How can we apply "Israel is the tribe of His inheritance" today? Setting the Scene “The Portion of Jacob is not like these, for He is the Maker of all things, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance—the LORD of Hosts is His name.” (Jeremiah 10:16) What It Meant Then • Jeremiah contrasted the living God with powerless idols. • “Israel” referred to the literal descendants of Jacob, chosen as God’s covenant people (Deuteronomy 7:6). • “Tribe of His inheritance” underscored ownership: the LORD had chosen Israel as His treasured possession (Deuteronomy 32:9). Timeless Truths Embedded in the Phrase • God personally chooses a people for Himself. • His choice is based on grace, not human merit. • The chosen belong to Him for His purposes and glory. • His faithfulness to Israel displays His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6). Connecting the Dots to Today 1. God’s covenant with ethnic Israel remains intact (Romans 11:1–2). 2. Gentile believers are “grafted in” to share covenant blessings (Romans 11:17–24). 3. The church, drawn from Jew and Gentile alike, now carries priestly privilege and responsibility: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession…” (1 Peter 2:9). 4. The phrase therefore reminds every believer of belonging, purpose, and stewardship while still honoring God’s future plans for national Israel (Romans 11:25–29). Practical Ways to Live as His Inheritance • Identity: Embrace being God’s possession; reject any identity that competes with His claim (Galatians 2:20). • Holiness: Set apart daily habits, speech, and relationships because the Owner is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16). • Mission: Represent His character to the nations—mercy, justice, truth (Matthew 5:16). • Gratitude: Thank Him for grace that includes you among His people (Ephesians 1:6). • Hope: Rest in His covenant faithfulness, confident He will complete what He began (Philippians 1:6). Scriptures That Echo the Theme • Deuteronomy 32:9 – “For the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.” • Psalm 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance.” • Ephesians 1:18 – “...the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” • Revelation 5:9–10 – A redeemed people from every tribe serving God. Living It Out The same God who called Israel His inheritance now claims every believer as His treasured possession. Stand firm in that identity, reflect His holiness, and look forward to the day His full redemptive plan—Israel and the nations together—resounds to His everlasting praise. |
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