"Commander to the National Groups"

What will this future king do? Jehovah says:  "Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups."  (Isaiah 55:4) When Jesus grew up, he was Jehovah's representative on earth, God's witness to the nations.  During his human lifetime, his ministry was directed to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel."  However, shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus said to his followers:  "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations . . .Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."  (Matthew 10:5, 6; 15:24; 28:19, 20)  Thus, in time, the Kingdom message was carried to non-Jews, and some of them shared in the fulfillment of the covenant made with David.  (Acts 13:46)  In this way, even after his death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, Jesus continued to be Jehovah's  "witness to the nations groups."

Jesus was also to be "a leader and commander." True to this prophetic description, when on earth, Jesus fully accepted the responsibilities of his headship and took the lead in every respect, attracting huge crowds, teaching them words of truth, and indicating the benefits that come to those who follow his leadership.  (Matthew 4:24; 7:28, 29; 11:5)  He effectively trained his disciples, preparing them to undertake the preaching campaign that lay ahead.  (Luke 10:1-12; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:23) In just three and a half years, Jesus laid the foundation for a unified, international congregation with thousands of members drawn from many races!  Only a true "leader and commander" could have accomplished such a monumental task."

Next time: Modern-Day Captivity and Release

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001