The Battle for Israel: Why It's Your Fight Too
Shalom, friends. The word "shalom" carries a unique weight today, in a time when Israel, the Land of Promise, is in the throes of conflict. As you read this, remember the ongoing struggle and keep Israel in your prayers. We want to explore why this sliver of land is not just a piece of real estate, but a vital part of the narrative of God, and why it should matter to all of us—now and forever.
The Complexity of Perspectives
When it comes to Israel, opinions are as diverse as the people who hold them. Many look at Israel through a political lens, viewing it as either an ally to be defended at all costs or an occupier to be criticized. But boiling down the essence of Israel to a geopolitical stance ignores its rich history, faith, and culture.
To start, let's look at some common viewpoints. Some people see Israel solely as the U.S.'s closest ally in the Middle East - valuable for its democratic institutions and strategic military placement. Others view Israel through the lens of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, seeing the state as an occupier of Palestinian land. And still, there are those who look at Israel as a bucket-list destination, captivated by the thought of walking where Jesus walked but not grasping the deeper significance of the land.
While these viewpoints aren't entirely incorrect, they miss the fuller picture. For instance, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a crucial issue, but understanding Israel only through this lens oversimplifies a complex reality. Similarly, reducing Israel's worth to its strategic advantages misses out on its cultural and historical richness.
We must trace back Israel's story to its biblical roots to fully understand its significance.
The land's story begins with the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3,
"Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"
The struggle over the land doesn't just involve modern-day Israelis and Palestinians; it echoes an ancient conflict. The seeds were sown with the sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac, the child of promise with Sarah, and Ishmael, born to Hagar, laid the foundations for the Jewish and Arab nations, respectively. The discord between them, recorded in the pages of the Old Testament, reverberates still to this day.
Why This Matters
Understanding the long-running, deeply rooted narrative of Israel helps us move beyond shallow perceptions. We begin to see it not just as a piece of land but as an enduring testament to God's promise and providence. Only then can we engage in more nuanced, meaningful discussions about its role in today's world.
Taking the time to dig deeper into Israel's complex story lets us appreciate it for what it truly is: a land that holds past, present, and future significance not just for the Jewish people but for all of humanity. By expanding our perspectives, we can be better allies, more informed advocates, and deeper believers.
The Covenant: The Heart of the Controversy
When talking about Israel, we can't overlook the covenant God made with Abraham and, by extension, the Jewish people. This covenant is the bedrock, the linchpin that holds the entire relationship together. But it’s also the source of so much of the tension and controversy that surrounds Israel to this day.
It’s mentioned above, but read it again. Notice here in Genesis 12:1-3, God’s covenant with Abraham involves land, seed, and blessing. We’ve bolded these for emphasis.
"Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
From that point on, the Jewish people were marked as God's chosen, not for their own sake, but to be a blessing to the world. But being chosen also meant they were marked for controversy. You see, a covenant with God comes with blessings, but also responsibilities, not just for the Jewish people, but for everyone else who interacts with them. We often say that when God said to the Jewish people, “I choose you,” the Enemy of God said, “I choose you, too.” The attempt to thwart the plan of God has always taken root in a people chosen for God’s redemptive plan.
The Eternal and Unconditional Nature of the Abrahamic Covenant
The closest thing we have to covenants in our culture today is marriage. It’s more than a promise, a couple covenants to one another they will remain faithful and committed to one another for the rest of their lives. In the Bible, covenants hold immense importance. They're more than just agreements - they are divine markers in God’s interaction with humanity. Covenants can be either conditional or unconditional. A conditional covenant requires something from both parties involved. If either one fails to meet their end of the bargain, the covenant falls apart. Unfortunately many enter into their marriage covenant with unconditional eyes until a certain condition enters into the relationship and they discover their covenant was indeed, conditional.
An unconditional covenant, on the other hand, requires action from just one party. The other party benefits from the covenant without the burden of conditional terms.
The Abrahamic Covenant falls into the latter category - it's an unconditional promise from God to Abraham and his descendants. It's not just a passage of historical significance; it’s a key that unlocks the enduring relationship between God and Israel.
