0243. The Gentiles Turn to God

The Gentiles Turn to God

"So the people of Nineveh believed God" (Jon_3:5).

"Lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people" (Zec_2:10-11).

When Jonah was cast into the sea, the Gentiles aboard the ship, believed God; but when Jonah was cast onto the land and recommissioned, he went to Nineveh and the whole city repented and turned to God.

When Israel was disobedient and was, as the natural branches of the Olive Tree, broken off, her breaking off, proved the riches of the Gentiles (The men aboard the ship feared God); but, when Israel is grafted in again, restored to her land and given back her testimony; what fullness will her restoration bring!

It is unto Israel, restored to her own land, and saved from her filthiness, that the Lord cries: "Arise and shine, for thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee. * * And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."

As Israel once profaned the name of the Lord among the Gentiles so shall she glorify His name. "And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes."

James, the brother of our Lord, testified in Jerusalem, quoting Peter, and corroborating Peter’s statements by proof texts from the Prophet Amos. The purport of James’ contention was this. (1) The Church should take out of the nations a people for Christ’s name. (2) After this was accomplished, Christ would return to earth again. (3) David’s torn down tabernacle should be restored. (4) The residue of men would seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom His name was called.

When Jonah was restored he was recommissioned, and Nineveh, a great Gentile city, believed God and repented. When Israel is restored and recommissioned, the Gentiles will hear and heed their testimony.

"And many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord."

Thus will God blessedly fulfil His promise to Abram: "I will bless thee and make thee a blessing, and in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR