In the Old Testament, Israel followed their King. We see that God blessed the nation through the royalty that He set up; which began with David. But, I have to chuckle at man's short
and narrow view about what God does. God is so gracious to us, having always much more in mind for all His people than they can think. What Israel was asking – more like demanding
– was a change to be made in the plan of God. They wanted to be like the other nations that had a king. Israel was thinking fleshly, just like the majority of believers believe today.
Because we have the entire Word of God, we can see the blessing that the LORD gave to the nation of Israel; even though they didn't not know it, at the time. God knows about all men,
birth to the grave. He knows what all men need. Thus, when Israel stated to Samuel, " ... Behold, thou are old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations"
(1st Sam. 8:5), God had the answer from His plan. Samuel isn't pleased with Israel's words, but God tells him to "Harken unto the voice of the people ... for they have not rejected thee, but they
have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them" (V 7).
God looks beyond man's thoughts. His eternal intentions, from beginning to end, will not be altered. The LORD knows that a king is what all men need, but man is man and man always fail.
All along, a king was in the intentions of the LORD. It was not a new thing with the LORD. But, it will be Jesus, the King; not only for Israel but, for all of mankind. As God works through Israel, He
sets up a kingship from which His Son would come. A king is what all men need. Not a man but, the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
As we learn, it was though kings that God worked out His plan when Israel enter the Promised Land. David, along with the rest of royalty, brought Israel to be head over the other nations.
Ultimately, the true king would enter the world and become Savior for Israel and all mankind. Born in Bethlehem, within the nation of Israel, we see that it was the LORD'S plan, all along. Jesus Christ provided salvation for Israel and, for all men, Jews and the Gentiles, alike. And further, His PLAN was, and is, right on time.
Again, I chuckle (more holier this time) when I see what God is doing for the nation of Israel, today. They don't know what is going on, at all. Israel and the world doesn't get it ! So, I chuckle
as I watch newscasts that involve Israel. The world, newscasters and the nation of Israel, fail to see that God will redeem Israel through a king, Jesus Christ. Isn't the LORD so gracious? Even though
Israel refused Jesus as their Messiah, God works in all of man's life though His Son. The plan that began in eternity will be done on earth, in the end of time.
So, the Bible says that Israel will be saved at the end of the six thousand years of time. Until then, their house is left unto them desolate. The nation will not have their king and the Kingly
blessings, until they say, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord," Matthew 23:39.
Since Jesus walked on the earth, doing all the miracles and establishing His church body, Israel has been forgotten by God. But, the WORD tells us that it is only for a time. Since the nation
rejected God's king, they have been scattered throughout the world. But, God began to bring them back into their land in 1948. Israel was recognized as a nation by the United Nations at that time
and, She has been in the news as the Headliner from Adolph Hitler, until now especially, today. Want to know where we are in time? Study the nation of Israel, my friend.
But, what Israel failed to see in their day, is open to men of faith today. First, we all know that we have sinned and come short of God's glory (Romans 3:10, 23). We need a king to follow. By
faith we look to Jesus and trust Him by serving in His body the church, just as He taught (Mat. 28:19-20; Eph. 1:22; 3:10, 21, 23 & 5:25). Understanding the church is such a wonderful truth! We have
so much more that the nation of Israel ever had, of course. We have a new life in Christ by what He did and what is written in the New Testament. We can rule today, through Jesus and, we should.
Of course, our living now doesn't compare to the reign during the Millennium Age. But, at that time, our bodies will be gone. We will be glorified. Then, we'll see Jesus face to face. Israel, in
that day will have their king, as well. Even though they rejected Jesus 2000 years ago, the nation will, and from their heart, accept God's provision for them, at this time. During the millennium, Israel
will be the HEAD nation. The Bible tells us that His Bride (the faithful of both Covenants), will reign on earth at that time.
When Jesus reigns on earth with His Bride it will be just as Israel did in the Old times and under David, the king. The salvation message tells us that natural man is rejected by God; but, goes
further to say that man is rejected. Man may be saved but, if he doesn't submit to God's calling, he is rejected to serve. It's the same as the biblical type shows. Read the account of Saul and David
to prove that point. "But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought a man after His own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over His people..." (1st Sam. 13:14).
David replaced Saul. Today, by faith, the spirit replaces the flesh when we reign with Jesus. Certainly, it is how God's plan unfolds throughout the Bible and, clearly, throughout time.