Glorifying God by Being a Light to the Nations

By Laura K. Springer, Th.M., Ph.D. 

 

Key Passage: Isaiah 43:1-7; 44:21-23; 49:5-6

Additional Passages: Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 26:1-5; 28:13-14; Acts 3:25-26; Romans 9:4-5, 21-24; Hebrews 1:1-4. 

 

While humanity was created to portray God's glory generally before all of creation, Israel was chosen, formed, and delivered to bring God glory specifically by shining his light before the nations. 

 

Chosen to bless. From its barest beginning, Israel was chosen to be a blessing. When God called Abraham, he promised that Abraham and the nation that came from him (Israel) would be a blessing to the nations. God reminded Isaac and Jacob of this promise to bless the nations through Israel. In Acts 3: 25-26, Peter interprets the promise of blessing to all nations as fulfilled by the Messiah, Jesus. 

 

Formed to glorify. God formed Israel so they might bring him glory, and he covenanted with them, promising by his own steadfast love, to be their God and make this his people. Israel broke its end of the covenant multiple times, but God never broke his end. His love for them continued, whether expressed in blessings or acts of discipline. 

 

Delivered to serve. God remained committed to Israel's good. When they broke the covenant, he scattered them, and when they repented, he gathered them to himself. When they sinned, he cleansed and redeemed them--an act worthy of praise by all of creation. Over and over, Israel was delivered by God for God’s own glory. He always remembers that Israel is his servant and calls Israel to glorify him by remembering their servant identity and returning to him. 

 

Light to the nations. This Israel, whom God chose, formed, and delivered, is the means through which God sent his Messiah to redeem all who trust him for salvation. God sent the Messiah as the deliverer of Israel, for Jesus came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but this was only the beginning. Israel glorified God by being a light to the nations through Messiah Jesus, who is himself the Light of the World and the ultimate Reflection of God's glory. 

 

Struggle and opposition are certain. Just like Israel sometimes struggled to follow God, so will we. But the same God who kept his covenant with Israel is right here in the midst of this messy world, bringing all things together for his glory. No matter the situation, God cares for his people, forming them to glorify him in the world by portraying his glory and proclaiming his good news in Jesus.