In what ways can we participate in God's gathering of His people today? The Promise in Isaiah 11:12 “He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” This prophecy points to the Lord’s future, literal regathering of Israel and hints at His wider plan to bring people from every nation under His Messiah. The “banner” is a military-style signal raised high so everyone can rally to it—ultimately fulfilled in Christ and His gospel. Seeing the Gathering Already Underway • Jesus, lifted up on the cross, became the banner (John 12:32). • At Pentecost the Spirit began drawing Jews and Gentiles together (Acts 2). • The church now serves as a preview of the final ingathering (Ephesians 2:13-19). • Israel’s modern return to the land foreshadows the complete fulfillment still ahead (Jeremiah 31:8-10). Ways We Join the Gathering Today With Our Voices • Share the gospel clearly; point to the crucified-and-risen Banner (Matthew 28:19-20). • Speak up for the truth of Scripture, inviting people to come under Christ’s lordship. With Our Prayers • Intercede for Jewish people worldwide to recognize their Messiah (Romans 10:1). • Pray for unreached nations by name, asking the Spirit to draw hearts (1 Timothy 2:1-4). • Ask God to raise more workers for every harvest field (Luke 10:2). With Our Hands and Feet • Support missionaries, Bible translators, and church planters who carry the Banner where it has never been seen (Acts 1:8). • Offer practical help to new believers—discipleship, language tutoring, job connections—so they feel gathered, not isolated. With Our Hospitality • Open homes and tables to immigrants, refugees, and students “from the four corners of the earth,” mirroring God’s welcome (Leviticus 19:34; Hebrews 13:2). • Create fellowship where cultural barriers fall and the family of God becomes visible (Galatians 3:28). With Our Worship • Sing and pray in ways that honor God’s heart for all peoples (Psalm 96:3). • Celebrate Jewish roots of our faith—biblical feasts, Hebrew Scripture readings—so the whole body remembers the original promise. With Our Resources • Invest in ministries that help Jewish believers thrive in Israel and the diaspora (Romans 15:26-27). • Give toward Bible distribution and evangelistic media in multiple languages (Isaiah 55:10-11). With Our Stand for Israel • Bless the physical descendants of Abraham, recognizing God’s irrevocable calling (Genesis 12:3; Romans 11:28-29). • Combat antisemitism and teach the church to appreciate Israel’s role in redemptive history. Encouraging Scriptures for Our Mission • John 10:16 – “I have other sheep…they will listen to My voice, and there will be one flock with one Shepherd.” • Revelation 7:9 – “A great multitude…from every nation…standing before the throne.” • Zechariah 8:23 – “Ten men…will take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Living as Signs of the Coming Kingdom Every time we lift up Christ, practice cross-cultural love, and stand with Israel, we act as visible signposts. We point ahead to the day when the Messiah Himself will “collect the scattered…from the four corners of the earth,” and His gathered people will dwell together in perfect peace. |
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