The Blessing of Multiculturalism to Restore in the Sanctuary (Ezekiel 47:21-23) 1/19/2025
The Blessing of Multiculturalism to Restore in the Sanctuary (Ezekiel 47:21-23) 1/19/2025
God granted the blessing of restoring the temple to the Israelites who returned from captivity, and the covenant that immediately followed was to distribute the land as a blessing to all Israelites. The temple signifies Christ who came as our Savior (John 2:21), and it also represents individuals saved through Christ and the church they gather in (1 Corinthians 3:16). God instructed that the land be distributed. This symbolizes the blessing of believers conquering, healing, and reviving the land.
However, God also instructed that the foreigners living among them be included in the blessing and that the land be distributed to them as well. This is today’s scripture.
Looking back at the history of the United States, perhaps the Puritans, who sought to live righteously before God on this land, lived according to this principle. There are historical examples of groups that sought to turn this land solely into a colony through military conquest (e.g., Virginia and Maryland). But the Puritans were different. They sought unity with the Native Americans who were already living on the land and later united with successive immigrants, proclaiming “God Bless America” and living to share the blessing of faith together.
Why did God command the Israelites to distribute land even to the foreigners living among them? Here, we can observe the absolute reasons for multinational ministry, the absolute methods for uniting different nations, and the absolute goal that God intended to achieve (the conclusion). This work is only possible through Christ and His body, which is the church.
- The absolute reasons for multiethnic ministry
1) It reflects God’s original heart and plan that we believe in and serve. All nations were one from the beginning. All are descendants of Adam. God created all of them in His image to communicate with each other. After humanity fell into sin by being deceived by the devil (Genesis 3), people formed tribes out of selfishness and exalted heroes (Nephilim of Genesis 6). These tribes became nations, leading to conquest, theft, and domination (the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11).
2) Whose work is this? It is the work of fallen humanity. But behind it all is Satan (John 14:30, Ephesians 6:12). Hence, Satan has many nicknames: the tempter (1 John 4:1-6), the liar and murderer (John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 11:14), the accuser (Zechariah 3:1-3), and the one who divides, isolates, and causes discord (Romans 16:17).
3) Restoring all nations into one is the completion of salvation. Salvation goes beyond individual redemption. Christ will return when all nations and peoples are saved (Matthew 24:14). When all nations receive salvation, Christ’s work is also completed (1 Timothy 2:4). When we truly hold onto God’s heart and plan, multiethnic ministry becomes simple. No lengthy explanations are needed. It will resonate.
- The absolute methods for multiethnic ministry
1) God sent His Son as Christ (John 3:16). He achieved eternal atonement through His holy blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). The power of sin no longer has control. Through His resurrection, He destroyed the authority of Satan, that causes conflict and division and lives to crumble (1 John 3:8, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26). He became the way for humanity to meet God (John 14:6) and reconciled humanity with one another (Ephesians 2:16). When our relationship with God is restored, all disputes and enmities in homes, workplaces, and churches come to an end.
2) At this time, God’s Kingdom is established within us (Luke 17:21).
① God gave saved people of God the right to become His children (John 1:12, Romans 8:15). This is the blessing of relationships we must enjoy. We have now become one eternal family and one people (Ephesians 2:19).
② Who governs over God’s people? Christ, our eternal King, governs us through the Holy Spirit. At this time, the forces of darkness that cause conflict and division are also defeated (Romans 14:17, Matthew 12:28).
3) From this point, the Holy Spirit works to unite us all (Ephesians 4:3).
① Whether in our homes or churches, when we are individually filled with the Holy Spirit, we can understand, care for, and unite with one another. Then we are able to believe God’s Word that becomes life-giving, and the people rise as God’s army (Ezekiel 37:1-10).
② We can overecome all differences in language, culture, habits, and. That is true love, Agape love (1 Corinthians 13:7). Without experiencing God’s love in our lives, we cannot save others, let alone do multiethnic ministry. We must make times of weakness, failure, and suffering into opportunities to reflect on and experience God’s love.
- The absolute goal and conclusion of multiethnic ministry
1) The goal is to use the blessings and answers gained through multiethnic ministry to reach all nations. For indioviduals and churches that do multiethnic ministry, missions become easier. They have seen the unity inside the Holy Spirit. The children of international marriages, immigrants, and their descendants (TCKs) are important for this reason. Pray for, be with, and help even one multinational or TCK person near you. Despite challenges in the world, God will provide absolute answers and evidence to save them (Acts 1:8’s “witnesses”).
2) Through multiethnic ministry, we mature as true disciples of Christ. Differences in language, food, and culture are recognized as diversity and uniqueness, fostering mutual respect (Philippians 2:2-4). This reflects the heart of Christ (Philippians 2:5) and is true maturity as we grow in Him (Ephesians 4:15). Those who understand God’s heart, methods, and conclusion for saving all nations become Christ’s disciples.
3) Through this, we prepare for eternal life in God’s Kingdom. In eternity, there will be no more differences or conflicts. We will be one eternal family and nation. God showed John a vision of all nations and peoples worshiping before the throne (Revelation 7:9-10). Believers who understand this blessing and dedicate themselves to God’s work will reign with Christ in the new heavens and new earth (Luke 22:28-30, Revelation 22:5).
Conclusion: God included the Courtyard of the Gentiles in the temple to express His heart for saving all nations. The beginning of this work is multiethnic ministry. May our individual lives, families, and churches be used until this Courtyard of the Gentiles is complete.
1.19.25 The Blessing of Multiculturalism to Restore in the Sanctuary