Missio DeiIn the Historical Books of the Old Testament

Missiology in Joshua

J.C. Beker and the Book of Joshua

It is a difficult book in our time because of our difficulty in understanding its seeming justification of genocide.

While we would like to deny God’s absolute rejection of human evil and his judgment on it. It does not fit with postmodern notions of absolute moral tolerance and celebration of moral diversity.

The Good News is not that God will not judge, but that he is willing to forgive. That declaration is our mission.

Missiological Principles

While our mission of “conquest” is very different from that of Joshua, his mission was sanctioned by God and provides insight into our mission.

God’s Accompanying Presence

Joshua 1:1-9 1:1 the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, . . . get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot . . . 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Obedience to God’s Word is Success

6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

It may take 40 years to see the success of our efforts, and we may not live to see the success, but when we obey God’s Word, the success of our mission is guaranteed.

Failure to obey God can mean disaster

Joshua 7:10-12 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my

covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

Throughout the histories of Israel’s battles, obedience is shown to be better than sacrifice. When Israel obeys God, victory ensues. When Israel is disobedient, defeat is assured.

The Great Commission Reaffirms

Matthew 28:19-2019 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

God of All the EarthJoshua 3:11-13

11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD-the Lord of all the earth-set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap."

Though Israel’s entry into Canaan means disaster for the inhabitants of the land, the advance of its priesthood is salvation for all the earth, over which God extends his saving purpose.

The Conversion of RahabThe conversion of Rahab the Prostitute is the ironic first fruit of God’s graceful purpose in Israel’s advance. (Joshua 2).

Her name means “broad,” but it sounds like “Rahab,” which is another name for the Sea Monster whom the Canaanites believed had been defeated by Baal in the creation of the world. (This creature is the prototype of Satan as the ancient dragon.)

Isaiah 51:9-10Isaiah refers to the parting of the Red Sea by poetically referring to this myth:

9 Awake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not you who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced that monster through? 10 Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over?

Irony

Just as Isaiah derides Baal by mocking the myth of his victory, the book of Joshua presents the triumph of Yahweh over Baal when Rahab the Ritual Prostitute becomes the first Canaanite to be spared in the Conquest of God’s priestly people, whose victory is everyone’s victory who will turn and believe in Israel’s God instead of vain myths.

The Allocation PrincipleJoshua 13: 6; 18:3-5

6 "As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you, 7 and divide it as an inheritance among the nine tribes and half of the tribe of Manasseh." 8 The other half of Manasseh, the Reubenites and the Gadites had received the inheritance that Moses had given them east of the Jordan, as he, the servant of the LORD, had assigned it to them.

Just as God used strategy in dividing his people into groups and sending them to different places to accomplish the mission, we should devise strategic deployments of missionary personnel under God’s calling.

The Kinsman-Redeemer in Ruth

9 "Who are you?" he asked. "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer” [goel]. 10 "The LORD bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it.”

Ruth 3:9-13

The Goel

The Hebrew word “goel” refers to a kinsman-redeemer who helps out a needy relative—especially a widow or orphan—by buying their property or defending them against an enemy. In Ruth’s case, the “goel” would marry her as well.

Ruth 4:14-1514 The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."

How does a BABY constitute a Goel? This oddly prophetic word of praise finds its greatest fulfillment in Jesus, the son of Ruth and our kinsman-redeemer.

Prophetic Surplus of Meaning

1 Peter 1:10-11

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

Job’s Goel

Job 19:25-2725 I know that my Redeemer lives, and

that in the end he will stand upon the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes ─ I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

The Goel in PsalmsPsalm 19:1-14

The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech;night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,their words to the ends of the world. . . . 7 The law of the LORD is perfect,reviving the soul.The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,making wise the simple . . . 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward . . . 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;may they not rule over me . . . 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Isaiah’s picks up the theme (13 times!)

Isaiah 44:6

The Redeemer of Israel—Wow, what a Chapter!

The Redeemer and the Spirit

Isaiah 59:20-21

20 "The Redeemer [goel] will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD. 21 "As for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the LORD.

