WHAT GOD EXPECTS

Why Israel? Chapter 5 – What God Expects by author Derek Prince.

In this chapter, we will deal further with the needed response. We will address these important questions, “What is God looking for in Israel? What is He waiting for?”

Meekness and Humility

For our first answer to questions about the response God expects, let’s look at Zephaniah chapter 3 verses 11-13. Before we explore these verses, I want to add that this passage has a message for the Church just as much as it does for Israel.

In that day you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds in which you transgress against Me; for then I will take away from your midst those who rejoice in your pride, and you shall no longer be haughty in My holy mountain.

What characteristic is God objecting to in this passage? Religious pride. Let me say that there are many reasons for people to be prideful, but religion is at the top of the list.

God says to His Jewish people, “Until you have learned not to be proud because I have chosen you; because I have placed my temple in your midst; because I have called you specially; I am not coming back.”

Then the Lord says:

I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness and speak no lies. Nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth.

What is the Lord expecting to see in Israel when He comes back? A meek and humble people. What is the Lord looking for in the Church? Exactly the same—a meek and humble people.

I have come to see that the real issue we are confronting in the Church—in America and many other nations—is pride. Are we really willing to humble ourselves before God?

This point is particularly significant because it brings us right back to the parallel between the Church with Israel. In both cases, Jesus is coming back for a meek and humble people.

The biggest problem with all religious people is pride. That is true of Jews, and it is true of Christians of all denominations. In our study in this chapter, we have learned the most important single lesson for our spiritual well-being: God is looking for humility and meekness.