The Lord spoke this to Moses to tell the children of Israel what their relationship to God would be, “‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I BORE YOU ON EAGLES’ WINGS and brought you to Myself (God sanctified the children of Israel to Himself). Now therefore, if you will indeed OBEY MY VOICE AND KEEP MY COVENANT, then you shall be a SPECIAL TREASURE TO ME above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a KINGDOM OF PRIESTS AND A HOLY NATION.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” (Exodus 19:4-6)
Moses has been on the mountain speaking with God and came down to let the people know GOD was going to TALK TO THEM. “The Lord God almighty SPOKE the Ten Commandments. “Now all the people witnessed the THUNDERING’S, the LIGHTNING FLASHES, the sound of THE TRUMPET, and THE MOUNTAIN SMOKING; and when the people saw it, THEY TREMBLED and stood afar off.” (Exodus 20:18) The Israelite people said to Moses, “YOU SPEAK WITH US, and we will hear; but LET NOT GOD SPEAK WITH US, LEST WE DIE.” (Exodus 20:19)
WHY WERE THEY AFRAID OF GOD? “Because they did NOT BELIEVE in God And did NOT TRUST in His salvation…The wrath of God came against them, And slew the stoutest of them, And struck down the choice men of Israel. In spite of this they still sinned And DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD’S WONDROUS WORKS.” (Psalms 78:22, 31-32)
While Jesus was on earth He taught, “…whatever things you ask in prayer, BELIEVING, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
SO, DO THE JEWS OF TODAY BELIEVE IN JESUS AS THE MESSIAH? Jews believe Jesus did not fulfill messianic prophecies that establish the criteria for the coming of the messiah. Judaism does not accept Jesus as a divine being. Jesus did not free the Jewish people from Roman captivity. They had their minds set on the Jesus riding His white horse to conquer the enemy! But of course, Jesus had to first come to REDEEM US from our sin.
“The woman at the well said to Jesus, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you AM HE.” (John 4:25-26)
“Then he (the anti-christ) shall confirm a covenant with many (the Jews) for one week; But in the middle of the week, He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering…” (Daniel 9:27) This is called “abomination of desolation.” When this happens the Jews, EYES ARE OPENED AND THEY SEE JESUS AS THEIR MESSIAH, “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS.” (Matthew 24:15-16) JUST AS THE RED SEA WAS PARTED ALLOWING THE JEWS TO ESCAPE, GOD WILL MAKE A PATH FOR THEM TO ESCAPE TO THE MOUNTIANS, WHERE GOD HIDES THEM… “and the woman (Israel) fled into the wilderness, where she has a place PREPARED BY GOD, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days (the last 3½ years).” (Revelation 12:6)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham