What’s going on in israel?
As conflict in the Middle East escalates, many are wondering if there’s correlation to biblical prophecies and the end times. As believers, it's important we approach these issue with wisdom, grace, and truth.
First and foremost, we must have compassion on all the people affected by the war.
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, to be peacemakers, and to pray for our enemies. This is where our responsibilities start.
Second, we simply cannot ignore Israel's significance to God and our responsibility to them. No nation had more spiritual privileges and blessings bestowed on them by God. He adopted Israel as His firstborn son, dwelt among them in glory in the tabernacle and temple, made covenants with them, gave them the Law of Moses, established their system of worship, made incredible promises to them, and most significantly, it was through Israel that Jesus Christ was born.
Though most of Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah, God did not reject them as His chosen people group. The nation still has a part to play in His grand story of redemption. So as we witness the events unfolding in Israel, we need to remember that God sovereignly oversees world affairs - even painful conflicts - to prepare the stage for Jesus' return.
Both the present existence of Israel and the turmoil surrounding Israel are reminders that history is moving toward prophetic fulfillment.
As followers of Jesus who trust in a sovereign omnipotent God, we need to avoid panic. We also need to avoid sensationalism and refrain from finding prophetic fulfillments where they don’t exist.
And we must avoid getting so occupied and distracted by what’s going on across the globe, that it causes us to lose focus from those who live across the street.
What we can do is be alert. Alert to the potential prophetic significance of the current events in the Middle East. Alert to ensure we’re standing with Israel despite any surge of anti-semitism. Alert to how we could leverage the news to point neighbors and colleagues to the hope and peace of Jesus.
And we should be alert to what God teaches us in His Word about these prophetic events.
In the end, our hope is not in a secure political future or a dream of a peaceful world, but our hope is in Jesus Christ alone. So even as we see global conflict, we can trust God's purposes are unfolding—yes, even in the midst of it!
What did Jesus say about the end times?
The Olivet Discourse, found in Matthew 24 and 25, is the most significant teaching of Jesus on the end of the age. Jesus addresses his disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple, He warns them about the false messiahs who will arise, and He foretells the signs of the end times, such as wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution of believers. Jesus concludes by describing the final judgment where His faithful servants will be separated from the wicked.
Has God rejected Israel?
At first glance, it may appear that God has rejected His chosen people, the Israelites. After all, only a small remnant of Jews believed in Jesus as their promised Messiah. The vast majority rejected Him. Did God finally have enough of Israel's chronic unfaithfulness and stubborn rebellions? Had His patience run out such that He has now rejected Israel and replaced her with the church?
The Apostle Paul's resounding answer throughout Romans 11 is "By no means!" While grappling with the theological complexity of Israel's present condition, Paul never wavers on this point: God has not rejected His covenant people Israel.
In Romans 11:1, Paul asks his own rhetorical question: "I ask, then, has God rejected his people?" His immediate response is powerful: "By no means!" Me genoito in Greek—may it never be so! This strong negation appears 10 times throughout Romans to emphasize crucial doctrinal points. The vehemence of Paul's response is striking: The thought of God totally rejecting Israel is unthinkable.
Paul goes on to offer himself as Exhibit A proving that God has not forsaken the Jewish people: "For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin" (11:1).
As a Jew who came to faith in Israel's Messiah, Paul exemplifies the present remnant of Jewish Christians chosen by grace through faith alone (11:5).
Though most Jews have rejected Jesus, God has still reserved a believing remnant for Himself. This is consistent with Israel's history, such as the 7,000 faithful souls in Elijah's day (11:2-5; 1 Kings 19:18). While widespread unbelief characterizes Israel throughout her generations, including today, God has never been without a faithful Jewish remnant to fulfill His promises. Paul argues adamantly that God's gifts and calling to Israel as His elect people are irrevocable (11:29).
In other words, despite Israel's faithlessness to God, the Lord remains forever faithful to His covenant promises to Israel. These sworn oaths cannot be canceled or revoked. Why? Because God pledged them to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—the forefathers of Israel (11:28). The sovereign Creator will not renege on promises made to His friend Abraham and his offspring.
World history bears witness that even in the darkest days of their persecution, banishment, and slaughter, no power has succeeded in destroying the Jewish people. Hitler tried and failed. Haman tried and failed. Why? Because these covenant promises belong to ethnic Israel, and God will see them realized: "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (11:29).
While God has a unique future plan to redeem Israel nationally (11:26), He continues grafting individual Jews into the true vine as they come to faith in Jesus (11:23-24). That open invitation remains today.
