For that nation. John 11:45-57 The effect of genuine Christianity on the business and social life of natural men convicts them. Deceit, dishonesty, and illegal and immoral practices are revealed for what they truly are in the light of the One who is the resurrection and the life. People are willing to reject what is clearly right because they desire what is wrong more. Even the mouth of a hardened religious leader (Caiaphas) was used against Jesus as far as he was concerned. However, he stated a beautiful truth as far as the Gospel of God was concerned.
Sometimes God works His will in ways beyond our understanding so that He might draw from His own people clear statements of their faith. We cannot tell others what happened to us without sharing a confession of faith. Others then can judge the truth of what I say based on what has taken place. For many, the Gospel is hidden; they observe to see what is genuine. Many know they are lost in sin but don't know where broken hearts are healed. When serious things happen to God's children, they watch how we respond, and when we give our testimony of faith in Christ, they see that they can turn to Him.
There are skeptics and atheistic unbelievers who stubbornly refuse to believe. Some works of God can be explained to them, and personal testimonies are provided, but they still won't receive Christ. God allows them to remain in unbelief even though they refuse to trust God’s word, so He permits the darkness of their hearts to be revealed through the light of faith in us.
The countdown to the cross began at a grave, but throughout, God was in control. Sometimes God allows sickness and death to come so that the sin-sick can be made whole. If we have to hold a dying person's hand or even follow them to the grave, let us remember that the path to Calvary was necessary so that we might believe and be saved. Jesus has power over life and death, as well as the authority to forgive sins. This is because He is the Creator of life. He who is Life can surely restore life. Whoever believes in Christ has a spiritual life that death cannot conquer or diminish in any way. When we understand His power and realize how wonderful His offer truly is, how can we help but believe in Him and commit our lives to Him?
The Passover was approaching, but until then, Jesus went to Ephraim, a city in the wilderness, to wait until His time had come. God has His schedule, and we are wise to wait for God to work and, with His ultimate authority, guide and direct us through whatever events He sends to fulfill His will.
The nation of Israel had long ago been dispersed into distant lands. It was scattered so broadly that it would never be possible for man to reunite by his own efforts. There must be some divine plan or Person to restore the identity of a people so small and scattered that unity seems impossible. Perhaps this priest was the last person we would expect to predict the future. He was not only openly opposed to the Lord; he also lacked a new nature.
This might explain some of the things I've seen happen. Even during my lifetime, people have believed the Jews would not survive. They have been hunted, killed, tortured, and burned — yet these people endure. The only reason they still exist is that God wants this nation to live. He has a plan and will bring about a time of peace for Israel. After all the rejection, hatred, and violence, God will continue to reveal His grace to that nation.
They will see the King coming in garments stained with crimson, a reminder of death. They will remember the One they refused is still determined to bless Israel. Like Joseph's brothers, Israel will bow before the King on David's throne. After centuries of terrible persecution and pain, Israel will finally come home. Then they will see the nail marks in His hands and remember what they did. They will look at the King on His throne and realize they were never hidden from the eyes of Jehovah, who followed them on the paths of their own choosing. The wages of sin come with a cost; they were responsible for the nation's loss of its privileged place for centuries.
The re-gathering will happen because, one day on the cross, Jesus died for the nation as individual people. Those who trusted in Him personally are blessed with God's gracious salvation. When the nation is gathered again, the promises made will be fulfilled. The prophecy made by one priest, in unbelief, when Christ was here on earth, God will see is upheld.
John 12 STEPS INTO THE DEEPER LIFE, 21-33. Seeing Jesus, the induction to life, v.21. Dying with Him, the prelude to fruitfulness, v.24. Hating the self-life, the way to the life that is eternal, v.25. Serving the Lord, the privilege of the life that lives, v.26. Following Christ, the way to serve”, v.26. Serving Christ, the way to honor and position, v.26. Victory over the world and Satan secured by Christ for us, v.31.