My initial reaction is that the Jer 31:33-37 and Romans 11:18-28 are speaking to the nation of Israel which is to say the descendants of Jacob, not the geopolitical "nation" we call "Israel". God's promise is not broken, Jesus sits on the throne of David - He is also the Alpha and Omega. Interestingly, Revelation refers to both Jesus and the Father as Alpha and Omega.
Because I see Jesus in timelessness, I would say He exists in that position regardless of our timeline (sense of an "arrow of time") - just as He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, that He is always our crucified Lord and always our risen Lord, always the Logos, etc.
But I would also say that the descendants of Jacob have not yet realized the promise because they are "time-bound" as are all of us "in" this Creation, this heaven and earth. The new heaven and earth of Revelation may not have a sense of time passing according to other Jewish interpretations discussed on a previous thread.
The millennial reign does not end Christ's authority on the seat of David (or in any other respect) - it is more like a prologue to the new heaven and the new earth.
In sum, I see the "sheep" of Eze 34 encompassing both the nation of Israel, and the "other" fold of John 10 (we who are grafted in) - but that we are ultimately one fold with one Shepherd - hence the 24 thrones in Revelation.
I'm not sure where that puts me in this "progressive dispensationalism" issue - I wouldn't care anyway because I eschew such labels. LOL!
You are welcome, sister. Let's pray that it be a constructive discussion. I hope it will center on Israel of the flesh and its future place in God's plan for this earth.
My initial reaction is that the Jer 31:33-37 and Romans 11:18-28 are speaking to the nation of Israel which is to say the descendants of Jacob, not the geopolitical "nation" we call "Israel". God's promise is not broken, Jesus sits on the throne of David - He is also the Alpha and Omega. Interestingly, Revelation refers to both Jesus and the Father as Alpha and Omega.
I think that today's nation of Israel is not all of Israel of the flesh. However, I believe that that nation in that land is certainly a curiosity that should be watched. The promise was that David's descendant would sit on the throne of David for forever. Assuming the inception of that with Jesus, then it makes sense for some to assume that "now" is part of "forever." There is nothing at fault logically with such an assumption.
Because I see Jesus in timelessness, I would say He exists in that position regardless of our timeline (sense of an "arrow of time") - just as He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, that He is always our crucified Lord and always our risen Lord, always the Logos, etc.
And He could likewise be on the throne of David for eternity.
But I would also say that the descendants of Jacob have not yet realized the promise because they are "time-bound" as are all of us "in" this Creation, this heaven and earth. The new heaven and earth of Revelation may not have a sense of time passing according to other Jewish interpretations discussed on a previous thread. The millennial reign does not end Christ's authority on the seat of David (or in any other respect) - it is more like a prologue to the new heaven and the new earth.
I've always been blessed with the verse "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath entered into the hearts of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love Him." I've always been one to permit speculation and dreaming when discussing doctrine. As long as we are anchored to the Word of God, a shelter in a time of storm, a safe harbor, a rock in a weary land, we will be able to compare our speculations and ideas with the Word He has left us.
In sum, I see the "sheep" of Eze 34 encompassing both the nation of Israel, and the "other" fold of John 10 (we who are grafted in) - but that we are ultimately one fold with one Shepherd - hence the 24 thrones in Revelation.
24 is definitely a repeated theme in Revelation, as is multiples of 12. Not all of the church is Israel of the flesh. Nor is all of Israel of the flesh part of the church. If we are right about the rapture, then those Jewish Christians will be withdrawn with the church.
From those who remain, I believe will come a mighty remnant.
If progressive dispensationalists combine Israel and the Church for their entire eschatological framework, then there will have to be changes in the question of "Who populates the earth during the tribulation period?"
I concur Alamo girl, and what a lovely post!