Genesis 15: The Unilateral Covenant
Look at the narrative depicted in Genesis 15, where the covenant's unconditional nature is clearly displayed. In this scene, Abraham arranges halves of animals on either side of a path, creating an aisle between them. This ritual was a traditional part of covenant-making in the ancient Near East, usually involving both parties walking between the halves as a symbol of mutual obligation. But in Abraham's case, something extraordinary happens.
"As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him...When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces." (Genesis 15:12, 17, ESV).
Here, it is not Abraham who passes between the pieces, but God Himself, represented by the smoking firepot and the blazing torch. Abraham is in a deep sleep - uninvolved, passive. This powerful image conveys that God alone is responsible for fulfilling this covenant, emphasizing its unilateral and unconditional nature.
Genesis 17: The Sign of Circumcision
Later, God provides the physical sign of this eternal covenant - circumcision. Most eight-day-old Jewish boys wish it could’ve been just about anything else. This rite wasn't just a cultural or religious symbol, but an everlasting sign of the unbreakable bond between God and the people of Israel, and it exists to this day! In Genesis 17:9–14, God instructs Abraham to circumcise himself (oy!) and his descendants as a "sign of the covenant between me and you."
So why is this covenant so pivotal? Because it shapes the way we understand God’s ongoing relationship with Israel and, by extension, all of humanity. This unconditional promise has stood the test of time, illustrating God's unchanging nature and His eternal commitment to His people.
The Abrahamic Covenant is the backbone of Israel's history and future, and understanding it deeply enriches our own faith.
We come to realize that God is not a promise-breaker. When He makes a covenant, it's for keeps. That assurance gives us a firm foundation for our own relationship with Him.
The tension surrounding Israel can often be traced back to how different people and nations relate to this covenant. Are they respecting it, or are they trying to break it? Even the modern-day geopolitical issues have, at their root, spiritual implications tied to this covenant. For example, any nation that seeks to curse Israel, in a way, is positioning itself against the covenant God made with Abraham. This isn’t just politics, the hatred at its basis is theological at its root.
And it’s not just other nations either. The internal struggles within Israel, its ethical dilemmas, and its ongoing fight for survival are all, in a way, reflections of its struggle to live up to its covenantal responsibilities. The covenant promises a land, but living in that land requires justice, mercy, and a walk with God that serves as a light to the nations.
The covenant is the silent partner in every headline you read about Israel. It's the unspoken context for every policy decision, every peace treaty, and yes, every act of war. It's the reason Israel isn't just any other country. It's a nation living out a divine promise and purpose. That’s why understanding the covenant is essential for understanding the full scope of the Israeli story. It's not merely a historical or political issue, it's a profound spiritual matter that has been playing out for thousands of years and will continue to do so until the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for humanity.
So, when we discuss Israel, let's not forget the covenant. It’s not just ancient history, it's a living, breathing promise that not only shapes the world we live in, but is at the center of the storm. And whether we realize it or not, how we view and interact with Israel is, in a way, a reflection of our stance toward this divine covenant. Therefore, as we seek to understand Israel, we are also drawn into a deeper understanding of God's character and His eternal promises. And that's a story worth telling…a story worth being part of.
The Exodus Story
Then, there's the unforgettable story of the Exodus. Israel's enslavement in Egypt and miraculous liberation is not just a historic event but a spiritual symbol. As Exodus 6:6-7 says,
"Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.'"
The Davidic Kingdom
After settling in the Promised Land, Israel reached its pinnacle under King David. His reign wasn't just a high point in Israel's history, but also a foreshadowing of the future Messiah. God's covenant with David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, promised an everlasting kingdom:
"When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."
Prophetic Utterances
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel spoke extensively about Israel. Isaiah 43:1 says,
"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
The prophets foresaw not only Israel's dispersion, but also its eventual regathering, which many see as being fulfilled today.
New Testament Relevance
Let's not forget that the New Testament is deeply connected with Israel. Jesus, the awaited Messiah, was born in Bethlehem, lived in Galilee, and was crucified in Jerusalem. His ministry was rooted in Jewish culture and traditions. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was a Jew trained in the strictest interpretation of the law. The early church itself was completely Jewish. It wasn’t until Acts 10 that the “goyim,” or nations representing the Gentiles, were brought into this narrative.
