B. Missions in the Old Testament
It was God’s desire that his chosen people—the Israelites—serve as
missionaries to all other nations. As God’s representatives, they were required
to obey him. They often failed to obey, so they often lost their opportunity to
witness for God. We today can learn from this; we must obey the Lord in order
to witness for him. Let us consider some examples of God’s plan for missions
during Old Testament times.
1. A Kingdom of Priests—The Mosaic Covenant.
God promised the Israelites that if they obeyed him, he would make
them a nation of priests. In other words, they would serve as mediators between
God and other nations. As written in the Mosaic Covenant, the whole earth [all
nations] belongs to God, but the Jews had an opportunity to serve as missionaries
to other nations.
5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all
nations you will be my treasured possession.Although the whole earth is mine,
6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These
are the words you are to speak to the Israelites. (Exodus 19:5,6 NIV).
The Israelites failed to keep the Mosaic Covenant, so they lost
the opportunity to represent God before the nations.
2. Jonah
The Prophet Jonah was commanded to go and warn the evil city of
Ninevah of the impending judgment of God. God is glorified because he sent
Jonah to bring the Ninevites to repentance. In his mercy, God spared the
Ninevites from judgment at that time (see Jonah 1:1,2; 4:11). But Jonah was reluctant
to serve as a missionary. He first ran from God’s commission. Even after he
repented and went to Ninevah, he was not happy that the Ninevites turned to God
and were spared from God’s judgment. The Ninevites were Jonah’s enemies. As
missionaries today, we are called to witness even to our enemies.
3. Solomon Dedicating the Temple
When Solomon dedicated the Temple to God, he petitioned God to
hear the prayers of Gentiles from distant lands, so that all peoples would know
and fear God.
41 “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel
but has come from a distant land because of your name- 42 for men will hear of
your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when he comes
and prays toward this temple, 43 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place,
and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth
may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know
that this house I have built bears your Name. (1 Kings 8:41-43 NIV). Solomon
spoke in accordance with God’s desire to receive worship from all nations. He
asked God to answer the prayers of foreigners, so that all peoples would know
and fear God.
4. God Desires to Save People of Every Nation.
The Covenant with Abraham revealed God’s desire to bless all
people groups on earth. 1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your
people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I
will make your name great,and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,and whoever curses you I will
curse;and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen. 12:1-3 NIV).
God promised send the Messiah (from the Tribe of Judah) to bring
all nations to obedience.
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,nor the ruler’s staff
from between his feet,until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of
the nations is his. (Gen. 49: 10NIV).
The Messiah would bring salvation not only to Israel, but also to
Gentile nations.
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine
upon us,Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,your salvation among all
nations. (Psalm 67:1,2 NIV).
6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to
restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will
also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the
ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6 NIV).
The Messiah will rule over all people groups forever.
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one
like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient
of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority,glory and
sovereign power; all peoples, nations and
men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an
everlasting dominion that will not pass away,and his kingdom is one that will
never be destroyed.(Daniel 7:13,14 NIV).
5. God seeks to bring justice among nations. God’s people are to
seek justice today.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,I will hide my eyes
from you;even if you offer many prayers,I will not listen.Your hands are full
of blood;16 wash and make yourselves clean.Take your evil deeds out of my
sight! Stop doing wrong,
17 learn to do right! Seek justice,encourage the oppressed defend
the cause of the fatherless,plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:15-17 NIV).
Like Isaiah, the prophet Amos called for justice.
24 But let justice roll on like a river,righteousness like a
never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24NIV).
Only the return of the Messiah will bring complete justice and
peace.
6 For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the
government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no
end.He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding
it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6,7)
(For
details and for free course visit <www.missionstraining.org>)
