How We Read Apocalyptic Literature Approaching apocalyptic literature can yield various interpretations, particularly concerning the role of the nation of Israel in history. Different perspectives have constructed narratives on how humanity will progress to a final day, often placing Israel, and specifically Jerusalem, at the center of these events.
However, interpreting these writings solely as future events with no present implications overlooks humanity's fundamental purpose. Additionally, it is a mistake to disregard the purpose for which the people of God are predestined, called, chosen, and set apart. A historical perspective on the role that the people of God have played offers valuable insight into their chosen status and ongoing purpose throughout history.
The story of the Bible: preserved through a people for benefiting all people and creation.
The creation account marks the beginning of the “good news” between God and humanity, extending to all creation. This narrative begins with creation of God dividing firmaments, dark from light, land from water, and the end of the story culminates with God and humanity united, healing and redeeming all of creation under God's reign. At the heart of this story is the arrival of Christ, whose significance is best understood in the story of God's chosen people. Through this story, the words and actions of the Messiah, Christ our Lord, are deeply meaningful. God's people have preserved this story from ancient times to the present through both written records and transformative life changes, underscoring their enduring importance.
Continuing this story is central to the identity of the People of God, as it defines their mission to be reunited with their Creator in the new creation. This reunion is made possible by the finished work of Christ, the second Adam. However, humanity's default mode follows the patterns of the first Adam. Therefore, like Abraham, we must choose to reorganize our lives according to God's will. This means creating a "place" or counterculture that reflects God's design for life and flourishing, welcoming all who are drawn to YHWY because of what Christ has accomplished.
The land in ancient days: Jerusalem has been a significant location in the geography of the biblical story. In ancient days there was a city named Salem (Shalom) from which a king Melchizedek came out to meet Abraham and receive his offerings to the God of all creation. This scene is one of those mysterious glimpses into a time before the story of Abraham. This time included stories before the flood and Babel and the dividing of “the Nations.”
(God chose Abraham from among “the nations” to create a people called by His name, YHWH. This story shapes the understanding of faith and belief, highlighting the importance of both acknowledging belief and demonstrating faith through actions. It bridges the modern debate on faith as mere acknowledgment versus faith proven by deeds. But let’s continue with the story.)
Abram’s father, Terah, initially set out for Canaan but settled in Haran instead. The reason for this change is unclear—whether significant or coincidental—but it stopped his journey short of reaching Canaan. From this backdrop, God called Abram and Sarai to leave their father's household and continue to Canaan, the promised land. This land, where Salem is located, was intended to be redeemed from for the purposes that YHWH has in mind.
A brief recount of the seasons of the People of God:
Abraham to Jacob Abraham’s journey began with new hope as he obeyed God's call to leave his father's household and go to the promised land of Canaan. His faith set the foundation for a people chosen by God. He stepped into an invitation as expression of his rightness with God as was his covenant of faith was counted as rightness with God. Isaac continued the promise given to Abraham, passing it on to his son Jacob, who was later named Israel. Jacob's twelve sons became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite the new hope of God's continued promises, this era ended with Jacob's family still in Egypt, where they eventually faced oppression and slavery.
Jacob to Moses Moses rose as a deliverer to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, bringing new hope of freedom and a return to the promised land. The Exodus marked a pivotal moment of liberation and covenant renewal. Yet, their journey ended with a prolonged period of wandering in the desert, and the older generation not entering the promised land due to their disobedience.
Moses to Joshua Joshua succeeded Moses, bringing new hope as he led the Israelites into Canaan and conquered the land promised to their ancestors. This period marked the initial fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. However, it ended with the Israelites failing to fully drive out the inhabitants of the land, leading to cycles of idolatry and oppression.
Joshua to Judges The era of the Judges began with new hope as Israel established itself in the promised land under God's rule. Judges rose to deliver the people from their enemies and guide them back to God. Despite these leaders, the period ended in chaos and moral decline, as "everyone did what was right in their own eyes," leading to repeated cycles of sin and oppression.
Judges to Saul The transition to monarchy began with the people's request for a king, leading to the anointing of Saul. This brought new hope for unified leadership and national stability. However, Saul's reign ended in failure and disobedience, leading to his rejection by God and a period of turmoil for Israel.
Saul to David David's rise to the throne brought new hope and a golden age for Israel, marked by military victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. David's reign represented a high point in Israel's history and God's covenant promise of an eternal dynasty. Nevertheless, his reign ended with personal and national turmoil, setting the stage for future challenges and the continued anticipation of a Messiah.
David to Exile The disobedience of the kings following David, especially Solomon, led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah. This division and subsequent idolatry and injustice among the people resulted in the eventual conquest and exile of both kingdoms. Israel was conquered by the Assyrians, and Judah by the Babylonians, leading to the exile of God's people from the promised land.
