The Middle East Great Commission: Reaching the Cities of Judah
When the time came for the Jews to return to Zion, God awakened the spirit of Cyrus and the Jews (Ezra 1:1,5). Not all were willing to leave Babylon, having settled, but others, inspired with a pioneering spirit, were willing to return home and clear the way for those who would eventually follow (Jeremiah 29:4-7).
Jews who remained in Babylon were encouraged to help those heading to the front lines. Their consequent generosity was recorded and revealed how eager and willing they were to become involved in such a historic project and sacred mission. This partnership, based on mutual respect, in GOD’S WORK OF RESTORATION, revealed that they understood how some are IN CHARGE to build with the materials that others are contracted to provide. It is very encouraging to know that others support you and that God blesses everyone’s genuine efforts (2 Corinthians 9:10).
Now God’s time has come to RESTORE THE TRUE GOSPEL TO JERUSALEM! The Church of God began in Jerusalem and was prophesied to return just before the end of this dark age and the dawn of Tomorrow’s Wonderful World (Matthew 24:16). The Jews were the first to be offered salvation and now they will be the last to receive it, but they will receive it (Zechariah 12:10). Everything has come full circle (Matthew 23:39).
Read here what Mr. Armstrong taught:
“How are we preparing the way for the messianic coming of Christ? In three ways:
1) proclaiming and publishing throughout the world the gospel of the Kingdom of God…
2) preparing a people for his coming… AND
3) something even I didn’t realize until recently we were also OFFICIAL to do – clean up the dirt and debris in that area that was the original Jerusalem and the City of David… Why is that important? Because Christ has said that he will still choose Jerusalem… his throne will be there. Don’t you think it will be in the same place that He chose for David’s throne? Where was David’s throne? It was in this very place that we are now cleaning up and removing the debris of century after century of accumulation… That is the place we are cleaning up!
So there is both physical and spiritual preparation in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah! Also, God says we must SHOUT [not shut up]with amplified power, to the CITIES OF JUDAH the joyous message that the Messiah is coming soon” – Autobiography of Herbert W Armstrong, Volume II, pages 469-470 (emphasis mine).
Isaiah 40:9
9 O Zion,
You who bring good news,
Climb the high mountain;
O Jerusalem,
You who bring good news,
raise your voice loudly
Pick it up, don’t be afraid;
tell the CITIES OF JUDAH, “Behold your God!”
And during my Bible reading last night, this stood out:
2 Samuel 10:12
12 Strive and let us be strong for our People and for the CITIES OF OUR GOD. And may the LORD do as He sees fit.”
God says, and His apostle taught, we are to share the GOOD NEWS WITH JUDAH. None of the Church of God congregations have done this! What are we waiting for?
We must sound the alarm from Zion (Joel 2:1). What is spoken in Jerusalem is heard throughout the world (Joel 3:16). We have the unique opportunity, and responsibility, to warn Judah that a German-led Europe is about to move into the Middle East! We could do this through full page newspaper ads.
The crusader spirit of Europe grows restless. Soon the “Roman troops” will reoccupy the Holy Land (Isaiah 40:9). Who else can warn them? Who else can help restore Israel’s identity (Isaiah 49:5) and tell Judah, “I am Joseph your brother”?
And does not the Word of God imply that an apostle will be sent to the Middle East (Isaiah 41:27)? Could not such an apostle to Jerusalem and the Jews – taking the Word of God to the cities of Judah – something Herbert Armstrong wanted to be and do but was not empowered to – be the chief spokesman (in the spirit of Elijah to the NATION) between the Two Witnesses and, as envoy of the House of David, an anointed DAVIDIC MESSENGER, be like GOD before the Jews in Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:8)? Has not God now shared the possibility of such a revelation with us? (Isaiah 48:6). Shall we prepare the way?
In the meantime, however, shouldn’t we do all we can and work together with jewish friends in Israel, either by sponsoring Yair Davidiy, author and founder of Brit-Am Israel translating information about the “Lost Ten Tribes” into Hebrew and publicizing it, encouraging Mount Faithful Temple in every possible way, plant a forest or create a garden in honor and memory of Herbert W. Armstrong, and help those faithful Jews living in pioneer communities (“settlement”) with what they need? Who else has any game plans for the Jewish homeland? LET’S AT LEAST DO SOMETHING.
May the Church of God be open to suggestions and seriously consider our options. Time is running out!