During the past two weeks, I’ve received numerous emails responding to our understanding of Israel in the Bible, clearly indicating a need for a more comprehensive explanation of my point of view. This will require a bit more space than usual. Here’s my Biblical perspective:
Paul’s letter to the Romans addresses the issue directly. He uses the term, “Jew” 8 times, and “Gentile”, 18 times, establishing distinct definitions which require clarification. Early in the letter Paul explains that these individual identities are now subordinate to one which is far greater, the believer’s primary identity in Messiah, Jew or Gentile, no difference. Romans 3:9-26 reveals the hopeless spiritual condition of all humans, Jews and Gentiles, pointing to our justification by faith in Yeshua (Jesus) which provides every soul with a new identity in Christ.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians further reveals that this equality in spirit between Jew and Gentile was a hidden mystery, now revealed to form a new entity called the “ekklesia”, [Ephesians 3:10] or “one new man”;[Ephesians 2:15]. This truth has been sadly misunderstood to virtually eradicate the individual identities of Jew and Gentile, and confer upon the newly formed church or one new man every prophetic promise given to the nation, Israel. Paul addresses this issue in chapter 11 of his Roman letter, warning Gentile believers, especially, not to ignore or condescend to Israel and the Jewish people as a nation with a distinct, enduring identity, and an irrevocable gifting and calling; [Romans 11:11-31].
This calling of Israel and the Jewish people is irrevocable, Paul asserts. As such it behooves us to understand and appreciate it. We know from the entire testimony of the Tenach (“Old Testament”) that Israel’s calling has always been as a nation which reveals God to the world, points to His Messiah, and receives a kingdom of righteousness which never ends. Paul’s longing for the salvation of his Jewish people, [Romans 9:1-3] rests on the awareness that, “…theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised!” [Romans 9:4-5].
A paradox of Israel’s history is how the nation has both succeeded and failed in its calling up until now. The nation has revealed God to the world through her miraculous history, in both obedience and disobedience, also as a vessel of God’s word through Moses and the prophets, and especially through the revelation of Messiah in the New Testament. Still the irrevocable purpose of God is for Israel to endure until every calling and promise to them are fulfilled; [Jeremiah 31:35-36]. So what remains of this?
Scripture affirms the expectation for a righteous Kingdom led by a righteous King from David’s line as a future destiny for His chosen nation; [2 Samuel 7:16]. We understand that this kingdom begins in seed form with the first Advent of Messiah, the King, who came announcing that the Kingdom was at hand; [Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 12:28; Luke 11:20; Luke 17:20-21;], but would not be fulfilled until a future time; [Mark 14:25; Luke 13:28-29; Luke 19:11; Luke 22:16-18;] in a “Millennial Kingdom” of 1000 years, [Psalm 2:6-9; Isaiah 11; Isaiah 65:19-25; Revelation 12:10] when the King comes a second time. It’s also clear that the promise of Israel’s Kingdom will include innumerable Gentiles who are given the opportunity to participate with authority and blessing, both now in its seed form, [Luke 13:28-29; Acts 8:12; Ephesians 2:12-22], and later in the establishment and governing of the Millennial Kingdom when the King returns to establish it; [Luke 19:17; Revelation 12:10].
It is our conviction that those who share God’s heart and understand His love and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people recognize the promises He has made to them, and they also realize that His commitment to Israel powerfully exemplifies and confirms all of His other promises to us NT believers. “Who shall separate us from the love of God?”, Paul writes in chapter 8 to the Roman believers. He continues then to demonstrate God’s unswerving faithfulness to us using Israel, the present Jewish nation in disobedience and unbelief, as the prime example of His enduring love; [Romans Chapters 9-11]. Paul’s almost shocking conclusion emphasizing the paradox of Israel, “Concerning the gospel they are ENEMIES for your sake, but concerning the election, beloved for the sake of the fathers”; [Romans 11:28]. Israel’s gift and calling will not be revoked, and neither will yours if you belong to Him.
What does this love for Israel involve? We see clearly from both covenants that the “promises” include the resurrection of Israel as a nation, first physically, [Ezekiel 37:8; Jeremiah 30:3; Amos 9:13-16; Isaiah 43:5-6;], and then, spiritually; [Ezekiel 37:9-14; Jeremiah 30:18-22; Romans 11:26-27]. The physical resurrection has been underway since the late 19th century when the first wave of “aliyah” (Jews returning to the Land) began, and has accelerated since the rebirth of the nation in May, 1948 after the Holocaust. The spiritual resurrection has begun, highlighted by the birth of the Messianic movement of Jewish believers in the mid 1960s of the 20th century, and will continue until the fullness of the Gentiles when “all Israel is saved”; [Romans 11:25-26]. In light of these unequivocal historical developments we come to the present time with our exhortation to all believers to respect and appreciate God’s promises to Israel and the Jewish people. God’s blessings are assured to those who do; [Genesis 12:3], and our heart’s desire is for every believer to enjoy them.
And we see even now that the modern nation of Israel is becoming a litmus test for the entire world because of God’s calling upon them and His promises being fulfilled:
“I will also gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of my people My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations They have also divided My land”, says the prophet Joel; [Joel 3:2].
