God's Mission in the Old Testament
Exploring God's heart for all people in the Old Testament.
1. God's Initial Promise and Reluctant Prophets
1.1 The Abrahamic Covenant: A Universal Blessing
Verses: Genesis 12:1-3
- God's promise to Abraham was not just for his descendants, but for all families of the earth.
- This promise reveals God's intention to bless all nations through Abraham's lineage, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
1.2 Jonah and the Call to Nineveh
Verses: Jonah 1:1-3; Jonah 3:1-10
- Jonah was sent to Nineveh, a Gentile city, to preach repentance.
- His initial reluctance highlights the common struggle with extending God's grace to those considered 'outsiders'.
2. Foreigners Finding Faith
2.1 Ruth: An Outsider Embraced
Verses: Ruth 1:16-17; Ruth 4:13-17
- Ruth, a Moabite woman, embraced the God of Israel and became part of the lineage of Jesus.
- Her story demonstrates that salvation is available to all who turn to God, regardless of their background.
2.2 Rahab: Faith in the Face of Judgment
Verses: Joshua 2:1-21; Joshua 6:22-25
- Rahab, a Canaanite woman, helped the Israelite spies and was spared during the conquest of Jericho.
- Her faith and actions show that even those from enemy nations can find redemption through faith in God.
3. Israel's Witness to the World
3.1 Israel's Role as a Light to the Nations
Verses: Isaiah 49:6; Deuteronomy 4:5-8
- Israel was called to be a light to the nations, demonstrating God's character and law to the world.
- Their obedience and witness were meant to draw others to the one true God.
3.2 Prayers for All Nations in the Psalms
Verses: Psalm 67:1-7; Psalm 86:9
- The Psalms often express a desire for all nations to worship God.
- These prayers reflect God's heart for universal worship and salvation.
4. Foreshadowing the Ultimate Mission
4.1 Prophecies of a Savior for All
Verses: Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:5-6
- The Old Testament foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who would ultimately fulfill God's mission to save all people.
- Prophecies about a Messiah who would bring salvation to both Jews and Gentiles point to Jesus as the ultimate expression of God's love for the world.