AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
By Ben J. Ammi, D.D., H.B.
There is perhaps no better way to inaugurate the premiere edition of any Christian magazine then with an introduction of Christ our Saviour. And there is good reason for this: Salvation comes only through Christ Jesus. The Apostle Peter tried to impress this upon the hearts of the stubborn and unbelieving Priests and Rulers of his day when he said: “Neither is there salvation in any other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”. Acts 4:12
And it is well worth the while for all professed Christians and Present Truth believers to remind themselves as to why this is so; for it was also the Apostle Peter who admonished us that reviewing, even the things we think we know quite well, is a necessity, “…so an entrance shall be ministered unto [us] abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”. 2 Peter 1:11. He therefore said: “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them and be established in the Present Truth.” ( verse 12)
On the other hand, the seemingly simple things which we think we know quite well, are sometimes the basis of our misconception of other things, the understanding of which is dependent upon a thorough and correct grasp of the simple. The Apostle Paul therefore warns us of the danger of taking for granted that we know the Truth as we ought to, so he also said: “And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” 1 Cor. 8:2 And a latter-day prophet points out this danger even more forcefully when he observed: “…Christ must have spoken the truth, but is not understood, just as many points in connection with Present Truth are not understood, and hence in most cases are misconstrued .” 7 Symbolic Code 7-17, Page 7
CHRIST THE FOUNDATION
There is an important reason for introducing Christ, in the very first issue of this Journal, besides the fact that it is only though Him that salvation is obtained. Knowing who Jesus Christ is, is at the very foundation of every doctrine that relates lates to the Christian’s eternal salvation inspiration therefore counsels us: “The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption,—the Son of God uplifted on the Cross. This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our minister’s. Gospel Workers, page 315
Any Christian publication, therefore, no matter how skillfully written, and logically organized in its presentation, is not worth reading or even worth the paper it is printed on, if Jesus Christ is not the focal point of all its themes. There is an inherent promise in this statement that this Journal will never deviate from its mission to uplift Jesus Christ and keep Him, (and Him only), constantly before its readers, for we are promised: “And if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me.” John 12 :32
And in this sublime promise is the secret remedy for all the splits and isms”, which are not only plaguing the church and Christendom in general, but divided Davidia as well.
TRUE UNITY
The above-cited verse of Scripture is indeed the only way to achieve true Christian unity, which is so urgently needed among Present Truth believers today, and which Christ willed to exist among His true followers, so that the world may indeed know that God had indeed sent Him as the Redeemer: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” John 17:21
WHO IS JESUS
It is rather ironic that at this late hour—the pre-eleventh hour—that this question should be asked of Present Truth believers. Indeed, some might even regard it as an insult to their intelligence as “mature” Christians, should they be asked such an even regard it has an insult to their intelligence as “mature” Christians should they be asked such an “elementary” and simple question by one who is also professedly of the same Household of faith. Yet this is the question which everyone who professes to be Christ-ian (a follower of Christ), must come to grips with, concretely, if (s)he is to be counted as worthy of the title “Christian” at all; especially in light of the fact that there is a prophecy in the Bible which describes an end-time condition where: “In that day seven women (all churches) shall take hold of [this] one man [Christ] saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. “Isaiah 4:1.
This prophecy lucidly describes those who make a boast of being followers of Christ when, in fact, they do not know Him on a personal and intimate level. They have only taken His Name and are associating with Him for the prestige It brings with It, while “doing their own thing” so to speak – imbibing and promoting their own false teachings, (their “bread”), and decking themselves in the garb of sanctimonious piety and self-righteousness (their own “apparel”) – “…having a form of godliness, but denying the Power thereof”. 2 Timothy 3:5.
So from the outset, this Journal will state clearly, who Jesus is, and why He is regarded not just as our Saviour, but also as our “only king”. 1T.G.23:8.
CHRIST AS GOD
To many, (even some professed Christians), Jesus Christ is nothing more than a historical figure who had magical powers, just as any of the modern-day gurus such as Sai Baba, or any of the other charlatans who can hood-wink the masses and develop a following such as Simon the Sorcerer did in the days of the Apostles. Of Simon, it is written: “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries”. Acts 8:9,10.
