After losing His beloved earthly family in the Garden of Eden, God would not rest. From that day forward, He’s been on a mission to get His estranged children back. His greatest desire that is that all of creation would be restored to Him and clothed with His glory.
Interestingly, the Lord inaugurated this restoration process by establishing a new family—Israel.
The sons and daughters of Jacob were to be unique among the nations, reflecting God’s wisdom and purposes. Through them, the glory was to be restored to the Earth. In many ways, they are likened to a firstborn son, an offspring who is doubly blessed.
In addition to their stewardship of the Bible, this family was able to reveal a benevolent God who invades history. They were able help those who were are far away to understand heavenly rhythms and patterns.
In the midst of everything else, they gave humanity Jesus—the hope of the ages.
Yet, God intended that, “[His Son] might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom. 8:29). The reason the Lord sent His beloved one to earth was to “[bring] many sons to glory” (Heb. 2:10). Though a child of Israel, Jesus came to bring about the transformation of the nations.
God began with Jacob’s family in order to transform every family. The precious relationship that was lost in the garden is now being restored. At long last, the sons and daughters of the Most High are beginning to find their way home.{eoa}
J.D. King is the director of the World Revival Network and associate pastor of World Revival Church.
