The lesson is a part of a four-part series on Black History from the Bible. This is part three, titled "The Kingdom of Priests."
Previous lessons covered "The Color and the Curses" and "The Marriage, Divorce, and Re-marriage of Israel."
The series aims to explore black history through biblical narratives, celebrating Black History Month.
Main Scripture References
Isaiah 2:1: Sets the premise of God's intention for Israel to be a nation of priests.
Exodus 19:1: Israel's journey and covenant with God to be a kingdom of priests.
Deuteronomy 4: Emphasizes the wisdom and understanding from following God's commandments.
Israel's Role and Responsibilities
Israel to be a nation of priests and a holy nation by obeying God's covenant.
The law and the word of the Lord to emanate from Jerusalem, influencing other nations.
1 Kings 4: Example of wisdom - Solomon's wisdom and leadership as a model.
Lessons from History
1 Kings 10: The Queen of Sheba recognizes Solomon's wisdom and acknowledges God’s blessings.
Isaiah 43: Israel's relationship with God, being chosen and redeemed by Him.
Psalm 25: The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.
Romans 9: Israel's special role - adoption, glory, covenants, law, and promises.
Challenges and Failures
Hosea 4:6: Rejection of knowledge leads to rejection by God and failure to be priests.
Rise of false prophets as a result of Israel's disobedience.
Matthew 7: Identifying false prophets by their fruits.
Ezekiel 22: Priests violating God's laws, no difference between holy and profane.
The Future of Israel as Priests
Isaiah 61: Future promise of Israel being named priests of the Lord.
Revelation 1 and 5: Promises of being made kings and priests unto God.
Salvation and the Great Commission
Matthew 28: The Great Commission to teach all nations.
Deuteronomy 31: Inclusion of strangers in hearing and following the law.
Isaiah 49: Israel as a light to the Gentiles, spreading salvation.
Conclusion
The lecture emphasizes the need for Israel to wake up and realize their role as priests, to teach others about God's ways.
Revelation 20: Promises of reigning with Christ and the importance of the first resurrection.
Final Thoughts
The lesson calls for the reestablishment of Israel's intended role as a nation of priests, teaching God's laws and being a beacon of light to other nations.
Encouragement to search the scriptures and prove all things.