Finally, Paul reminds us in Romans 11:17-18 that:
"…if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you."
So, why is all this important? Because it's impossible to separate our faith from Israel's story. By understanding Israel's deep Biblical foundation, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of our own beliefs. Israel is not an isolated subject, but a crucial thread in God's redemptive plan for the world. Recognizing this helps us move from mere surface-level knowledge to a faith that is deeply rooted and abundantly fruitful.
More Than Just A Land
We often think of Israel in terms of its geopolitical importance, or even as a travel destination filled with breathtaking sites. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Israel is a beautiful collection of cultural, religious, and historical landmarks. It's not merely a place to tick off your travel list but a living testament to centuries of enduring faith.
First and foremost, Israel is at the center of three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Western Wall in Jerusalem, for instance, is not just a piece of ancient architecture. It's a living symbol of Judaism, a place where prayers have been offered for centuries. Similarly, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not just a tourist site, but the location where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
And probably the most recognizable landmark is in the old city of Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock. The “rock” inside of the dome is the ancient Mount Moriah, where Abraham took Isaac to fulfill his call to obedience in sacrificing his one and only son. The crossover between the significance this place holds for different faiths is as thick as the tension you feel when your feet touch the ground.
Israel's significance doesn't stop at religious landmarks. The nation has been a center for religious and philosophical thought that has shaped the Western world. Jewish scholars like Maimonides and Christian theologians like Origen have roots that trace back to this land. Their writings are foundational texts that have influenced religious scholarship for generations.
But let's not stop at history. Today, Israel is a hub for technological and scientific advancements. From pioneering research in medical science to innovative strides in agriculture and water conservation, the tiny nation punches well above its weight.
For many, a trip to Israel is often described as a "pilgrimage." But it's more than just walking where Jesus walked or visiting ancient ruins. It's about understanding the stories that unfolded here, stories that form the backbone of our faith and cultural history. These aren't just stories trapped in the pages of an old book; they are narratives that have been lived out and continue to be lived today.
And you can’t fully grasp the essence of Israel without mentioning its people. A diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs make up modern-day Israel. Going to a synagogue on Shabbat often means putting on a headset for translation into one of six languages, as Jews from the Diaspora have made their “Aliyah,” or return to the land of Israel. But despite their differences, there's unity in their love for their land and a shared history that ties them all together.
So, why should Israel be more to us than just another place on the map? Because in its hills and valleys, in its ancient walls and modern skyscrapers, in its diverse people and deep-rooted traditions, we find a living testament to enduring faith and human resilience. It's not just another country; it's a living, breathing entity that invites us to learn, to explore, and most importantly, to understand. It’s the reason why we have been taking pilgrims to tell this story.
Israel and the Current Global Context
Israel's importance on the global stage can't be overstated, especially in these trying times. At its core, the struggle we see unfolding isn't simply a matter of territorial disputes or political skirmishes; it's a battle against the very existence of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. The opposition isn't solely coming from neighboring countries or local terrorist organizations. Rather, it's rooted in a much larger, more menacing scheme that seeks to undo what has been providentially established. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
You may have heard the phrase,
"If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel."
These words from Benjamin Netanyahu encapsulate a haunting reality that Israel faces every day. The Palestinian territories, particularly the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, are under the control of Hamas, a terrorist organization funded by Iran. It's not just an isolated conflict; it's a part of a larger Iranian strategy to wipe Israel off the map, extending their puppetry to other groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria.
And it's not just about the land, it's about the people who call it home. As Golda Meir pointedly said,
"Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us."
The conflict goes beyond mere politics to touch on the very essence of human emotion: hatred so deep that it blots out all semblance of love or compassion. It's a heart issue as much as it is a land issue.
The term "Occupied Palestinian Territories" is often thrown around in international discourse, but what many don't realize is that this label fuels a misleading narrative. It perpetuates the idea that the territories are victimized lands waiting for liberation, which overshadows the grim reality that they are actually controlled by a group with a dark agenda. Hamas has not only harmed Israelis, but also stifled the potential of the Palestinian people, keeping them in a cycle of poverty and violence to serve their political narrative.