Throughout these phases, the purpose and promise of the people of God were passed down, maintaining hope in the coming Messiah despite periods of exile and hardship.
A Fold in Time: The Arrival of the Messiah The time for God to deliver His people out of exile is like a second exodus event. The people, emerging from oppression, build new walls which create a city and build a new temple. Once again, God's people are attempt to emulate His will on Earth. However, something significant is missing from this temple scene—there is no Shekinah glory, no moment where God visibly inhabits His temple. The only time this temple sees its rightful resident is when He arrives riding on a white colt, with the word of God coming from His mouth. Tragically, those who tend God’s “vineyard” take His Son, kill Him, and cast His body outside the wall.
This marks the darkest point in history. It seems as if the People of God keep reversing the creation story, which begins with evening and ends with a bright morning. However, each scene we have explored so far begins with a bright start and ends in darkness.
But this scene is different: though Friday was gruesome, and Saturday was silent, something was happening that would conquer both heaven and earth. From the deepest, darkness of night, a horizon appears. Christ’s Spirit is released, tearing open the temple curtain, breaking the doors, and shattering the foundations of the temple that once tried to contain YHWH. Graves broke open, the godly were raised bodily, and following their Messiah, they ministered among the people in the holy city. God remains faithful to finish his work among His covenant partners, even when they fall short.
The People of God 2.0 Through this walk-through of history, we see that God's people were called, adopted, and chosen for the purpose of creating a place that would introduce the Messiah, Christ Jesus, into the world. Despite their faults, the first covenant People of God managed to produce a place where the Savior would arrive like the dawn of the 8th Day of God’s good creation.
Because of this accomplishment of Christ, at Pentecost, we finally see the Shekinah glory arrive as flames divide and rest on the apostles, who then return home with the pilgrims into the nations as old as Babel. This is like a city whose 12 gates are open facing every direction of the compass and through them flow streams of people, joining the tribes of Jacob as they draw near to YHWH. The book of Acts traces the remarkable movement from Jerusalem throughout the Western world. Although ethnic limitations, geographic boundaries, and temple walls have been removed, this purpose remains central for the People of God. Like scattered living stones, we gather to become the temple presence for God to dwell among His people wherever they are.
Benefits and warnings from Israel’s history:
True Israel When we adopt into Christ’s family, we become part of the same people as Abraham and Jacob (Israel). The body of Christ does not replace Israel; rather, we benefit from the expansion of God's people. In YHWH’s house, there is room for all, prepared for us by Jesus himself. By default, we are born into another strong man’s house, but that strong man is tied up, and we can freely leave because of the blood, the water, the word, and the flame.
God's House Where is this house? It is wherever two or three are gathered bringing honor to the name of YHWH, drawing close to Him because of what Christ accomplished, and living lives that invite others to do the same. We come out of our old world to create a new one, until He comes.
Warnings from History Israel’s history teaches us lessons about starting strong and then seeing the story fizzle out. Local congregations must view their purpose as the hope of the world. God works through people stepping into the promised land, creating places where His will is carried out on earth as it is in heaven. Hebrews warns us, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not turn back!” as some did, and their bodies littered the desert. We all can reflect on this as we re-evaluate what movement our lives forward.
Many towns have old church buildings that are now shuttered. We cannot think we are successful just because we hold a meeting. Instead, ask your congregation, “What are we inviting our neighbors into?”
RISE AND SHINE: To end on a brighter note, we focus on the dawn of a new day. These are passages for our congregation to rally around as a source of unified hope, affirming that our actions as the people of God contribute to “hastening the day” of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This hope reminds us of our collective mission and the bright future we strive towards together.
Proverbs 4:18 NIV The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
2 Samuel 23:4 NIV he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’
Daniel 12:3 NASB Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
John 8:12 NLT Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Philippians 2:14-16 NIV Do everything without grumbling or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky [16] as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Modern Israel: Will God use the nation of Israel again? Perhaps, but it's important to remember that God does not favor Jews over Gentiles. However, we should honor the significant role that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) played in the story of salvation. It is through their lineage that we have the hope of new creation today. Everyone benefits from the principles of the Good that God has made available through those who embrace His living water, bear fruit, and offer the healing leaves of His tree to the nations.
The Jewish people were the first to believe and carry forward the promises of God, along with the words of the prophets and the sacred writings, into our present day. Through His divine intervention, God made these treasures available to non-Jews as well. With the barriers now removed, everyone can draw near to God and become part of His people. Consequently, any nation that fosters an economy benefiting others, regardless of their differences, embodies the principles needed to be creators as God's agents in the world.