Nineteen hundred years after the Jewish people have been scattered throughout the Earth (in 70AD), then restored to their ancient homeland, the prophet Joel speaks of a last days judgment in the valley which divides the modern city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives (known as the Kidron Valley, or Valley of Tears). God’s covenant promise of the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, [Genesis 13:15; 17:8; 24:7; 26:3; 28:4; 35:12; Psalm 105:8-12] is prophesied to be threatened and nullified by the nations of the world at that time, by dividing the land and bringing His judgment upon them. This judgment has never taken place in history, but the modern division of Israel established in international law by the United Nations in 1947, may be consummated in some near future covenant yet to be revealed, and Joel is warning the nations of a coming judgment which will result from this action. There is a “controversy of Zion” developing with increasing intensity in our time, which will eventuate in the day of the Lord’s vengeance; [Isaiah 34:8]. Much is written in the prophets concerning this terrible “Day”.
There are those now from the nations, Gentiles, Arabs, and Jews, who favor and marvel at the modern “miraculous” restoration of this tiny nation, which well they should, in light of the worldwide dispersion of the Jews in 70AD and the unrelenting history of antisemitism throughout this age. And many are unaware that among the over 100 nationalities represented in the returned Jewish population of roughly seven and a half million, there are also two million Arab Israelis (20% of the population) who enjoy citizenship in Israel, living in peace together with their Jewish neighbors. But a far greater number among the nations and within the land (and even some Jewish people) are incensed and even outraged that the Jews should dwell in their (well documented) ancient homeland, chanting along with the Islamic world, “From the River [Jordan] to the sea [Mediterranean]…” insisting that Israel must be destroyed and replaced by “Palestine”. We believe this opposition to Israel’s restoration has its origin in the realm of spiritual darkness.
So, consider the facts and the scriptures together, and decide. Is there sufficient evidence for God’s providential faithfulness to the Jews in restoring the nation and land of Israel to them? How in fact could Yeshua say to the Pharisees and to Jerusalem itself, “You will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of YHVH’ [Matthew 23:39; Luke 13:35], if the city and people whom He addressed were not back in the Land? The word of God is true, and those believers, churches, congregations and fellowships, who acknowledge it are full of amazement, joy and expectation, especially those who have been able to visit here. This is because Israel is a sign, once again, pointing to our Blessed Hope, Yeshua and His soon return. Believers who miss this are losing something most precious, the blessing of those who bless Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem [Psalm 122:6] as they await their Savior’s second coming.
Copyright 1999-2024 Worthy Devotions. This devotional was originally published on Worthy Devotions and was reproduced with permission.
More Devotions
This evening will begin the Biblical feast of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur, which literally means Day of Coverings, can be a day of deep reflection on what the Lord has done for us. As Yeshua (Jesus) died on the cross 2000 years ago, the Gospel describes how the veil in the Temple was torn in two. This profound spiritual event reveals that the Lord gave all whose sins are covered by His blood access to the Holy of Holies, as He had become our High Priest in addition to being, Himself, the perfect sacrifice for sin.
As we celebrated Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) and are in the midst of “Yamin Noraim” or the days of awe, the days between the Feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur, it is the season of repentance.
This is the season that the shofar (rams horn) is blown to heed the call of warning to repent from our sins and be clean. The shofar’s unique sounding blast is a wake-up call to all who will hear.
As we find ourselves in the midst of the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe), our hearts are centered this week on repentance as we prepare for Yom Kippur, which is approaching this Friday. In this spirit, I want to share something I discovered while studying the Jewish roots of many of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) parables. I came across an insightful teaching from a Jewish Rabbi, which I believe holds a valuable lesson for us today.
After our very small wedding in Jerusalem, my wife and I planned to have the big ceremony she’d always dreamed of, in Havre De Grace, Maryland. Rivka had it planned it to the tee. It was an outdoor wedding next to the longest standing lighthouse on the east coast. We were going to wow our guests with an entrance by way of sailboat. Ten dancers with candles in glasses were to proceed my beautiful bride as I awaited her under our hand-crafted chuppa, lit by the sunset on the bay.
Between Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur are ten days. These days are known as “Yamim Noraim”, “the Days of Awe” — or also translated, the “Awesome days”. In Judaism it has been long believed that these days seal your fate for the upcoming year — and also allude to your final destiny, concerning whether your name continues to be written in the Book of Life.
One of the major themes of Rosh Hashana is called Akedat Yitzchak, which means the Binding of Isaac. According to Jewish tradition, God told Abraham that the ram’s horn – otherwise known as a shofar – should be blown on Rosh Hashana to remind people of the sacrifice that God provided Himself when Abraham was about to offer Isaac on Mount Moriah.
Rosh Hashanah traditionally marks the Jewish New Year. “Shanah” is a unique Hebrew word meaning “to repeat, revise, or go over again”. As we begin the new year, with fall, then winter, spring, and summer, we remember the cyclical pattern of time in God’s creation. The nature of life is to repeat itself — to continue in a cycle, marked by Rosh HaShannah — a New Year. Although time is moving in a direction toward a definite destiny determined by the Creator, it does so in cycles … truly, “what goes around comes around”.