The Great Mideast Commission: Reaching the Cities of Judah

When the time had come for Jews to return to Zion, God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus and the Jews (Ezra 1:1,5). Not everyone was willing to leave Babylon, having settled in, but others inspired with a pioneer spirit were willing to go back home and clear the way for those who would eventually follow (Jer. 29: 4-7).

Those Jews who stayed behind in Babylon were encouraged to assist those who were headed for the front line. Their consequent generosity went down on record, and revealed how eager and willing they were to be involved in such a historic project and holy mission. This partnership, based on a mutual respect, in GOD'S WORK OF RESTORATION, revealed they understood how some are COMMISSIONED to build with the materials others are contracted to provide. It's most encouraging to know others are behind you and that God blesses everyone's genuine efforts (2 Corinthians 9:10).

Now God's time has come to RESTORE THE TRUE GOSPEL TO JERUSALEM! The Church of God began in Jerusalem and was prophesied to return just before the close of this dark age and the dawn of the Wonderful World Tomorrow (Matthew 24:16). The Jews were the first to be offered salvation and now they'll be the last to receive it - but they will receive it (Zechariah 12:10). Everything has come full circle (Matthew 23:39).

Read here what Mr. Armstrong taught:

"How are we preparing the way for Christ's Messianic coming? In three ways:

1) by proclaiming and publishing worldwide the gospel of the Kingdom of God...

2) by making ready a people for His coming... And

3) something that even I did not realize until recently we were also COMMISSIONED to do - clean up the filth and rubble in that area that was the original Jerusalem and City of David... Why is that important? Because Christ has said He will yet choose Jerusalem... His throne will be there. Do you not suppose it will be in the very spot He chose for David's throne? Where was David's throne? It was on this very spot where we are now cleaning up and hauling off the rubble of century after century of accumulation... That is the spot we are cleaning up!

So there is a physical preparing, as well as a spiritual, in preparing the way for Messiah's Coming! Further, God says we are to SHOUT [not shut up], with amplified power, to the CITIES OF JUDAH the glad message that the Messiah is soon coming" - Autobiography of Herbert W Armstrong, Volume II, pages 469-470 (emphasis mine).

Isaiah 40:9

9 O Zion,
You who bring good tidings,
Get up into the high mountain;
O Jerusalem,
You who bring good tidings,
Lift up your voice with strength,
Lift it up, be not afraid;
Say to the CITIES OF JUDAH,