Mary's Literal Words on Israel's Restoration from Luke Chapter Two

Chapter 17: To Abraham, and to His Seed Forever (Luke 1:55b)

The declaration "to Abraham, and to his seed forever" encapsulates the essence of God's enduring covenant with Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the generational promise that God has meticulously maintained throughout history. This promise not only pertains to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but extends to the Little Flock of Israel—the faithful remnant—as the embodiment of God's covenant people. Understanding this concept illuminates the continuity in God's plan and the fulfillment of His divine promises.

As we examined in the previous chapter, God's intentions towards Abraham were transformative. In Genesis 17:7, the Lord promises, "And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee." This sets a precedent for the unconditional nature of God's promise: it is not only for Abraham but extends irrevocably to his descendants, bound to a relationship of faith and obedience.

The phrase "to his seed forever" gains further depth when we recognize the nature of the seed being referenced. Galatians 3:16 clarifies this, stating, "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. " The nuances of the promises of prophecy encompass the Little Flock of Israel, the faithful remnant that God preserves through generations in the Kingdom. This remnant, characterized by their faithfulness, obedience, and reliance on God, becomes the tangible expression of God's everlasting covenant.

As Jesus addressed His disciples in Matthew 10:6, He instructed them, "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." In this command, He reaffirms the priority of Israel, particularly the faithful among them, in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' ministry shines light on the authenticity and importance of this remnant, who respond to God's call and remain steadfast in their faith. The Little Flock, as referred to in Luke 12:32, represents those who have grasped the spiritual depth of God's promise: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

In this context, the relationship between Jesus and the Little Flock resonates profoundly. In John 10:27, He declares, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." The imagery of sheep denotes the nurturing and protective relationship that Jesus has with His followers. This bond is not merely a blessing; it is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his seed, maintained through the ages for those who align their lives with His will.

Mark 12:26-27 further illustrates this covenant continuity when Jesus speaks about the resurrection: "And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err." This highlights the living nature of God's promises, reaffirming that His covenant with the patriarchs is vital and active in the lives of their descendants.

The proclamation of "to his seed forever" holds immense significance for the Little Flock. They are heirs of the promises made to Abraham, called to live in faithfulness and obedience amidst a world that often disregards divine truth. As followers of Christ, they stand as a testament to God's unchanging nature and His fulfilled promises. Through the Little Flock, the timeless narrative of God's covenant fidelity comes to life, echoing through generations. As they have the previous books to help them with their history, they will have the books of Hebrews through Revelation to get them through their times of trials and troubles as Israel is restored and they go into the Kingdom.

In conclusion, the assurance of "to Abraham, and to his seed forever" establishes a foundation for understanding God's intricate plan for Israel. As the faithful remnant, the Little Flock embodies the ongoing reality of God's promises, standing as a beacon of hope and faith. Their existence bears witness to the legacy of Abraham. The Little Flock is the agency through which God sees his prophetic purposes fulfilled with. Today, they are not here. The agency God has on the scene today is the Church, the Body of Christ, Christians.