It would be observed that Simon claimed to be “the…power of God” (verse 10). But Paul in describing Jesus, as the Christ (Messiah), says: “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the Power of God, and the wisdom of God”. 1 Corinthians 1:24.
The definite article “the”, means “one and only”. Thus, Simon the Sorcerer’s claim to be “the…power of God” implies that he claimed to be the “Christ” – the Messiah. But Paul, in further description of the true characteristics of the true Messiah says of Jesus (Yashua – His true Aramaic Name): “God…hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son [Jesus], whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His Person, upholding all things by the word of His power…Being made so much better than the Angels, as He by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they. For unto which of the Angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be My Son?” Hebrews 1:1-5.
And what is the Name has He “obtained”? “But unto the Son He saith, Thy Throne O God is forever and ever…”
The description which the Apostle Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 1:24, invests Jesus Christ with not just power from God, but the Power of God Himself, and thus the man Jesus, is “God” in verity, for not only is He the “the express IMAGE OF [God’s] Person” (verse 3), but He has, by virtue of His inherent deity the “…Name,…GOD…” (verses 4,8). Further: “And Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine Hands: They shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (verses 10,11).
Thus has Jesus Christ existed, from eternity – “the beginning” – as God, and is thus worthy of worship: “And let all the Angels of God worship Him”. (verse 6).
Hebrews Chapter One, therefore, introduces Christ our Saviour, far higher than the Angels (“…so much better than the Angles” – verse 4), as God!
CHRIST AS MAN
How Can This Be?
In Hebrews, Chapter Two, it is written of Jesus- “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the Angles….[So] we see Jesus, who was made a little Lower than the Angels for the suffering of death…” (verse 9).
Thus, while in Chapter One He is introduced as being higher (“better”) than the Angels, as God, here in Chapter Two, He is introduced as being lower than the Angels, as man. How can this be? How can Jesus Christ be God and at the very same time be man?
THE 1=2 “NONESENSE”
This dualism of the nature of Jesus Christ, is what baffles the average Muslim. To the defenders of the Islamic Faith, this doctrine, as elucidated by the Apostle Paul, is down right foolishness. Thus, although the average Muslim regards Jesus Christ as a prophet, to suggest to an adherent of the Faith of Islam that Christ is also “Allah”, is to incur the same venomous accusation of blasphemy which the Jews leveled against Jesus when He Himself said regarding His eternal deity: “Before Abraham was I AM…I and My Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him”. John 8:58; 10:30,31. Yet this is exactly that which sets Christianity apart from other religions. To the Jews, the idea that a man could be the “Everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6), is still to them, to this very day, a “stumblingblock” (1 Corinthians 1:23), and to the modern-day “Greeks” – the worldly philosophers, – the idea that “one” equals “two” is a mathemathical absurdity (“foolishness” – Ibid).
AN INSPIRED REVELATION
But an understanding of the secret code of this divine mathematical formula, can only be gained from a personal and inspired revelation, as Peter had when he exclaimed: “Thou art the Son of the Living God”. (Matthew 16:18). Only the “Wonderful Numberer” (Daniel 8:13, Margin), can reveal this mystery. No amount of human reasoning or logic can explain it. And having received this revelation from God Himself, the only thing that one can do is to exclaim with the Apostle Paul: “And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).
HE IS OUR BROTHER
But just as certain it is that Jesus and the Father “are one” (John 10:30), it is just that certain, that “…both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren”. Hebrews 2:11. Our Saviour, therefore , is as close to us as a Brother and is touched with our infirmities.
So while Christ our Saviour, as God, in Heaven, “…proceeded forth and came from God” (John 8:42), Christ, as man, Who is not ashamed to call us “brethren”, will “…declare [God’s] Name unto [these] brethren, in the midst of the Church…” (Hebrews 2:12); thus as man, on the earth, He will also be a “…Governor [who] shall proceed from the midst of them…” Jeremiah 30:21. And thus, that which was His “will” in Heaven, will also be His “will” on earth (Matthew 6:10): He “proceeded” from the Father in Heaven, so will He “proceed” from among His brethren on earth. But a “govern–er” must, of necessity, have a “govern-ment”, and so….”the Government shall be upon His Shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince [King} of Peace”. Isaiah 9:6.
