WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO STAND WITH ISRAEL IN THESE TIMES?
Israel holds a special place in the heart of God. This is made evident throughout the Bible.
Here are five reasons why we as believers should stand with Israel.
1. Israel is The Promised Land
The land of Israel (Ha’aretz) holds enormous Biblical significance, as it was promised to Abraham, then on to Isaac, and then to Jacob and all their descendants. Throughout the Old Testament, God reaffirms His covenant with the Jewish people, promising them a land of their own. Christians can appreciate this promise as a testament to God’s faithfulness, recognizing the historical and spiritual connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel.
Gen. 17:8 “I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
2. Israel is ‘God’s chosen nation’
Israel was chosen by God as a nation to fulfill His purposes. The Jewish people have a unique relationship with God, and Christians can acknowledge and honor this divine choice. By supporting Israel, Christians can recognize the spiritual heritage that has been passed down through generations and the importance of upholding the chosen status of Israel in the eyes of God.
Deut. 7:6 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”
3. The Hebrew roots of Christianity
To truly understand Christianity, it is crucial to recognize its Jewish roots. Jesus Christ Himself was born into a Jewish family, and all His disciples were Jewish as well. By understanding the Jewish culture and context of Jesus and the early church, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and appreciate the rich heritage upon which our faith is built. Without this context the study of scripture is prone to error.
4. Israel is a modern-day miracle
The restoration of Israel as a nation in 1948 is nothing short of a modern-day miracle. After centuries of dispersion and persecution, the Jewish people returned to their ancestral homeland against all odds. This restoration can be seen as one of the greatest fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, showcasing God’s faithfulness. As Christians, we can celebrate Israel’s 75th Anniversary this year and support the continued development and prosperity of Israel.
Jer. 29:14 “I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”
AB Simpson – “Finally, we have to thank God for the marked Jewish movement, which is one of the signs of the times, and which is rapidly peopling the land of Palestine with its own race and preparing the way for the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Lord.” (Christian and Missionary Alliance report 1894)
5. Israel faces constant adversity and anti-Semitism
Israel constantly faces tremendous challenges and threats in the modern world, including increased terrorism and rising anti-Semitism. As Christians, we should stand in solidarity with Israel, rejecting anti-Semitism and supporting the nation’s right to exist in peace and security. By advocating for Israel, we can contribute to the fight against discrimination and injustice. Standing with Israel also means standing with the Jewish People. This means refuting Replacement Theology, a false teaching that asserts that God has broken His promises to Israel and the Jewish people, and replaced them with the church.
Supporting Israel also means praying for them and their leaders, that most importantly they would turn away from evil and accept Jesus as their Messiah and Prince of Peace (Sar Shalom).
The God of Israel has not turned his back on Israel and neither should we.