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On the Shoulders of Nations

December 8, 2011

“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips'.” — Isaiah 49:22

Growing up and hearing the Scriptures read in synagogue, I often puzzled over this particular verse. What could that possibly mean — that God would summon the other nations to carry His sons and daughters back to their homeland, Jerusalem? How was that going to happen?

The verse comes in context of other promises God made to His people: “in the day of salvation I will help you” (v. 8), “I will not forget you! See, I engraved you on the palms of my hands” (v. 15-16). God promised that He would never forget Israel, His people. Just as He did during the time of the Exodus, God heard His people’s cries and promised to restore them.

It was not the first time that Isaiah recorded this promise from God. In chapter 14, he wrote: “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land. . . . Nations will take them and bring them to their own place” (14:1-2).

Such beautiful promises! Such wonderful encouragement! These words have been a source of comfort for the Jewish people not only during the exile to Babylon, but to Jews who have been scattered throughout the earth since 70 C.E. But the question was always how was this going to happen? How was God going to use the “nations” to bring His people back?

I think we’re seeing the answer today. God is summoning Christians from among the nations — from the United States, Canada, South America, and around the world — to help bring His people back to Israel through ministries such as The Fellowship’s On Wings of Eagles. Today, we are seeing Jews returning to Israel from the four corners of the earth — from the former Soviet Union, Africa, India, Yemen, and Morocco — and it is faithful Christians who are carrying Jewish sons and daughters back.

I thank God for His provision, for His moving in the hearts of so many and stirring them to answer the call. I am thankful for the partnership of my Christian friends in helping to fulfill this prophecy. We all can rejoice in serving a God who proves Himself faithful over and over again to fulfilling all He has promised.

If you haven’t already, won’t you consider joining us in this important ministry? And if you are already involved, who can you summon to join us?

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President

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