The Scattered House

Truth in History

Has it ever crossed your mind if our God, the one who formed a deep covenant of love with us, has abandoned His chosen people, Israel? Today's political, moral, and economic conditions might lead one to question the state of the divine promises of restoration and rejuvenation of His covenant nation - Israel. Let's delve into the Book of Micah, Chapter 5, Verse 2, penned in the King James style. It talks about a ruler's birth in Israel, prophesying, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." To interpret, it foretells the birth of a ruler in Judea who wouldn't rule the Jews, as they refused him, despite the prophetic sign of his star. Herod, disturbed by this news, sought information about Christ's birthplace. The chief priests and scribes responded, Bethlehem of Judea. They quoted the Prophet, confirming that the ruler would govern His people, Israel, not just Judah. The prophecy envisioned a future where this ruler would govern Israel. However, when Micah's prophecy was delivered, where was Israel, the Northern House, Ephraim, or the House of Joseph? Referencing Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus sends forth the Twelve, instructing them to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, affirming the scattered Israelites' existence. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus reasserts His mission, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." He consistently refers to this scattered house, signifying His divine mandate to reach them. Matthew 9:36 portrays Jesus's compassion for the weary and scattered masses, akin to shepherdless sheep. Contrary to some beliefs, these sheep weren't lost or amalgamated among the nations. Jesus perceived His sheep, affirming His role as their shepherd. John 10:11-12, and verse 14, feature Jesus asserting His role as the Good Shepherd. He insists His sheep are present and that He knows them. He speaks of other sheep not present that day but who belong to His fold, highlighting His role to bring them together as one fold under one shepherd. Jesus spoke of another fold of sheep scattered throughout the Mediterranean, across the Caucasus Mountains, and dispersed in northwestern Europe and the British Isles. These are His scattered house, His other fold, who He must also gather. His mission was to unite all under His guidance as one shepherd. It's important to note that the House of Judah, the tribe of Judah, are the true Judeans. The real Israelites have already been united by Jesus Christ's blood. John 7:28 recounts Jesus asserting His divine mission and origin. Even though some sought to seize Him, they couldn't because His time had not come. Many believed in Him, signaling that there were Israelites other than Jews during Jesus's time.