Have you ever just sat back and thought, this world is broken? You doom scroll through social media and there's another war, another scandal, another act of violence. And deep down, we know this is not how life was supposed to be. Something in the human experience is broken. And for those of us who belong to Christ, we long for God to step in and to finally make all things right.
Welcome to Mountain View Church. My name is Jeremy. If you haven't done so already, please consider connecting with us at mountainview.church slash connect or sending us a direct message on social at Mountain View Whitehorse. Today we come to the end of our journey through Joel's prophecy. Judah knew what it was like to wait for God to intervene. They had faced the consequences of sin, their crops had been destroyed, enemies invaded, and their very identity as God's people was shaken to the core. Their joy had dried up, their hope had gone, and their future, well, it felt uncertain. And yet, Joel's prophecy didn't end with rebuke, and Judah's story didn't end in despair. In God's time, he heard their cries for help, and he responded. His answer came through his presence and his promise.
Bringing it forward to our time, Joel's message points us to the same truth. Real restoration isn't something we can achieve by human effort. It's something only God can do. And in his perfect timing, all things will be restored. In the meantime, we're called to watch and wait in his presence, clinging to that promise. Today's scripture reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 3, verses 17 to 21.
The glorious future of Judah. So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it. And in that day the mountain shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk. And all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water. And a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord, and water the valley of Shittim. Egypt shall become a desolation, and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations. I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged.
for the Lord dwells in Zion. Joel doesn't end his prophecy in despair. He ends with hope and a vision of restoration. Joel's closing words give us a picture of the future where God's presence is near and his promises stand unshakable. He writes, so you shall know that I am the Lord your God who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain, and Jerusalem shall be holy and strangers shall never again pass through.
This vision anchors the close of Joel's prophecy. It's like the spotlight shifts. Instead of looking at devastation and judgment, Joel points us forward to a day when God himself will dwell with his people. His presence will bring holiness and his promise will bring security. Joel wants Judah and us, even in this more fulfilled time, to see that restoration doesn't come from within ourselves, but from the Lord who dwells with his people. God restores his people with his presence and his promise.
But to really see it, we need to slow down and unpack these two truths. What does it mean for God's presence to restore his people? And what does it mean for God's promises to hold us secure? Let's dig into it. First, God's presence restores. Joel begins with the declaration, so you shall know that I am the Lord your God who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain.
For Judah, this was the heartbeat of hope, God's dwelling among his people, which meant security, identity, and blessing. Zion, or God's holy mountain, was a symbolic term related to God's reign and covenant faithfulness. When God dwells among his people, his presence transforms ordinary places into holy places. And this is a theme that we find throughout scripture. Before Israel was divided, the Ark of the Covenant rested in Shiloh, and the people assumed God's presence was automatically with them. But when their hearts were hardened, his glory departed. Centuries later, Ezekiel witnessed the same reality of God's glory departing because of Judah's sin, outlined in Ezekiel 10. But Ezekiel also saw a vision of hope where God's glory would return, and the city would bear a new name. The Lord is there, found in Ezekiel 48.35.
For us, God's restorative presence was fulfilled in the promised Messiah, God's Son, Jesus Christ. The Apostle John, writing about Jesus, stated, And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. That word is important, dwelt, which literally means tabernacled in a way. God made his dwelling among his people in the person of Jesus. And after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the spirit was poured out on the church, God's presence dwelling in us and working through us. This concept is also echoed in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. He writes, do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you?
Paul reminds us that God's presence restores his people then and now. For Judah, it meant a restored holy city. For us, it means that in Christ, we are the dwelling place of his Holy Spirit who makes us holy. And one day we will truly dwell with him face to face in the new Jerusalem, which leads us to our next restoration point. God's promise restores. And Jerusalem shall be holy and strangers shall never again pass through it.
Maybe you're wondering, what does it mean that Jerusalem shall be holy? Well, God would set the city apart, cleansing it of impurity and purging it of foreign enemies. No longer would the nations trample her courts. In this context, holiness is tied to wholeness with restored worship and restored fellowship and a restored peace among God's people. It should be noted that this wasn't just because Judah had turned back to God. God was acting in his covenant faithfulness, which reminds us that God's promise is what makes his people holy. God starts it. Without a covenant, Jerusalem is just another city. But with covenant, God makes it a holy place. Further down in the passage, God's promise continues. Joel writes, but Judah shall be inhabited forever and Jerusalem to all generations. I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the Lord dwells in Zion.
For a displaced and scattered people, this was an anchor of hope. Judah wouldn't just survive, they would endure according to God's promise. But here's where questions surface. I get it. What about today? We're almost a full year into the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. One of many throughout the centuries. And this one centered on Israel's border sovereignty. The reality is that there are varying opinions about Israel's sovereignty as a whole, about the enforcement methods, and the involvement of other nations. I get it. This is complicated. But as Christians...
