How does Isaiah 19:21 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Isaiah 19:21—A Glimpse of Global Worship “And the LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day the Egyptians will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them.” Matthew 28:19-20—The Mandate to Reach Every Nation “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Common Ground: One Lord, One Global Purpose - Both passages place the spotlight on nations beyond Israel. - Each text highlights personal, covenant-style knowledge of the LORD: “make Himself known” (Isaiah 19:21) and “teaching them to obey” (Matthew 28:20). - Worship and obedience stand side by side—offerings in Isaiah, baptism and lifelong discipleship in Matthew. - The presence of God anchors the mission. Isaiah points to the LORD’s self-revelation; Jesus promises, “I am with you always.” Prophetic Promise Meets Apostolic Commission - Isaiah foresees Egypt—longtime enemy of Israel—joining the people of God. The Great Commission supplies the means: gospel proclamation that turns former foes into family (cf. Ephesians 2:13-16). - Isaiah’s language of vows fulfilled anticipates the wholehearted obedience Jesus calls for: “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded.” - What God promised to do for one nation (Egypt) He now commands His church to pursue for every nation (cf. Genesis 12:3; Revelation 7:9). Historical Echoes of Fulfillment - Acts 2:10 notes pilgrims from Egypt hearing the gospel at Pentecost. - Acts 18:24-28 introduces Apollos, a learned Jew from Alexandria, spreading the faith. - Early church history records a thriving Egyptian church, a direct line back to Isaiah’s vision. Theological Threads Woven Together - God’s heart for the nations: Isaiah reveals it; Jesus commissions it. - Universal Lordship: “The LORD will make Himself known” (Isaiah 19:21) parallels “baptizing them in the name” (Matthew 28:19)—one sovereign Name above all. - Missionary certainty: Isaiah’s prophecy guarantees success; Jesus’ presence secures it (cf. Isaiah 55:11). Living It Out Today - Confidence: Scripture’s seamless storyline assures that global missions rests on divine promise, not human ingenuity. - Urgency: The same God who vowed to reveal Himself in Egypt sends His church to unreached peoples now. - Encouragement: Success is not optional; it is foretold. Nations will worship, disciples will be made, and the Lord will be known from Cairo to the ends of the earth. |
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