Joshua 19 God's promise to Abraham fulfilled. A historical account of Israel and the Church.

In Joshua chapter 19, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, which began in Genesis chapter 12. God instructed Abraham to leave his homeland for a promised land, which is now being given to the Israelites. This promise was a vital part of Abraham's covenant with God, which would bless not only his descendants but also all families of the earth through them. The journey leads to Jacob’s family, later known as Israel, during a time of famine, compelling them to go to Egypt where they were provided for by Joseph. This illustrates God’s faithfulness in providing for His people and fulfilling His promises across generations, as they finally receive their designated land after years of trials and migrations.

God kept his promise to Abraham by leading the Israelites to the promised land after their long time in Egypt. Though they wandered in the desert for 40 years due to their unfaithfulness, they ultimately entered Canaan under Joshua's leadership. This fulfillment of God's promise showcases his faithfulness to Abraham and the miraculous birth of Isaac despite initial barrenness. Through faith in Jesus, believers today are spiritually linked to Abraham's lineage, illustrating that we are part of God's family. Just as Abraham was granted righteousness for his faith, Christians receive righteousness through their belief in Jesus, becoming part of the same divine family and blessing that started with Abraham.

In the book of Joshua, we see God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham about the land of Canaan. The tribes of Israel, after years of waiting, finally receive their inheritance, showing that God keeps His promises to those who trust Him. However, God also cautioned Israel that unfaithfulness would lead to their removal from the land. This promise and warning highlight the significance of their covenant relationship with God. Even when they were exiled by Assyria and Babylon, the promises recorded in the Old Testament, like those in Ezekiel, indicate that God still cares for His people. This faithfulness connects the past promises to their future hope, demonstrating God's unchanging nature towards His people, always keeping His word even in challenging times.

In Ezekiel 36:22-24, God tells the Israelites He will restore them, not just for their sake but to uphold His holy name, which they have dishonored. After centuries without a homeland, Israel returned in 1948, signaling hope. However, the full blessings, including the acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah, are still to come as they face challenges ahead. This return marks a step towards future promises, where God will ultimately gather His people and bless them under the reign of Jesus, but that complete fulfillment lies in the future.

Israel is currently experiencing a partial fulfillment of the promise to be in their land, but they will see full fulfillment when they recognize Jesus as their Messiah King. While Jesus came first as a suffering servant, many Jews today miss out on forgiveness and eternal life through Him. This creates a distinction between the church, which has accepted Jesus, and Israel, which has not. The church is eagerly awaiting a pre-tribulation rapture before a period of tribulation that is meant for those who have rejected Christ, including Israel. This plan highlights the differences in belief within the Christian faith about the future of Israel and the church, emphasizing that while both are part of God's family, there are unique paths and consequences for each. Understanding this helps clarify the relationship between the two and the significance of recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah.

The message highlights the belief in a future return of Jesus, which will be marked by a millennial reign. It explains that while God has restored the Jews to their land, they still face consequences for rejecting Jesus as the Messiah. In contrast, Christians are viewed as His bride due to their faith in Him, leading to different promises and treatments in the future. This reflects God's faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham regarding the land of Israel. The speaker emphasizes that all prophecies from the Old Testament about Jesus have been fulfilled, which strengthens their faith in His second coming. The ultimate hope lies in the trust that Jesus will return to complete what was promised, reassuring believers of God's plans and encouragement amidst challenges.