Jeremiah and the Goel of Israel

Jeremiah 50:34

34 Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon . . . 46 At the sound of Babylon's capture the earth will tremble; its cry will resound among the nations.

The New Testament Redeemer

He’s not just for Israel!

Luke 24:21-4921 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. 25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Galatians 3:28-4:728 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

The Davidic Royal Grant Covenant

2 Samuel 7:5,13-16

5 "Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? "'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. . . . 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.‘”

The Promise of a Messiah

Based on God’s promises to David, the psalmists and prophets will develop the Messianic prophecies of a Son of David who will rule forever on the throne of Israel.

The Davidic Reign Succeeded in establishing Israel within safe

borders, with victories over neighboring peoples and diplomatic respect from great powers.

Did not necessarily succeed in establishing the Law as normative in Israel nor in fully teaching Israel her national mission as a light to the nations.

Israel (like many churches) lived for her own (national) interests rather than as a herald and example to the nations.

The Queen of Sheba1 Kings 10:9

9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness."

One example of Israel’s success in inspiring the praise of God among the nations.

Missio DeiIn the Poetical Books of the Old Testament

The Royal Psalms

Messianic Prophecies in Song

The Messianic prophecies all trace back to God’s covenant with David and his promise to keep a Son of David on the throne of Israel forever.

Psalm 2:1-8

2:1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me,and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

Son of David, Son of God

He will not only rule Israel, but all the nations of the earth. The Psalms dealing with this are too many to list.

Isaiah 9:6-76 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The Universal Scope of God’s Reign

The Kingdom of God is preached powerfully in the Psalms, and will provide a Scriptural basis for Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God.

Psalm 47:1-4

1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.

Psalm 67:1-71 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, 2 that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. 5 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. 6 Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. 7 God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Psalm 100:1-51 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 86:9-10

9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

1 Chronicles 16:7-10

7 That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD: 8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

The Theology of Zion

The Davidic Theology developed the concept of Zion from being simply David’s capital to making Zion God’s eventual world capital.

Psalm 48

1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. 2 It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. 3 God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. 4 When the kings joined forces, when they advanced together, 5 they saw [her] and were astounded; they fled in terror. 6 Trembling seized them there, pain like that of a woman in labor. 7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind. 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD Almighty.

8 As we have heard,so have we seen in the city of the LORD Almighty,in the city of our God:God makes her secure forever. Selah 9 Within your temple, O God,we meditate on your unfailing love. 10 Like your name, O God,your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. 11 Mount Zion rejoices,the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments. 12 Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, 13 consider well her ramparts,view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. 14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;he will be our guide even to the end.

Why would the Israelites need to describe Zion to future generations?

Because it wouldn’t be there anymore.

After the DestructionPsalm 102:15-22

15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. 16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. 17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. 18 Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: 19 "The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, 20 to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death." 21 So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem 22 when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD.

Prophetic Announcement

A day is coming when all the kingdoms of this world will join together in praise before the throne of God.

Isaiah 2:1-52 In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills,and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 5 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:16-1816 In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land," declares the LORD, "men will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD.' It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. 17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

would reject the depreciate the earthly Jerusalem in favor of a heavenly Jerusalem where every nation, people, tongue, and tribe would be gathered together as one people of God.

Paul in Galatians 4:25-26 John in Revelation 11:8

The Transcendence of Jerusalem

Missio Dei in ProverbsProverbs 8:15-18

15 By me [Wisdom Personified] kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; 16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. 17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

The Logos theology in John 1:1 picks up this theme as Wisdom as the Personification of God’s wisdom in the Person of Christ.

Missio DeiIn the Prophetical Books of the Old Testament

The Prophets advance missio dei

in three ways

1. The Covenant Lawsuit2. The Proclamation of God’s

Universal Rule3. The Promise of a New

Covenant

The Covenant Lawsuit

In the prophets, God brings a lawsuit against Israel to the heavenly courts for their failure to keep his covenant.

Micah 6:1-86:1 Listen to what the LORD says: "Stand up, plead your case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. 2 Hear, O mountains, the LORD's accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. 3 "My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. 4 I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. 5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember [your journey] from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD." 6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Isaiah 41:21-22

21 "Present your case," says the LORD. "Set forth your arguments," says Jacob's King. 22 "Bring in [your idols] to tell us what is going to happen.