A NEAR KINSMAN
The Jewish Economy presents a succinct illustration of the closeness of Christ to the human race which He come to redeem. Inspiration tells us: “Christ was the foundation of the Jewish Economy. The whole system of types and symbols was a compacted prophecy of the Gospel, a presentation in which were bound up the promises of redemption”. Acts of the Apostles, Page 14. So in the book of Ruth is recorded the beautiful typological account of the custom of redeeming one’s lost inheritance, that which is written for our learning and comfort: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4.
It was the custom in the Jewish Economy that when one lost his inheritance, the right of inheritance fell to one who was a near kinsman. But not only must he have been a near kinsman, but he had to be the nearest of kin. And so it was that Ruth, having lost her inheritance through the death of her husband, (Mahlon), — one of the two sons of Naomi, — needed one who had the right to redeem. “And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s a mighty man of wealth,…and his name was Boaz”. Ruth 2:1.
However, Boaz was not the nearest kinsman. But, it was the custom, that if the one who was the nearest of kin was unwilling to take the responsibility of the redemption, then the lot fell to the one who was the next in line as the nearest of kin. So having recognized this, Boaz told Ruth: “And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit, there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee…” Ruth 3:12-13. And Boaz sought and found the kinsman.
“And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, least I should mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; I cannot redeem it”. Ruth 4:6.
“MAHLON” RAISED UP
And so it was, Boaz, obtained the right of redemption as the nearest of kin, to redeem the lost inheritance of Ruth, and through his son, was able “to raise the name of the dead [Mahlon] upon his inheritance, that the name of [Mahlon] the dead be not cut off from among his brethren… And the woman said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his NAME may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life…” Ruth 4:10,14. Thus, at the birth of the first son of Ruth to Boaz, came one who served as the perpetuator of the name of Mahlon, and it was as if Mahlon had indeed been raised from the dead! Yes, it was as if Mahlon was in fact present.
PROPHECY OF CHRIST
All of this was written as a “compacted prophecy” of Christ our kinsman, and of the purpose of His birth through the Holy Spirit (“Boaz”), and to the Virgin Mary (“Ruth”). And what was that purpose? As in the case of Mahlon, David was dead, but his “name” must be perpetuated. So as Ruth’s son (Obed) was born”…to raise up the name of [Mahlon] the dead: (Ruth 4:10), so was Mary’s Son (Jesus) born”…to raise up the name of [David] the dead” (Ibid). See also Acts 2:29.
“DAVID” RAISED UP
And this was exactly the Apostle Peter’s argument in his reasoning with the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, when he tried to convince them that when the same Jesus Whom they crucified, was raised up from the grave, it was “David” who was in essence “raised up”. The Jews, you see, had mistakenly expected the literal ancient David to be resurrected (“raised up”) and reappear as “the Christ” (Messiah) with no-one knowing where he came from. So knowing that Jesus was Joseph, the carpenter’s son, and hearing Him speaking openly in the Temple they said: “But, lo, He speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto Him. Do the Rulers know indeed that this is indeed the very Christ? Howbeit we know this Man whence He is: but when [the] Christ cometh, [the resurrected king David] no man knoweth whence he is. (John 7:26,27). But Peter proved conclusively that their expectation was erroneous; so he argued: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before My Face for He is on My right Hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did My heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also My flesh shall rest in hope: Because Thou will not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to Me the ways of life; Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance.
“Men and brethren, Let me freely speak unto you of the Patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the first of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his Throne; He seeing the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, wherefore we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right Hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost [glorification], He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David [who you expected to be “raised up”] is NOT ascended into the Heavens: but he saith HIMSELF, THE LORD [God] saith unto my Lord [Christ] Sit Thou on My right Hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. Therefore let all the House of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus both LORD [God] and Christ [Messiah]”. Acts 2:22-36.