Tens of thousands of Jews around the world now embrace Yeshua as their Messiah while retaining their Jewish heritage and identity. God is faithful to keep pursuing His people.
Despite her present recalcitrance, Israel remains the apple of God's eye. His restoration purposes for the Jewish people will be fulfilled in due time according to His unbreakable promises.
What’s the relationship between Israel, the Church, and the Second Coming?
In chapters 9 through 11 of Paul’s letter to the Romans, there is critical significance in comprehending Israel's position in the end times. In these chapters, the Apostle Paul addresses the relationship between God, Israel, and the Gentiles, drawing a direct connection between God's faithfulness, Israel's unbelief, and the ultimate redemption of all. These chapters shed light on God's enduring love for His chosen people, despite their rebellion.
Romans 9-11 illuminates God's sovereignty in grafting Gentiles into the spiritual heritage of Israel, while also affirming His unbreakable covenant with the nation of Israel.
Paul stresses that Israel as a covenant people has not been permanently replaced by the Church (Rom 11:1, 28-29). While the Church currently enjoys the blessings of being God’s people, these were extended to Gentiles because most of Israel rejected her Messiah. When the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in", Scripture promises that many in Israel “will be saved” (Rom 11:25-26). God still has covenant promises and plans to fulfill with ethnic Israel. The New Testament consistently keeps Israel and the church distinct (1 Cor 10:32).
Many prophecies given to Israel in the Old Testament await a future, literal fulfillment. The return of dispersed Jews to the land in the last days is predicted repeatedly (Is 11:11-12; Jer 16:14-15; Ezek 28:25-26). Ezekiel 37 vividly describes the rebirth of the modern state of Israel. Zechariah 12-14 outlines nations attacking Jerusalem before Messiah defends her.
Paul affirmed, “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” for Israel (Rom 11:29). God’s plans for Israel continue developing despite her unbelief.
Jesus will return to Jerusalem at His second coming (Zech 14:4). He will deliver and restore Israel, defeating her enemies. Then national Israel will accept Yeshua as Messiah. The present existence of Israel and turmoil surrounding Jerusalem are reminders that history is moving toward prophetic fulfillment.
While avoiding sensationalism, Christians should be alert to potential prophetic significance of current events related to Israel and the Middle East. God often uses world dynamics to bring about His purposes. Developments among Israel's neighbors could potentially pave the way for the program God has outlined. Jesus cautioned that no one knows the day or hour, but we can discern the season (Mat 24:32-33). As His return draws near, God is progressing His plans for Israel and the church, and bringing glory to Christ!
How should Christians relate to Jews?
In Romans 11, Paul provides clear guidance on how we as Gentile believers should treat our Jewish brothers and sisters. In light of Israel's present hardening toward the gospel, we must avoid becoming arrogant or prideful. Their disobedience has led to mercy for us. Therefore, our posture must be marked by humility, thankfulness, and practical love for the Jews.
First, do not glory over the Jews (Rom 11:18). Do not become proud against them for being lopped off the olive tree of God's people. Our place among God's elect has come only by His sheer grace.
The same gospel we freely embraced, most Jews have presently rejected. But this is no ground for boasting; it is cause to praise God who shows no favoritism (Rom 2:11).
As Paul warns in Romans 11:20, "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." We stand by faith in Jesus alone. No room for pride exists.
Second, remember our indebtedness to Israel (Rom 11:17-18). God used Israel's hardening to bring salvation to you. In His wisdom and mercy, He grafted you into His people. The rich gospel message you enjoy came originally through the Jewish people.
The Christian faith finds its roots in Judaism. Let’s not bite the hand that has spiritually fed us.
Third, make Israel envious (Rom 11:11, 14). How? By living out the fruits of new life in Christ. Your faith, hope and practical care for others serves as a witness. The way you esteem Scripture plants seeds. Pray for and seize opportunities to share Christ's love with gentleness and respect.
When Jewish people see peace, joy, righteousness and love in your life by God's Spirit, this attracts them to the Savior.
Fourth, eagerly await Israel's restoration (Rom 11:12, 15). A day is coming when "all Israel will be saved" (Rom 11:26). The nation will turn to her Messiah and be grafted back into her own olive tree (Rom 11:24). Therefore, we should pray fervently for the salvation of Jewish people (Rom 10:1). Support ministries making the good news known among Jews. Combat anti-Semitism in the church and culture. Discover ways to bless Israel as God declared, "I will bless those who bless you" (Genesis 12:3).
God still has purposes of redemption for His people Israel. Let's intercede expectantly for their fullness.