Isaiah 11:10-12 (NLT)
“In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to bring back the remnant of his people— those who remain in Assyria and northern Egypt; in southern Egypt, Ethiopia, and Elam; in Babylonia, Hamath, and all the distant coastlands. He will raise a flag among the nations and assemble the exiles of Israel. He will gather the scattered people of Judah from the ends of the earth.”
If you have ever wondered why the nation of Israel is such a big deal with America and among Christians in particular, this passage is a good example of how prophecy plays a role in our current political climate. Prophecy generates expectation, and as we’ve already discussed in this series, sometimes our expectations can be misguided. When we read words like “the nations will rally” and “raise a flag,” we immediately start thinking about earthly kingdoms. But we have to keep in mind that biblical prophecy is often fulfilled in ways that are entirely supernatural and defy earthly systems.
This prophecy about the Messiah reveals that he will have a kingly rule that will save the entire world. Every nation will bow to him. He will gather people from everywhere in the world and raise them up. No one will be forgotten. This description has nothing to do with an earthly nation, and it has everything to do with Jesus’ eternal kingdom. The fact that I can be a part of God’s kingdom as a non-Jew is a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. Ultimately we will see the true fulfillment of Jesus’ kingdom when earth and heaven are restored.
God is gathering people from every nation to be included in his home. You will not be left out. Jesus opened the gates of heaven and created a path straight in, with no entrance exam required. Follow Jesus, that’s it. He’ll lead you right into an eternal life and a kingdom like no other. And you can invite as many friends as you’d like 🙂