Thursday: A Light to the Gentiles
Daily Lesson for Thursday 24th of April 2025
The primary purpose for which God established the nation of Israel was not to condemn the rest of the world but to save it. Certainly, most of us feel condemned when we are confronted by righteous behavior in someone else; so the existence of Israel also served to highlight the sin and selfishness of the nations around it. Believers living in harmony with God highlight His righteous character, which naturally leads to conviction. Ideally, the lives of people who “keep the commandments of God” (Revelation 14:12) should showcase His character.
Image © Pacific Press at Goodsalt.com
However, had the Israelites acted as they should have and done what they had been told to do, the nations would have come to them in peace, seeking to know more about them and their God. Tragically, as the Babylonian captivity showed, these nations came to wage war instead.
The ultimate showcase of God’s character, of course, was Jesus—the only human who has perfectly demonstrated it. But His perfect example, which certainly brought conviction to hearts, was intended as an invitation (see John 3:16-21).
The ultimate purpose for establishing the nation of Israel was the same as God’s purpose in establishing the church: He longs to use His people to draw sinners toward Christ. The call of the three angels’ messages, delivered through His church, goes out, not to a select few but to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6, NKJV). Revelation 18:1 predicts that the whole earth will be lighted up with the glory of God prior to Christ’s return.
What do the following passages teach us about God’s intended role for His people in this world? How can we apply these principles to ourselves?
(a) Numbers 14:17-21
(b) Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 60:3
(c) Revelation 18:1-4
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Read again Revelation 18:1-4, the call for “my people,” that is, God’s people, to come out of Babylon. How is that going to happen? In other words, how can we, as a church that is not in Babylon, be used by God to call out God’s people who are still in Babylon? |
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In biblical sense who are the Gentiles? It refers to all peoples of the earth who are not part of the nation of Israel. Anyone who was outside the Abrahamic promise and his descendants was a Gentile. All other nations were Gentiles. One can safely says that those who did not worship the true God were “Gentiles” as in Christ Jesus all peoples of earth became God’s family. Therefore, all of us have been given light to take to the Gentiles. In fact, those who have accepted the calling of Jesus Christ have got a mission to the “world”. My world starts with my family. My neighbourhood is my world. My workplace is my world. My village is my world. Each one of us has been called to be the light and a blessing to a particular “world”. True, each one of us can make a difference to someone. Can we light our kindle and brighten our “worlds”.
“You are the light of the world, A like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” – (Matthew 5:14-16, NLT)
As Deuteronomy 7:7-9 tells us, “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”
The Lord didn’t just have one nation in mind, he had all the nations of the world in His mind. He chose Abraham, and then build a nation of his love through him. In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of this promise in Genesis, and we understand the result of this promise in Revelation. As people from different nations, tongues, and languages, will gather one day around the throne and worship the Lamb.
God deeply cares for those in "Babylon" (spiritual confusion) or else he wouldn't have called them, "my people." We need to likewise care enough for them to lovingly relay the message of heaven in Rev. 18:1-4.
Before we can call others out of spiritual confusion we have to be sure that we are free of spiritual confusion. The blind cannot lead the blind or else they will both end up in the ditch.
Before we can issue the call to come out of Babylon we should heed the remedy for Laodicea. Revelation 3:14-22
God’s people will come out of Babylon through His remnant church's faithful witness and Spirit-filled mission. As a church not in Babylon, we are called to live out the truth with love and unity, proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages with clarity and compassion, and engage in Christ-like outreach that builds relationships and meets real needs. By seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit through prayer and revival, we become vessels for the final call, inviting sincere believers in confused religious systems to embrace God’s truth and prepare for Christ’s return. Our role is not to judge, but to lovingly shine the light that leads them out of darkness.
"Read again Revelation 18:1-4, the call for “my people,” that is, God’s people, to come out of Babylon. How is that going to happen? In other words, how can we, as a church that is not in Babylon, be used by God to call out God’s people who are still in Babylon?"
The last verse of Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus. I have memorized as my prayer, many years ago. It is apropos to coming out of Babylon for us. Now don't get me wrong, I am not promoting come out of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I am not going to do that. I am doing only what the song recommends. For I believe my church is the closest to the Truth of any. There is no need to leave it other than for selfish reasons, or for that matter for any other reason. Because, We Have This Hope, as composed so beautifully by Wayne Hooper many years ago.
