Israel and the World Remembers
JESUS CHRIST IS ISRAEL'S ONLY HOPE ... INDEED HE IS THE ONLY HOPE FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD!
Just months before Hamas invaded Israel, Teri and I had a comfortable lunch with dear friends at the Western Wall Plaza. We sat in the shadow of the Golden Menorah which will one day be placed inside the Third Temple (which has yet to be constructed) on the Temple Mount. As we sat there with our lifelong friends the atmosphere was serene - despite the presence of more than a few handfuls of Israeli soldiers sheathed with automatic weapons.
Israeli men and women alike are drafted into the military for the IDF beginning at ago 18, and their active service spans up to 32 months. Following this time of duty, soldiers who choose other career paths continue to serve in the reserves, many well into their 40s.
Their youthful profiles are embedded in my mind. So vibrant. So sophisticated. Energetic. Vigilant. Enjoying their charge, despite standing ever watchful, acknowledging the ever present threat of an impending attack. And to the shock of many, the worst attack in Israeli’s modern history would occur not many months later.
Who could've imagined what took place October 7th, 2023? The militant group Hamas - which controls the Gaza Strip - caught Israel’s valiant military unaware. A colossal barrage of over 5,000 rockets targeted cities and towns throughout the tiny country. And then came the ground assault. On motorcycles and paragliders Hamas militants invaded Israeli territory, ambushing the military, intelligence services, and civilians. Citizens were brutally and grotesquely slaughtered in cold blood - including women, children (infants!), and the elderly. Before the day ended 1200 Israelis had been massacred and an unknown number taken hostage.
Over this past year Israel’s calculated response has necessarily escalated and currently includes a full scale war - not only with Hamas, but Hezbollah … and possibly with Iran.
How should we who know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord respond as we mark the anniversary of this tragedy? First of all, we should stand with Israel and make it clear we expect our country to do the same. And secondly, we should understand how this cataclysmic conflict sets the stage for all the Bible predicts will occur prior to the return of Jesus Christ to earth. Thirdly, we must be bold ambassadors of Jesus Christ.
Israel Exists to Fulfill God’s Promises
After the Romans destroyed the second Temple in 70 A.D., Jews were scattered across the globe (the Diaspora). Despite centuries of persecution and hardship, the Jewish people were able to retain their identity and their culture regardless of their geographic location - all the while hoping to return to their promised homeland.
In 1933 came the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust, Adolf Hitler’s decade plus (1933-1945) satanic endeavor to annihilate the Jewish race. (As a not so insignificant aside - a warning to us as believers - let us be cognizant of the fact that many, in fact most, of the clergy of Germany remained silent in the face of this atrocity. Lord, may we never sit idly by - wanting to keep the peace, ride the status quo - in the face of injustice. Make us bold for You, Lord; ambassadors proclaiming Your truth and standing for life, even now! Amen).
Then in what many believe was a divine miracle, the Jewish state was reestablished on May 14, 1948. But the miracle didn't come with a guarantee of peaceful existence. Over the decades of recent history Israel has faced one military challenge after another. There was the War of Independence (1947-1949), followed by the Six Day War in June 1967. In October of 1973 Egypt and Syria attacked the country in what has come to be known as the Yom Kippur War, so named because it occurred during that Jewish Holy day. Despite the ominous forces waged against this small country, Israel has been able to secure profound military victories against insurmountable odds.
While fielding threats from neighboring countries, this resilient land dwarfed by bordering nation states has not only masterfully defended itself, but also has been able to achieve laudable economic and technological success. Though challenged in recent days, the country’s capacity to maintain a stable democracy is unmatched in the Middle East.
As I write, Israeli leadership convenes to determine its response to Iran, who just days ago launched over 180 ballistic missiles their way. Iran - known as Persia until 1935 - has boldly stated their desire for the destruction of Israel (and the United States). But the Scriptures trump any leader or nation’s proclamation - and Israel is in the land to stay!
Amos 9:14-15 “I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them," says the LORD your God.”
Antisemitism Will Unite the Nations to Stand Against Israel
It's unthinkable that after a year of turmoil within its borders, many observers near and far are more concerned about Israel's response to Hamas’s initial invasion last October 7th than the vulgar atrocities Hamas committed against Israel. The mass slaughter of innocent Israelis! Babies burned alive, young girls and women raped, countless senselessly mutilated. Since that day of darkness antisemitism has reared its ugly head worldwide. This satanic evil has mushroomed into a global movement. Only the enemy could orchestrate such a response.
John 10.10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
How did it happen? Why did it happen? And now, why are Jewish students on college campuses fearing for their very lives in the face of constant chaotic demonstrations opposing Israel's handling of its war with Hamas?
On this day I reflect on the untold numbers of the IDF that we admired (they were virtually everywhere) in the Spring of 2023 - some training, some standing guard, some mingling in the crowds, ever aware of their calling. So young, so strong, so determined and dedicated, proud of their mission. How many are now senselessly gone? Promising young lives snuffed out in an act of merciless terror …
On this day we remember news of another attempt to annihilate a race - adults, children, babies alike. Their crime? They are citizens of Israel, the vast majority Jews. Over twelve hundred. And our country’s response? As I write, protestors rage from college campuses to city streets. Their outcry is against the country and its citizens who suffered inhumane violence. Madness hurled at Israel, demanding protection for Hamas …
This demonic hatred of Israel is a preview of what the Bible predicts. One day, the nations of the world will gather together against Israel.
Zechariah 12.2-3 "Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.”
A World Leader Will Emerge and Negotiate a False Peace Agreement in the Middle East
Daniel 9.27 “And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator."
While Iran longs to achieve the complete and final decimation of Israel, many other nations would gladly settle for a peace agreement providing an end to this insanity. In the face of this crisis simmering in the Middle East, the War in Ukraine, and the threat posed by China, our world longs for a leader.
The context of Daniel 9:27 points to a leader who will come from the modern form of the Old Roman Empire. This leader, whom the Scriptures reveals as the antichrist, will confirm a covenant with “many” - Israel and surrounding nations - for a period of seven years. After three and one half years this false peace agreement will be breached when this false messiah enters the rebuilt Temple and declares himself to be God.
2 Thessalonians 2.3,4 “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”
Iran Will Be Part of an Alliance of Nations Attacking Israel
The battle described by the Prophet Ezekiel fits perfectly with the events of this past year. It’s absolutely inconceivable that Ezekiel wrote about this 2600 years ago! Today, the nations that Ezekiel predicted would attack Israel are allied with one another. The nations that will remain neutral in this battle continue to pursue a stable relationship with Israel. Incredible.
Read through Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, and where “Persia” is referenced, recall that in 1935 Persia was renamed The Islamic Republic of Iran. Historical geography reveals that Russia and Turkey and several other nations will all join forces to attack Israel. The sole obstacle to this battle occurring today is Russia’s war with Ukraine.
We already know the “rest of the story” in the Battle of Ezekiel 38 and 39. The God of Israel will intervene and judge these unified nations and their leader.
Ezekiel 38.22-23 “With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur. So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
So today, as we pause to commemorate the atrocities of one year ago, may we keep in mind that the Lord our God is sovereign, all powerful, all knowing. He is in control. He will allow evil to have its day, but the ultimate battle has already been won. Jesus Christ will return as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem! And pray that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords will soon return.
John