A friend of mine believes in salvation by grace alone. She fully understands that what we do or who we are will in no way influence our eternal destination. Even still, during conversations regarding the Jews or the Holocaust, she shares that she still holds out hope that somehow they made it into heaven because of what they endured. And although I also know that salvation is by faith in Jesus as the Messiah alone, secretly, I agree that if anyone had a chance beyond that criterion, it would be them.
Why is this? Many people groups have endured mass extermination over the centuries. Without minimizing the severity of their plight, the Jews aren’t the only ones to have been persecuted.
I believe the answer is this - the Jews, the descendants of Israel, are close to God’s heart; therefore, they are close to our own as well because we also are His children.
I believe the answer is this - the Jews, the descendants of Israel, are close to God’s heart; therefore, they are close to our own as well because we also are His children.
I wrote the following article on April 2, 2008 as we were traveling to Israel with a group called The Joshua Fund…
“We haven't even left American soil yet and our journey has been fun. This trip has already brought home the idea that Jerusalem is the heart of the world. If we were to tell people we were headed for Germany or China, they might say, "Oh, how exciting. Have fun." Then the conversation would be done. When you say you're going to Israel, people have a strong reaction. So far, all of ours have been good. Everyone we've talked to has overwhelmingly shared in the joy and excitement of going to the birthplace of Christianity.”
After telling the details of three of our encounters, the article ends…
“These three experiences were even more exciting because the first woman was an African-American, the couple on the bus attends an Assembly of God church in Branson, and the young woman was from Bulgaria. God's church is all around the world and, not only that, but people around the world love Israel and want to bless her during these times in which we live.”
“These three experiences were even more exciting because the first woman was an African-American, the couple on the bus attends an Assembly of God church in Branson, and the young woman was from Bulgaria. God's church is all around the world and, not only that, but people around the world love Israel and want to bless her during these times in which we live.”
Yet, despite all the love, Israel is facing its greatest danger in its modern history. My article is not to share the news coming out of Israel; for that, I refer you to the blog of Joel Rosenberg, the founder of The Joshua Fund.
And especially this article: Iran's Ayatollah: Kill All Jews, Annihilate Israel; Iran Lays Out Legal Case for Genocidal Preemptive Attack Against Cancerous Tumor
My purpose in writing this article is to say that now is the time for action. Those of us who are believers in Jesus know that God has a plan for Israel and that plan won’t be stopped. A catastrophic war with Iran is coming.
Will it be this year? I don’t know.
Will this current situation be it? I don’t know.
However, Ezekiel 38-39 warns us it is coming. When I look at the geo-political landscape, I see all the players are getting into position. This could possibly be it.
I have seen unexplainable, passionate love for Israel and the Jewish people throughout God’s worldwide church. War may be coming, but we can still do something.
- First, never underestimate the power of prayer. It is not a last resort but rather a first line of defense. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for the hearts of the people to be open to Jesus as their awaited Messiah.
- Second, support reputable organizations like The Joshua Fund who already have people on the ground, structures set up, and supplies ready to provide aid and assistance should a catastrophe come to Israel. My regular readers will also know about my recent trip to Haiti and growing love for that country. A primary reason for the massive loss of life there after the earthquake two years ago was that trained people and resources weren’t available to provide needed care. Support of organizations like The Joshua Fund can help avoid that type of situation in Israel should catastrophe come to her borders.
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).
To learn more about The Joshua Fund, please click here.
To read my article from 2008 in its entirety, please click here.
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