We have to address it. As a pastor, I feel that we've just been touching this issue over this series, and today I need to deal with it. So first, Christians, we can't ignore the human cause. Any conflict, I mean any conflict, between nations brings death and suffering. Also, displacement and always sorrow. We should grieve with those who grieve and pray for peace while holding on to God's promises.
And yet, at least some of you are wondering, does God's promise found in Joel and other prophetic scriptures still apply to modern Israel? Is it the same thing? Is Jerusalem still God's holy city? Or is this promise fulfilled in Christ and his church? These aren't simple questions, but you've been asking them. I asked them myself. But we need to start digging into the answers. And I'm going to try today. Scripture can help us wrestle through it, but it may add some tension inside of you and in conversations, depending on where you currently stand on this whole conflict, on your opinion of the Middle East in general.
But let's go there. First, let's talk about ethnic Israel as the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, plainly stated as Jewish people. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Roman church makes it clear that God has not abandoned his ancient people. For context, some in the Roman church were tempted to believe that because Jews had rejected Christ, God's covenant with Israel was finished. Paul firmly corrects this misunderstanding.
In chapter 11, he writes, I ask then, has God rejected his people? By no means, for I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? Lord, they have killed your prophets. They've demolished your altars and I alone am left and they seek my life. But what is God's reply to him? I have kept for myself 7,000 men who have not bowed the knee to Baal. So too, at the present time, there is a remnant chosen by grace.
Paul is living proof that God's covenant faithfulness continues. He points back to Elijah's day when it looked like Israel had completely turned away from God, but God had preserved a faithful remnant. In the same way, Paul says God is, was preserving a remnant in his day and in our day, chosen by grace. Moving further down to verse 25, he adds an important detail. He writes, lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers. A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
This teaches us that God's journey with Israel isn't finished. While it remains a mystery how he is working with both Israel and the other nations, especially those around Israel, his promises stand firm. At the same time, we need to see the bigger picture of God's plan. His covenant blessings overflowing beyond ethnic Israel to embrace the whole world, every nation in Christ. Through Jesus, the covenant promises are no longer limited to one people group, but open wide to all nations, which brings us to spiritual Israel, a term sometimes used to describe all who have accepted Jesus as Messiah, whether Jew or Gentile, from any nation, tribe, or language. You see, under the new covenant in Jesus, God has created one people, defined by faith, not ethnicity.
This is the heart of the gospel, really. God's promises are fulfilled in his son and shared with all who believe. The apostle Paul makes this clear in his letter to the Galatian church. He writes, there is neither Jew nor Greek. There is neither slave nor free. There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. In Christ, every wall of division has been torn down. Faith alone determines who belongs to God's family.
The blessings promised to Abraham are now available to all who trust in him. This means every believer, no matter their background, is a full heir of God's covenant promises. Our identity and inheritance are secured in Jesus alone. This would be a great place, by the way, to close out the message. It'd be easy actually, but I realize there are definitely still lingering questions.
So, let's talk about the nation state of Israel as a political entity formed in 1948, but I must add that it's not equal to the biblical Israel. It's not automatically a covenant people. To be clear, the reestablishment of Israel was a significant moment in world history, but it wasn't a covenant restoration as described in scripture. Over the years, I have witnessed some Christians become fixated on the nation state of Israel, either for it or against it. And some of them have gotten to the point of obsession. And this is unfortunate because it does nothing to advance the gospel, and it often stirs up conflict in their local churches. Now more than ever, Christians should strive to understand covenant theology, to distinguish between the biblical people of Israel and the modern nation of Israel. Even more importantly, to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, where covenant truly finds its ultimate fulfillment. Now, don't get me wrong. We should pray for peace in this region. We should pray for peace.
We should also seek justice for anyone who's suffering. But Jesus reminded us not to pin our hopes on earthly kingdoms. He said, And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place. But the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
In other words, the turmoil of nations will continue until Jesus returns. And based on historical data, the Middle East will always be a region of conflict. Our ultimate hope is not in those political borders or in our governments. Our hope is in the kingdom of God that will one day unite people from every tribe, nation, and tongue. Further down in that same chapter, Jesus adds, and because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come. Jesus makes it crystal clear that our role isn't to speculate about timelines or to obsess over certain nations, but to remain steadfast in faith and focused on his mission, the mission he's given us to share the gospel. Our calling is to endure by holding fast to Christ and to proclaim his truth, the good news to every nation. This is what advances God's plan, by the way, not political allegiances, not national fixations. Now, let's come back one more time to Paul's Roman letter, chapter 11, as it relates to Israel. He writes, as regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Paul reminds the Roman Christians, and reminds us, that while the majority of ethnic Israel has rejected Christ, they remain beloved because of God's ancient promises. At the same time, however, God's covenant people are now defined spiritually by faith in Christ. So as Christians, we should honor God's purpose for ethnic Israel without losing sight of the greater reality that in Jesus, all who believe are Abraham's offspring. and heirs of the promise, and will be recipients of his eternal grace. This tension shouldn't frustrate us, folks. It should deepen our trust in God's wisdom. His ways are far higher than ours, and his promises stand firm forever. So, what he began with Israel finds its fulfillment in Christ, and through Christ, all nations are invited in. We have to keep that in focus. And yet, all of this considered, I understand, the question may remain, should we always support Israel?