In an inspired comment in support of Peter’s convincing argument that Christ is “David” “raised up”, it is written: “Just as in the sermon on the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit reasoned with the Jews, to save them from eternal ruin, SO in these pages He reasons with you my brethren. In substance He said to them: “As David prophesied of One Who would see no corruption, it could not be possible that this prophecy applied to himself, AS YOU SUPPOSE, for his body lies corrupted in his sepulcher to this day. God has raised but One [Christ] without His body seeing corruption” (Acts 2:22-32); therefore, He MUST be the One to whom David’s prophecy apply. Peter, reasoning that David’s prophecy applies to Christ’s resurrection, does not have any plainer supporting evidence…”. (Brackets belong to the quotation]. Track Number 6, “Why Perish”, Page 77.
What a powerful testimony that indeed, when Christ was “raised up” it was in essence David who was “raised up”! And why it could not be literal David as the Jews “supposed”? “For David is NOT ascended into the Heavens…”! Acts 2:34 The Jews had the Old Testament –the Torah, — and the only promise which they were aware of in which God used the phrase “raised up” in connection with “David”, was this: “But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king whom I will raise up unto them:. Jeremiah 30:9. And the only “David” that they knew, was literal king David their great, great, great, great…grand father. So they were expecting a secret resurrection in which David would indeed be “raised up” and then appear to them with no-one knowing whence he came. Some believed that that resurrection had already past and that David was already in Heaven, and he would come down from Heaven just as they were expecting literal Elijah to come down from Heaven. But they were expecting Elijah to “come first”! (See Matthew 17:11). Paul wrote of two professed Christians who inherited this erroneous belief from decadent Judaism, that the resurrection had already past, and so the Messiah was then to appear from nowhere. Of these two he wrote: “And their word doth eat like a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is already past; and overthrow the faith of some”. 2 Timothy 2:17,18.
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
But there was so much confusion among the Jews and even some of the Christians on this vital subject! The Sadduces decided that they would drop the subject altogether: they did not believe in it at all! (Mark 12:18); but the Pharisees did, (Acts 23:6). And that same confusion regarding the resurrection of David continues, even in Christian circles, even to this very day, although the issue was settled two thousand years ago on the day of Pentecost. See Acts 2:22-36. There are some today, who are still looking for the resurrection of an “antitypical David”, just as some of the Jews expected of literal David in Peter’s day. For the Pharisees flatly refused to believe that Jesus could have been the One, and they looked forward to a future resurrection in which the literal David would appear. They did not want Jesus Christ to reign over them. “All of these counterparts, then, are but another Scriptural intimation, and confirmation, of the age-old truth that history repeats itself, and on a much broader scale than in the original.” See 14 Tract, Page 6.
Now according to the custom, the type, the name of David must be perpetuated, just as the name of Mahlon was perpetuated through the first son of Ruth by Boaz. Thus Christ, being the One Who has the right to redeem—the One Who is nearer than I” (Ruth 3:1),…nearer then any human being since the kingdom was wrung from the grasp of man. He is the One, by His right of redemption (like Ruth’s son), Who is “to raise up the name of the dead (David)” Ruth 4:10; (See also Jeremiah 30:9 and Acts 2:30-43). Thus, just as at the birth of Ruth’s first son it was said: “Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel” (verse 14), so also was it at the birth of Christ: In announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary, the Angel Gabriel said: “…thou shalt call His name Yashua. He shall be [famous] great and shalt be call the Son of [God] the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the Throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Israel forever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1:31-33
THE “NAME” IS THE PERSON!
