Joel 1:2 - 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 up My land.
It's all over the news. Talks between President Obama and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu over the boundaries of Israel and Palestine have come to a not-so-surprising disagreement. Half of historic Jerusalem is within this plan to divide and the threat to Israel's security is at stake. What the reason is supposed to be is peace but I'm certain it's misunderstanding, ignorance of, or unbelief in, some of the things the Bible tells us. But, oh, maybe it's because some would side with others who would like to see Israel wiped off the face of the earth. I guess the Jewish people are expendable. NOT.
Israel was covenanted with Abraham so many years ago, according to Genesis 15:18, On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates..." Remember, God does not lie, He does not change, so this covenant will stand no matter what might appear to be happening. Adding to this, God tells us He will bless those who bless him (Abraham/Israel) and curse those who curse him. This stands for individuals and countries. Up until the past ten years or so the United States has been a supporter of Israel. They have been our ally. Though we see this change take place, and although many don't want to see this happen, it's still part of God's will, as difficult as this may seem.
So, the annihilation of Israel ain't gonna happen, no matter how things look or what appears to be happening. Why? Because God won't allow it. Remember, He's in control, Israel IS His people; it's His land that He promised to Abraham. Psalm 105:8 - He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations... A thousand generations? That's about 70,000 years...at least. Out of the destruction a remnant will remain.
The blessings and curses are for all who oppose Israel. Anyone who does not hold God in high esteem nor understands this would be very fine with dividing the land of Israel. Anyone who calls themselves a true Christian must understand that our roots are steeped in Judaism. We cannot say that the Church replaces Israel, nor that Christianity replaces Judaism. It's not about religion but about a relationship with Jesus. He is God. We turn our backs on the Jewish people and Israel, we turn our backs on God. We are either blessed or cursed.
When you have received the truth (when you've received Jesus Christ) it's sometimes hard. The truth is, we have Judeo-Christian roots. Ignorance is not always bliss when it comes to our salvation and our obedience to an Almighty God. Our roots cannot be disputed. Therefore, we should respect and support the nation of Israel because they we are showing respect for God.
This land was promised to Abraham in Genesis 15:7-21. You can read about all the promises to Abraham in this chapter. The land they talked about back then might be hard to identify given what the areas were called at the time, but there are current-day descriptions that can show exactly where these boundaries originally were. Let me add that if God sets rules or boundaries, He abides by them. They are changed today because man changed them...and want them changed. He never changes...His character won't change, His mind won't change, His plan won't change...including blessings and curses.
There is yet another land. God has promised eternal life in the Promised Land to all who seek and receive Him. But that doesn't mean just because we know who Jesus is or we believe that God exists that we will get there. We don't want to miss the opportunity to live in this Promised Land.
Yes, God is going to allow a time when it appears Israel will be nearly be lost as a nation. It means we are closing in on last day events. Israel will not be completely wiped off the map as a people. It will bring about an awakening. It is God Himself who will save His people, according to Zechariah 10:6 -"I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them." God will raise up a remnant of His people at that time.
There is more to happen. This is just the beginning, yet it's revealing the end. Part of God's end time plan is many nations coming against Israel. (Why do we want to be part of that, I ask?) It must happen, however, that His people would be saved by Jesus alone when He comes in that day to save them. There's more on this but it gets complicated. We'll see how things continue...
For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.
(Zechariah 14:2, 12:3)
So well said!
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