Because of their failure, judgment (and redemption) are coming.

Hosea 1:2-3

2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, "Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD."

Hosea 4:1-3Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: "There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. 2 There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. 3 Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away . . .

Amos 2:6-8

6 This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. 7 They trample on the heads of the poor as upon the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name. 8 They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines.

The list goes on in all the prophets They have worshipped idols. They have oppressed the poor. They have not kept the Law. They have been immoral, dishonest,

unfaithful, murderous.

Therefore . . .

Judgment is comingBut a remnant will be saved

Ezekiel 11:17—"Therefore say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.'

Isaiah 10:21—A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.

Jeremiah 23:3—"I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number.

Micah 2:12—"I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.

Micah 7:18—“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?”

Zephaniah 2:9—“The remnant of my people will plunder them; the survivors of my nation will inherit their land."

Zech 8:12-13—“I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. 13 As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong."

The remnant must return

In order to fulfill God’s promise and his mission.

The Universal Rule of GodJust as God’s judgment was on all nations (especially the enemies of Israel) in the “burdens” of the prophets, so all was the extension of God’s rule and salvation to all, as we have seen in the Zion passages in the prophets, especially Isaiah.

Among Isaiah’s many promises of salvation for all nations

Isaiah 45:1-6

"This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations . . . 2 I will go before you and will level the mountains . . . so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. 4 For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. 5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, 6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.

Isaiah 49:65 And now the LORD says — he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength — 6 he says:"It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."

7 This is what the LORD says — the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel — to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."

Jonah’s Mission

Jonah 1:1-3

1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish.

Jonah’s CreedsJonah 1:9—"I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.“

Jonah 4:2b—“You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”

But what did this mean to him?

Jonah 3:10-4:3

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. 4:1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."

God’s response

Jonah 4:9-119 But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?" "I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die.“ 10 But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

Zephaniah 2:11

11 The LORD will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the land. The nations on every shore will worship him, every one in its own land.

Zechariah 2:10-13

11 "Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling."

Haggai 2:6-86 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty.

Amos 9:11-12

11 "In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be, 12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations (Gentiles) that bear my name," declares the LORD, who will do these things.

Quoted in Acts 15:15-19 by James to include the Gentiles.

Daniel’s Success as LightDaniel 4:34-37

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. . . . 36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom . . . 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Daniel 6:25-27

25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: "May you prosper greatly! 26 "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions."

Daniel’s visionDaniel 7:13-14, 27

13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'

The New CovenantJeremiah 31:31-34

31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD,"when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt,because they broke my covenant,though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. 33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD."I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.I will be their God,and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor,or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'because they will all know me,from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD."For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

A Summary of OT Missiology

1. God created the world with a plan to bless humanity.

2. Every human being bears the imago dei and is included in the missio dei. All nations are one family

3. God desires to call both men and women into partnership for the fulfillment of the missio dei.

4. Our first duty is to obey the mandates of God, including the Dominion Mandate and the Great Commission.

5. God’s purposes are inexorable and no enemy can destroy them.

6. Rest and satisfaction are part of the mission.

7. The Promise of Eve’s, Abraham’s, Judah’s David’s, and God’s seed, a Kinsman-redeemer for Israel and the Nations

8. A blood Covenant to bless all peoples will be finally made in Christ’s body.

9. Human Diversity is a means of grace and will last forever.

10. No missionary is worthy of his task, not even Abraham. Salvation is by grace through faith.

11. God is forming one great universal Kingdom of priests in the earth, in which justice and peace reign.

12. God contextualizes his message and so should we. But syncretism that distort’s God’s message is unacceptable.

13. God’s desire is to save, but he will punish also. Still, punishment will be used to fulfill his saving purposes.

14. God will accompany those he sends in mission.15. Obedience is the key to missionary success.16. God will deploy his servants strategically to fulfill his

mission.17. God will rule from Zion, the New Jerusalem, where

he will dwell with his people forever.