Missions: God's Plan From the BeginningSample

God Saved Israel for the Nations

Although God had an eye on the nations from the very beginning, Israel still held (and holds) a special place in his heart and in his plans. The people of Israel never proved themselves to be better than the nations. They doubted the Lord, worshipped idols and complained about everything. And yet, in the midst of their doubts and unfaithfulness, God remained faithful to Israel. It is clear that God decided to save Israel and that it was not because of them. So, why save Israel? Why lead them through the Red Sea and into Canaan? Well, it was not just for Israel. Joshua helped the Israelites understand God’s motivations in Joshua 4:24, “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

Joshua understood that God was saving Israel for a greater purpose. He knew that all of the great acts of God would be recorded. He knew that people would hear of all that God had done for Israel. And he knew that people from all over the world would worship God because of the power demonstrated in saving Israel. It is clear that King Solomon understood this. When he dedicated the temple in Jerusalem, he said,

“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people, Israel, but has come from a distant land because of your name—for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name” (1 Kings 8:41-43).

Even the temple existed so that the nations would hear of God and worship him! God saved Israel to demonstrate his power to the nations of the world. God saved Israel in order to save the nations through Israel. God saved Israel for the nations.