"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14

Continuing this study of Jesus (Messiah "Son of Joseph"), I want to focus on another aspect of the rabbis' understanding; that Messiah will come first, and prepare the world for the Kingdom of the Lord. According to their teaching he will do this by fighting God’s wars against "Edom", which is collectively understood as the enemies of Israel in the time preceding the restoration of the Messianic Kingdom by Jesus. This preparation is known as Ikvot Mashiach – the Footsteps of Messiah. Their expectation was that the entire world would be thus readied for the arrival of Messiah, the glorious King. Messianic and Christian believers understand that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of Messiah in His first coming, and we anxiously await His return to fulfill the role of Jesus. During this long interval, we who know Jesus, the Suffering Servant, also "walk in His footsteps", preparing the world for His return. This "walk" also engages us in a war. "Edom" represents the earthly man, the man of flesh, an enemy against whom we struggle daily, facing many battles and obstacles as we prepare ourselves and our brethren in holy living for our expected Bridegroom's arrival. Walking in His Footsteps means living a life of expectant preparation, and calling others to this walk as we preach the gospel of the coming Kingdom to all the nations. Brothers & Sisters, let us follow faithfully in His footsteps, fighting in the spirit, the battle with "Edom", our sinful nature, and winning souls through holy living and sharing the gospel of salvation at every opportunity. FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MESSIAH!