The True Israel

In family worship, we have reading from the book of Ezekiel. There are a lot of deep and awesome truths found in that book, some of which unlock other controversies that we have yet to understand.

Throughout the coming weeks, I will write about the book of Ezekiel based on various points my family members bring out each night. I pray that you will blessed.

After reading Ezekiel 15 (which compares Israel to a vine tree), my littlest brother said, "But Jesus is the vine, so Jesus is the true Israel."

Yes, Jesus is the vine and we His servants are the branches. So if in Ezekiel 15 the vine is Israel, then Jesus must also be Israel; making Him the true Israel.

Jesus = Vine (John 15)

Vine = Israel (Ezekiel 15)

Jesus = Israel

Logically, this makes sense. However, I disagreed at first. Jesus, the true Israel? Somehow it did not connect in my mind.

But my dad pointed out this Scripture:

"...Israel is My son, even My firstborn... (Exodus 4:22).

So, the Bible supports that the logic makes sense. :-)

Jesus was called out of Egypt just as Israel of old had been freed from Egypt (Matthew 2:15). Jesus was baptized just as Israel had been when they crossed through the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:2). Both were commissioned to be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6; Acts 13:47).

Those are just a few of the many parallels between physical Israel and the True Prince of God. But what about spiritual Israel - the church?

We are to fully imitate the True Israel. We are to come out and be separate and touch not the unclean thing. We are to be baptized with both water and the Spirit. We are to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

But more than that: The spiritual Israel will fully reflect the beauty of holiness and achieve perfection of character that our Example attained. We must strive to be like Him in thought, word, and deed. Wherever we go, people should be able to see Christ in us, the hope of glory.

How do I obtain this? Spend time in His presence; learn at His feet; behold His glory, full of grace and truth.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..."(Proverbs 23:7).

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the Vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me" (John 15:4).