It would be noticed that in announcing Jesus’ birth though the conception of the Holy Spirit, the Angel said: “He shall be called the Son of the Highest [God]”, although all through His earthly sojourn He was called “the son of David.” See Matthew 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30,31; 21:9,15; 22:42:45 Mark 10:47,48; 12:35,37; Luke 18: 38,39; 20:44; Romans 1:3. So it was with the birth of Ruth’s son (Obed): He was conceived through Boaz, but the purpose was to “raise up the name of [Mahlon] the dead.” Ruth 4:10. And not only the “name” of Mahlon, but in a sense Mahlon himself, because in ancient times the name of a person was regarded as the person himself, just as the Name of God is “I AM” (Exodus 3:13,14). And this is further demonstrated when through Isaiah it is said: “Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with His anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: His lips are full of indignation, and His Tongue as a devouring fire…the Mighty One of Israel.” Isaiah 30:27,29. The coming of the “Name of the Lord” for wherever His Name is says He: “I AM.” Exodus 3:14. Thus “…to raise up the name of the dead” is in a sense to raise up whoever that dead person is; for wherever his name is, he is. So it is with God in Heaven, so it is with man on earth; and so it is written: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Whatsoever is “bound” in Heaven is also “bound” on earth in every sense! See Matthew 16:19. So in essence, Ruth’s son, through Boaz was really, in essence, the “son of Mahlon” although it was Boaz who “went in unto her.” Ruth 4:13 Obed, from that point, became the nearest kinsman (verse 14). And it was through this line, came Jesus our nearest kinsman. Jesus, you see, followed the direct line of literal kinsman! So it is written: “Boaz took Ruth, …and she bare a son…and they called his name Obed: He is the father of Jesse, the father of David”…and “…Jesus Christ [was] the son of David…” Ruth 4:13,17; Matthew 1:1. But just as the son of Boaz (Obed) was regarded as “Mahlon” “raised up” (Ruth 4:10), So it is that the “Son of [God] the Highest “ (Jesus) is regarded as “David” “raised up”. See Acts 2:, Jeremiah 30:9 The “raising up” up of “Mahlon” was accomplished through Boaz, and the “raising up” of “David” was accomplished through the “Highest”—the Holy Spirit. But Jesus went a step further than Obed did. He (Jesus) actually went to the grave “to raise up the dead” (David). See Ruth 4:10. So, when Jesus said to Martha regarding her brother Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live…” (John 11:25), those words meant more than the promise of the resurrection of Lazarus: All the dead, in Christ (to all intents and purposes), are alive! So as far as the Word of God is concerned, in Christ, ”David” is already “raised up”, Please read Psalm 16:8-11 and Acts 2:22-36, and also Acts 13:26-37!
THE “BELOVED”
BLOOD- BROTHER-“SERVANT”
He is the Redeemer, not simply in relationship, but in blood-relationship. He is “from among his brethren” (Ruth 4:10). As the “restorer of life” (Ruth 4:14), “…it became Him, in bringing [back] many sons unto glory” (Hebrews 2:10). And, as being “from among His brethren” (Ruth 4:10), “…he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy Name unto My brethren” (Hebrews 2:10,11). And why? “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that hath power of death, that is the Devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily, He took not on Him the nature of Angels; but he took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore, in all things, it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren.” Hebrews2:14-17.
But the name “Obed” means “servant”; so was Jesus, while He was on earth called a “Servant”; and the name “David” means “Beloved,” so is Christ called “the Beloved”, also, as the name “Jesse” means “My Presence”, so also was Christ, as our Blood-brother, present with His people on earth, not only for 33 years of His fleshly life, but He was present for 40 days, in His Spirit-body; thus it is written of Him: “Behold My Servant, Whom I have chosen; My Beloved, in Whom I am well pleased: I will put My Spirit upon Him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles…And in His Name shall the Gentiles trust.” Matthew 12:18,21. Please read also Isaiah 42:1; 52:13-15. So, all these name types refer to Christ: Thus Inspiration further declares: “O how wonderfully particular is our God: the names, Obed, Jesse, and David in the Hebrew tongue mean (or refer to) Christ—a Servant (Obed), who is to be My Presence (Jesse), the Beloved (David). Christ being in the flesh a Moabite as well as an Israelite…” and “…It was during the 40 days of Christ’s personal Presence with His disciples—from His resurrection to His ascension—that the first fruits, the 120, were gathered in. His Presence among them has a deep meaning, and it should be understood by every disciple of Christ. If these 40 days have no other significance, they certainly bear the thought of His Personal care over the ingathering of the fruit.” 8 Tract Page 96; 3 Tract (supplemental), Page 66. He is thus not only qualified to be the Redeemer of the whole world (being a Moabite as well as an Israelite), He is our close Beloved, blood-Brother-Servant who will be personally present, ‘with us’ “…when He comes to reign in His forth-coming Kingdom.” 8 Tract, Page 98