5:8,9
We get a repeat of the prophecy that the “remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles” (peoples in v7). The Jews were dispersed as a result of conquest of the nation, as a results of God’s judgement upon the nation. But here we read of her being like a lion among the beasts. How can this happen? It will happen when God’s people turn back to Him. The analogy here is in terms of violence and conquest, but in terms of the gospel it is violence against the kingdom of darkness, not against people. Two points of application. First, there is enormous emphasis placed by some on the land of Israel. Now the land of Israel is important, but the most important point is the people turning to Christ, and verses like these would seem to imply that it is not all about the Jews who have returned to Israel. Secondly, we can apply the principle to all Christians. We are dispersed all around the world, and sometimes (often for non-western Christians) in a hostile environment. This is even becoming true of western Christians. It can seem that we are the underdogs, but the end result will be that we are the head and not the tail. We need to remain faithful to the Lord. To go along with the world’s wisdom is the most unbelievably stupid thing a Christian can do.
5:10-15
The coming of this day will not be an easy matter, for it will involve a purification of the people of God. All reliance on non-Godly means will be stripped away. Horses and chariots were the prime means of war, but they would be destroyed. All dependence on idol worship would be removed. All false religion would be gone. Judgement would also extend to the nations that have not listened to the word of God.
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