Understanding Israel's challenges isn't just an exercise in geopolitics or history. At the heart of this struggle is a battle that is both Biblical and spiritual. While Iran may be the visible puppeteer, pulling the strings of terrorist groups around Israel, we should not lose sight of a far greater puppeteer lurking in the background - the ancient serpent, whose aim has always been to destroy God's chosen people and nullify His promises.
Yet, as Psalm 121 reminds us, "He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps." Behind all the conflicts and schemes stands a God who sees, a God whose promises endure, and a God who is ultimately in control.
Urgency of the Moment
It's easy to see Israel's struggles as purely political or territorial disputes. However, understanding the urgency of the moment requires us to look beyond the surface. This is spiritual warfare at its most palpable, a battleground where powers and principalities clash in a cosmic struggle that was prophesied thousands of years ago. The situation in Israel isn't just another headline; it's a real-time unfolding of Biblical prophecy.
The prophets spoke extensively about the trials and tribulations that would besiege Israel in the end times. Take Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37, for instance. The passage not only speaks of Israel's rebirth as a nation but also forecasts a future where Israel will once again be under attack from all sides. Yet even in the most dire situations, God's promise of protection and ultimate triumph shines through.
"And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes" (Ezekiel 36:23 ESV).
Understanding the events surrounding Israel within this spiritual framework elevates the issue from being merely geopolitical to fundamentally spiritual.
So, what are we called to do? The urgency of the moment beckons us to go beyond just keeping tabs on news updates or offering humanitarian aid, as vital as those are. It's a call for spiritual engagement. Prayer is our most potent weapon. Pray for Israel's leaders to have wisdom, for the protection of civilians—both Jews and Arabs—who are caught in the crossfire, and for the eyes of the world to be opened to the Biblical significance of the events unfolding before us. It's a wake-up call for us to align our priorities with God's eternal agenda.
So, yes, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The stakes are high, but the God we serve is higher. The urgency is real, but so are God's promises. In a world caught up in political maneuvering and social posturing, let's not forget that the real battle, and the real solutions, are spiritual.
In this atmosphere, it's tempting to pin our hopes on diplomatic resolutions or peace treaties, but we must remember that true peace - the “shalom” that surpasses all human understanding - comes only from Jesus, Sar Shalom, the Prince of Peace. In our longing for immediate solutions, let's not forget the ultimate narrative. It's an unsettling truth, but the world's situation, including Israel's, will likely worsen before the prophesied reign of Jesus as King becomes a reality.
World War II, devastating as it was, serves as a mere prelude to the unimaginable turmoil that the Bible warns will unfold. The prophetic words from Zechariah 14:1-3:
"Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle."
It’s painful to even put these words to this post. And in no way do we want to minimize the current struggles and devastation facing Israel at this moment. This passage paints a grim but essential prophecy, detailing a time when Jerusalem will face unparalleled persecution and hardship. Half of the city will go into exile, houses will be plundered, and the most unspeakable atrocities will be committed. Yet, Zechariah assures us that the remaining population won't be entirely severed from the city. This is crucial because it shows that despite the darkest hours that Jerusalem may face, there's a divine plan at play.
The backdrop of current events - wars, rockets, territorial disputes, and political machinations - should not shock us when we understand them in the context of these prophetic words. This is a wake-up call, not only for Israel, but also for the world at large. These hardships and conflicts are like birth pains, signifying that something monumental is on the horizon. And though the landscape seems bleak, it’s important to remember that God's protective eyes never leave Israel. "He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps," says Psalm 121, a comforting reminder that the ultimate Keeper is in control.
It's unsettling to consider, but these are the very scenarios that the Bible forewarns will occur in the end times. It's an urgent call for us not to be complacent. This isn't just a battle to be waged in political or humanitarian arenas, it's a call for spiritual readiness. We're urged to be vigilant in prayer, to be discerning of the times, and to align ourselves with the ultimate will of God. While we should engage in earthly efforts to mitigate suffering and pursue peace, our ultimate trust is in God's plan and timing.
So why is this something you should pay attention to? Remember this scene from Matthew 25:
The parable of the sheep and the goats is often interpreted as a broader call to social justice, to be kind to “the least of these.” But in the proper context, it serves as a sobering message specifically concerning Israel and its role in the last days.