Well, we should grieve whenever violence, war, and injustice occurs to anyone, anywhere, regardless of the nations involved in the conflict. It should bother us. It should burden us. And yet, our hope must stay fixed on God's promise that his kingdom will never end, even though nations and kingdoms will rise and fall. So this means we don't dismiss Israel as irrelevant, but we cannot assume God's covenant applies to the modern political state.
As Christians, our allegiance to any earthly kingdom or any earthly nation, whatever the title, whatever the flag, should never ever overshadow the spiritual kingdom that Jesus has called us to. Our mandate is to love all people, to proclaim the gospel to all nations, and to trust God's sovereign plan for both Jews and Gentiles. In all things, we must hold fast to God's unfolding purpose that's fulfilled in Christ and extended to every person who believes. That needs to be our focus, our primary, no matter what the discussion. So, let's end today's message by coming back to verse 17. So you shall know that I am the Lord your God who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. True restoration isn't about land boundaries, national identities, or political power. When the world feels broken, when wars rage, and when kingdoms fall, we can rest in this truth. God dwells with his people, and his kingdom will never, ever end.
Our greatest restoration will never be found in the rise of nations, but in the promise of forgiveness and grace given through the Son of God, Messiah, Jesus Christ. Hold fast to that. Let's pray. Dear God, thank you for offering restoration through Jesus. When the world feels broken, remind us that your kingdom will never end. Help us place our hope not in nations or politics, but in your promise to restore all things. Strengthen us to live as your people until the day we see you face to face. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thank you so much for being with us today. It was a big one. You might have lots of questions and comments. Feel free to reach out to us or drop some comments in the feed. We'll try to respond. If this message has encouraged you, we'd love to connect with you further at mountainview.church slash connect or through social media at Mountain View White Horse. Also, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel and turning on notifications so you'll see each week's message appear in your feed. Before we close, here are quick updates. Hi, I'm Pastor Herbert. Can you believe summer is almost over?
As vacations end, camps close and those sunny days are almost gone, we find ourselves stepping into a new season, one filled with school schedules, daily routines, all the busy stuff. But it's also a great opportunity to slow down, reflect and reconnect with what truly matters, our faith and our families. On August 31st, the fifth Sunday of the month, our amazing volunteers are taking a well-deserved day off, and I'm inviting you for our back-to-school Sunday, a family-friendly gathering in all the three services. We will have activity boxes for the children, the jar gets in game with a little twist, and sweet treats for all attendees at the end of the services.
In the message that I'm preaching, we are looking at the book of Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5 to 6, to learn how to live a life led by Christ. So, come with your family and invite a friend to worship and pray together and reconnect with God. I hope to see you there. Motherhood is beautiful and sometimes a little messy. Whether you're running on coffee, clinging to hope, or celebrating a win, big or small, you don't have to do it alone. Join us for a weekly gathering where moms can connect, encourage one another, and walk together through the ups and downs of motherhood, all while keeping Christ at the center. We will gather Thursdays at 10 a.m. downstairs here at the church starting September 11th. This is an open, welcoming community. Come as you are, bring your little ones if they're still at home, and be reminded that you're not in this season alone.
If you're tired of being burnt out, buried in stuff, or always feeling like there's never enough time or money, this series is for you. Please mark your calendar and invite someone to join you. Making Change could be the series that helps you choose a better way to live. We hope to see you there. Now, last but not least, let's move into our discussion and prayer focus for today. I'm sure there will be lots of comments and questions, but here's one to guide you anyway. How have politics and national identity shifted your focus away from God's kingdom? How have you felt politics and national identity shifting your focus away from God's kingdom?
And then after you have some discussion or maybe even vent online, please be kind, then spend some time in prayer or pray with those who you're with. And hopefully you've had a fruitful discussion. Pray for hope in Christ's eternal kingdom above earthly nations. Pray for us to receive hope and that hope would be in Christ's eternal kingdom far above all the earthly nations. And then come back next week for Back to School Sunday with Pastor Herber. Whether you're starting school, sending kids off to school, or simply looking for a fresh start this fall, next week's gathering will be an encouragement to you and your friends and your family. So plan on being there. We'll see you then.
If you prayed to receive Jesus today or would like to connect with our church community, visit mountainview.church and click the connect link. If this podcast and radio ministry has been a blessing to you, please consider partnering with us or making a tax-deductible donation at mountainview.church. Thanks for listening to Mountain View Church Audio. Join us next week for more Christ-centered teaching from the Wilderness City of Whitehorse UConn.