For Zion's Sake
The Reverence and Resolve Behind My Support for Israel
In today's complex world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, not always comprehending the global dynamics at play. Yet, when we pull back the lens and look closer, we can understand that what is happening in Israel goes beyond politics and geography. It's about a deep-seated and historical hatred against the Jewish people that spans centuries, a force bent on erasing their presence from history.
History reminds us of countless moments when the Jewish people faced dire threats. Consider the ancient times when Pharaoh ordered the murder of Jewish baby boys to quash their existence (Exodus 1). Think about the wicked plot of Haman in Persia (modern-day Iran), aiming to annihilate the Jewish population (Esther 3). And, of course, the somber pages of World War II, when Adolf Hitler's "Final Solution" led to the unimaginable murder of over 6 million Jews in the Holocaust. In these harrowing chapters, we find a divine intervention that ensures the survival of God's chosen people.
The Bible vividly depicts God's hand in protecting and preserving the Jewish people. From raising Moses to deliver the Jews from Pharaoh's oppressive rule in Egypt to Queen Esther's courageous influence that saved her fellow Jews from Haman's wicked plot, we see a pattern of divine protection.
And then came the miracle. After the horrors of the Holocaust, we witnessed a modern-day marvel. On May 14, 1948, God enabled the Jewish people to return to their ancestral homeland and reestablish themselves as a nation. This return was no coincidence; it fulfilled biblical prophecy, a testimony to God's faithfulness.
But what fuels this historical hatred for the Jewish people? To grasp this, we need to delve into the spiritual realm. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 in the Bible provides a key insight—it's not because the Jews were the largest or the mightiest; it's because the Lord loves them and keeps His promises to their ancestors. Antisemitism is a manifestation of evil rooted in Satan's hostility toward what God loves.
As someone who has spent my entire life in the United States and doesn't always grasp the complexities of global affairs, I find solace in knowing that as Gentiles and followers of Jesus Christ, we are "grafted in" to the promises given to the Jewish people. Our faith stands on the shoulders of the Jewish people. Our sacred Scriptures come from their heritage, and our Messiah, Jesus, was one of them, fulfilling prophecies in the Old Testament. The debt we owe them is immeasurable.
The Bible urges us to acknowledge these facts and actively "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6). It's not merely a suggestion; it's a divine command. In our everyday lives, amidst our daily routines, we can pray for this ancient city where God's presence has resonated throughout history. Our prayers extend beyond safety for the Jewish people; they encompass the hope of a profound spiritual awakening that transcends the divides between Jews and Palestinians, leading them to embrace God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Now, why does Israel matter so much? Here's where it hits close to home. While I may not fully grasp the intricate details of international politics, I understand clearly that the return of Jesus Christ isn't tied to America's timeline but to the events unfolding in Israel. Our faith often seems abstract, but the Bible reminds us that Jesus was a Jew. He observed Jewish holy days and customs and came not to eradicate the Torah but to fulfill its prophecies.
When He returns, it won't be to the United States but to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. He will go through the Eastern Gate, currently sealed off and guarded by a cemetery, as touching the dead makes a Jew ritually unclean. From there, He will rule and reign for 1,000 years.
As the Scriptures tell us, the final battle will not take place on U.S. soil but in the Valley of Megiddo in Israel. As nations wage war against Israel, Jesus will return and, as 2 Thessalonians 2:8 tells us, destroy His enemies with the breath of His mouth.
This is where we see that God did not replace the Jews with Christians; rather, we are "grafted in" as branches into an existing tree, connecting our spiritual heritage with that of the Jewish people. The Bible emphasizes in Zechariah 2:8 that when you touch Israel, you touch the "Apple of God's eye." Psalm 121:4 assures us that He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps, serving as their eternal protector. Genesis 12:3 conveys that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed. We are encouraged and commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in Psalm 122.
In summary, as I reflect on my life in the U.S., I realize that the nation of Israel and the Jewish people occupy a unique and central place in God's master plan. It's not just a moral duty; it's a biblical command to stand by Israel and the Jewish people, to bless them, and to pray for their peace. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purposes and promises, contributing to the fulfillment of His grand plan for humanity.
Let's continue to stand by Israel and the Jewish people with unwavering support and prayer, recognizing the profound spiritual significance of this stance. It may seem far removed from our daily routines, but it is, in fact, deeply intertwined with God's eternal design.