusetts as literal New Jerusalem where the Messiah could return to establish the divine kingdom on earth. Many others did not cross the allegorical line. Instead, they envisioned a parallel world—a new civilization founded on Torah principles. We might describe it as a daughter of Zion. Those were the reasons why Puritans were known as Hebraists. Yet, most Hebraic Puritans believed God would resurrect the dry bones of the Jewish people in the land of the eternal covenant.

What this rather odd introduction is meant to do is point to a necessary reality of the Jewish people. It is the wonderful heritage of Jews wrapped in the mantel of Exodus. It is beginning and end of the meaning of Jew and Israel. Its alpha and omega is the divine intention of a future restoration of the Jews in a new world--a world of genuine peace, prosperity, and the complete realization of the kingdom of God. The ancients did create a new world as God led them. The tragedy is they failed to remain completely faithful to God.

So has the descendents of the Puritans.

Though a vast fertile land filled with potential and abundant life, fear of big problems blinded their faith in a much more powerful deliverer. Nevertheless, the Jewish people did enter the Promised Land. The promises of the King of universe were established upon agreement. The Jews began to live a new life in a new world where God was their King. All they had to do was obey His laws, and He would provide a rich satisfying life. As straying sheep, they strayed into the snare of the ravenous enemy.

This too is the story of Americans.

God is still a good shepherd. He always sought them and brought them back into the boundaries of his gracious kingdom rule. At least until they refused to return … until they went too far in their evildoing.

And, America is heading in that direction.

What about Jews in the 21st century? The world has witnessed the return of the Jews to the land God promised to them. This is a fulfillment of prophecy. Israel once again exists as separate government among a many nations. This too is fulfillment of ancient prophecy. They have fought three major battles with surrounding nations and have won each and every time. This is fulfillment of prophecy as well. From news reports and commentary originating from Israel, the impression given is that around 80% of the people observe the Torah. If true, here is a bona fide supernatural miracle. In spite of the good news, Israel has three current problems hindering its progress to the new world of yet unfulfilled prophecy. One is their liberal leaders who are loyal not to the eternal covenant but to covenants with the United Nations and with the American-Arab coalition. The second is the apparent fear of the enemies. From a covenantal perspective, the enemies of Israel are both internal and external. They are pro-globalist Jews, Islamist fascists, and Western globalists, and their goal is legitimating the global power of the UN governance. It is certainly is not establishing real peace. The third problem Israel faces is the fact that the Messiah has not yet come. Therefore, the first two problems have not decisively been resolved. When the Messiah comes, he will not apologize to Muslim, Christians, or Jews. He will establish the kingdom rule of God. All those who did not like the divine rule prior to his appearing will not have to worry about it. They will no longer exist in kingdoms of this world that the Messiah will inherit. It is not very likely that they will inhabit heaven either.

The challenge of Joshua is as valid today as it was when he spoke it at Schechem. Joshua said,

“[The Lord] has given you the land…. Now, therefore, revere the Lord and serve Him with undivided loyalty…. Or, if you are loath to serve the Lord, choose this day which you are going to serve—the gods of the [globalists] or the [secularists]; but I and my house will serve the Lord.” (24:14, 15)

The Jews of Israel are not the only ones who must make this choice, so must Americans. Because the earth is the Lord’s and all of its fullness, He can give it to whom ever he wills. The Lord created the earth, not evolution scientists, not liberal politicians, not the Arabs, and not the UN. The Lord has already revealed who is to have the Promised Land. In fact, God has already determined who will inherit the earth.

The question then is when … when is the day that God restores the fortunes of Israel? When will Israel be one people? When will it be that God is Israel’s God and David is king again? When will Israel leaders make God king? When will Israel and all people realize the promise of a new world?