The
context is of Israel in the midst of the wilderness wanderings. They
were there, because they had refused to go up in battle to claim the
promised land. So Israel then and now was and is far from perfect.
Balak, one of Israel's enemies, had asked Balaam, a prophet of
Israel, to curse Israel. And also then and now, there are forces in
the World who want to curse Israel, even in the Church. And
regardless of what you feel about the issues, and there is certainly
confusion and contradictory evidence, what we need to realize is that
God's convergent with Israel is an everlasting convergent, and that
it remains true that God will curse those who Curse Israel, and
bless those who bless it (Genesis 17:13; 12:31).
Nobody can
deny that the state of the Palestinians is dire. What is not always
obvious though, is that the Palestinians are being used as pawn in a
proxy war, specifically from Iran. And Iran essentially has the
Palestinian leaders in their pocket. And from the beginning Iran,
and others in the Middle East, have been determined to eliminate the
state of Israel “pushing them into the sea.” As in any war,
there are rights and wrongs on both sides. But this war has been
going on for a very long time. It is essentially a war between the
sons of Isaac, and the sons of Ishmael. And no matter what you think
about the issues, it's hard to see how Israel can make peace with
those who are committed to its annihilation. Nevertheless, we are
commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 126:6). With man
it is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew
19:26).
I
want to say something about what is called replacement theology. Some
believe that God has rejected Israel and replace it by “Spiritual
Israel,” meaning the Church. For this and other reasons, many at
lest in the visible Church, reject Israel and all that it stands for.
But Paul addresses this issue clearly. He asks “has God cast away
His people?” He answers his own question with “Certainly not!
God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew” (Romans 11:1,
2). It is he admits, something of a mystery, but then goes on to say
that he does not want us to be ignorant “lest you should be wise in
your own opinion. ” And he want us to know “that blindness in
part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has
come in” (verse 25). From the Bible, we know that Israel is part of
God's end time plan for the redemption of all who will receive Him.
In fact the very existence of Israel is evidence of God's work in the
World. Isaiah asks “Can a nation be born in a day? Who has heard of
such a thing?” (Isaiah 66:8). Well, it happened on May 14
1948. Google it of you are not familiar with these things.
Father, as we watch the
news and see the ongoing conflict specifically over Jerusalem, we
need faith to pray for its peace. But Lord Your
Word will surely accomplish what You desire, and will not return to
You void (Isiah 59:1; 55:11). And we look forward to that day Father
when every wrong will be made right and every tear wiped from our
eyes. In the meantime In the meantime Lord give us grace to watch
and pray in Jesus Name Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment