Honoring Israel and Celebrating Our Hebrew Roots
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. Isaiah 11:11 (KJV)
Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Isaiah 66:8 (KJV)
On May 14, 1948, the nation of Israel was born, or I should say, reborn. She regained her independence and her status as a nation-state. The Israeli people were recognized by many that day as a nation, but of course, there were some who did not celebrate this event. The first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion read a declaration of Jewish independence declaring that the name of the nation would be Israel. As this occurred, some of the Arab nations declared war on Israel. However, Israel is still a nation today. No matter what Israel faces, she will stand, and she will stand forever as God’s nation and His chosen people.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:3 (KJV)
God said He would bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel. Today, Israel continues to resist those who oppose Her, Jerusalem, and the Israeli people. This is why God tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love Her (Jerusalem) shall prosper (Psalm 122:6). Therefore, as we love, pray for, and support Israel, God will bless and prosper us. We will reap whatever we do towards Israel, whether good or bad.
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:11-18 (KJV)
We must never forget that God began with Israel to bless the nations. God made covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came through Israel. Jesus was and is an Israelite today. He was a rabbi, an Israelite masterful teacher. Christianity came from Christ, and therefore came out of Judaism- we’re all one, big family. Christ has broken down every wall that had separated us, making us one in Him. Those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord are made spiritual Israelis.
Let’s not overlook the fact that today is the 75th year that Israel has been a nation. Let’s rejoice with them and love them. Pray for their wellbeing and prosperity. We are instructed to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Peace in Hebrew is shalom, which means peace, wellbeing, prosperity, wholeness- nothing missing and nothing broken. Glory to God! We bless Israel now in the name of Jesus and declare shalom to Jerusalem!