Many years ago in Sabbath School there was a call for testimony. One brother and his wife stood up and he said, my wife and I a few years back were looking for a church. We went to 27 different churches and found the Seventh-day Adventist Church as the closest to the Truth. To me as a Seventh-day Adventist all my life, that testimony brought me closer to Jesus through the years.
Now the song. If you want to have the 1st few verses, you will have to go to our older hymnal page 618.
Bless me oh my Saviour bless me, as I sit low at thy feet. O look down in love upon me, as I see thy face so sweet. Give me Lord the mind of Jesus, make me Holy as He is. May I prove I've been with Jesus who is all my righteousness.
I had better give you the words to Wayne Hooper's song which was the theme song of the North Pacific Union Youth Congress in the early 60's. Sorry I don't have that memorized, yet was able to pull it off the internet. Yes a good one to memorize in these times.
We have this hope that burns within our hearts,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.
We have this faith that Christ alone imparts,
Faith in the promise of His Word.
We believe the time is here,
When the nations far and near
Shall awake, and shout and sing
Hallelujah! Christ is King!
We have this hope that burns within our hearts,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.
We are united in Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are united in His love.
Love for the waiting people of the world,
People who need our Savior’s love.
Soon the heav’ns will open wide,
Christ will come to claim His bride,
All the universe will sing
Hallelujah! Christ is King!
We have this hope, this faith, and God’s great love,
We are united in Christ.
Hey John, I just discovered that one source of Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus says, “keep me holy as He is,” the other source says, “make me holy as He is.” I like keep me holy as He is, better. It fits with my belief of choice rather than coerce. 😊
Israel was meant to reflect God’s character, attracting nations to seek Him, but their failures led to conflict instead. The Israelites were to live in obedience and harmony with God, showcasing His righteousness to the surrounding nations. Through their faithfulness, other peoples would be drawn to learn about the true God.
The church is tasked with the global proclamation of the gospel, inviting everyone to experience God’s salvation. We are called to demonstrate God’s character through love, integrity and obedience to His commandments (Revelation 14:12). Our lifestyle should contrast with worldly values, attracting others to inquire about our faith.
God’s people are chosen not for privilege, but for the purpose of living as a light and boldly sharing the truth to reflect His character, bless the world and invite everyone to salvation in Christ.
Amen! Well then, let us come out of Babylon, as Bible mentioned in the book of revelation 18:1-4
Yes, “ideally”, those who believe in God “keep His commandments. There is no middle ground between being saved and being lost for the living soul that has accepted the Savior. It was Grace — unearned and divine — that stepped in where we could not stand. Grace and Mercy covered our iniquity because we could not succeed on our own.
It is not the light of personal 'perfection' that draws man to God. No — it is the reflection of the gentle Light of Grace. As Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 12:9–11 - God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and His Grace is sufficient for all who are satisfied with this Truth.
And this, I believe, is the Light the world longs to see in the Ecclesia — not prideful striving, but humble love; not condemnation, but forgiveness flowing from the heart of a people learning to kneel before the God who's Grace and Mercy has touched their life.
Once, Israel was the vessel of His mercy. Now, that mantle rests upon every believer. All are called to bear witness: that the Almighty is the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ — and we, His redeemed people, walk humbly in the path of His Love, allowing His Spirit to govern every breath, every step and interaction with our fellow man and life in general.
Babylon was the nation that subdued Israel in captivity. What has taken us captive today if we believe we are God's people by faith? What truth are we missing in life so we can be totally free?
Hello JC. Spiritual Babylon seeks to take God's people captive today, and our only safeguard is a clear understanding of scripture. Just because we may have an understanding of prophecy doesn't mean we are safe. Are we proud and hoarding the light, or are we humble, teachable, and sharing the light that we have been blessed with? We don't want to repeat the mistakes of Israel. Do we have a relationship with God or do we think having our names on the church roster is enough? (It's not!) Are we living as God's chosen people being a light unto the "Gentiles?" The devil's tactics are subtle against God's people today but they are just as dangerous as ever.
The last question on Thursdays' lesson about the voice to come out of Babylon to God's people is "The Voice of God Himself." God Himself eventually is going to be heard throughout the entire earth For His people to come out of Babylon before He then starts to pour out His Final Wrath, of seven last plagues, on Spiritual Babylon and "The godless Wicked earthlings"