Jesus delivers this message while sitting on the Mount of Olives, discussing end times and the judgment to come. He separates the "sheep," those who have treated the "least of these" well, from the "goats," who have not. Here, "the least of these" is referring to Israel, especially considering the message is given on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem. In saying, "Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me," Jesus is pointing directly to how nations and individuals have treated Israel in her times of need.
The heart of the matter here is, if you claim to be part of the church - part of the body of believers - you can't sidestep what's happening in Israel. Israel is not a sidebar in God’s story, it's a centerpiece. Ignoring Israel’s role in the unfolding plan of God is like reading a book and skipping its most pivotal chapters.
So, what does this mean for the church today? It's not enough to show up on Sunday mornings, sing some hymns, and listen to a sermon. Being the church in this age means being acutely aware of God's unfolding plan for Israel and the world. When God's heart beats for Israel, ours should too. We can't claim to know and love God if we don’t love what He loves. And as we know from Matthew 25, how we treat Israel will be a crucial point when the final judgment comes.
Call to Action: Pray for Israel
Certainly, prayer is not a passive act, but an active engagement with the spiritual realm that has real-world implications. If you've been moved by the unfolding situation and spiritual significance of Israel, don't just stand on the sidelines—enter into the battle through prayer. The Bible exhorts us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6).
It's not just an idle request; it's a divine mandate for such a time as this.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem: Ask that God's Shalom - complete peace, nothing missing, nothing broken—would reign over Jerusalem. Pray that political leaders would make decisions that lead to peace and not prolong conflict.
Pray for Innocent Civilians: Lift up the men, women, and children caught in the crossfire. Pray for their safety and for the resources they need to survive and rebuild their lives. Ask for emotional healing for those traumatized by ongoing violence.
Pray for Wisdom and Discernment for Leaders: Ask that God would guide the decisions of Israel's leaders, as well as the global community, to bring about resolutions that align with His will and His plan for the nation.
Pray Against the Spirit of Hatred and Division: Let's remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Pray that the spirit of animosity, which only fuels the fire of conflict, would be torn down.
Pray for the Church’s Role: Pray that the global Church would not remain silent, but would stand in solidarity with Israel. Pray for clarity in how each of us can be part of that support - whether through raising awareness, financial support, or becoming an informed advocate.
Pray for the Fulfillment of God's Prophetic Timetable: While we may not fully understand all God has planned in the intricacies of Biblical prophecy, we know that Israel plays a significant role. Pray that God's purposes would be accomplished, and that we would have the discernment to recognize the signs of the times.
As you engage in prayer, don't overlook the tangible steps you can take to make a difference. Go Global Ministries is passionately focused on reaching the nations, both Jews and Gentiles, with the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah. To that end, our prayer is that we fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples of Christ in all nations.
With trusted friends and ministry partners serving the Middle East, we provide real-time, reliable information and resources from those who are right there, with boots on the ground. This isn't about armchair activism; it's about informed, effective, long-term involvement.
For those who feel led to contribute financially, know that we're not just another charity. We're on a mission. We're partnering with ministries and local Israelis to address immediate, physical needs as a gateway to fulfilling deeper spiritual needs. Our immediate and ultimate vision is twofold: that Israel would not only be preserved right now in a physical sense, but would also come to recognize and embrace Jesus as their Messiah.
Your prayers and support aren't just an add-on, they're integral to what we're doing.
The Road Ahead
If your faith is a cornerstone in your life, then understanding and supporting Israel isn't just an option - it's a necessity. From its complex historical roots to its current geopolitical realities, Israel's story is intimately tied to our own spiritual journey. This isn't just about politics or humanitarian efforts; it's a spiritual imperative, a battle fought not just in the material realm but in the heavens.
As you've navigated through these various facets, we hope you've grasped the urgency of the moment. The spiritual warfare enveloping Israel should propel us into action, beyond mere discussion. We can't stand idly by; the stakes are simply too high.
So what's next? The call to action is clear: pray fervently and engage deeply. Be part of a movement that's not just observing history but actively participating in God's unfolding plan. From prayer to practical support, your involvement can make a real, eternal difference.
In the end, it's not just about standing with Israel - it's about standing with God in what He's doing in these crucial times. Let's rise up and take our place.
