We are in a precarious moment in human history. Around the world countries are in great conflict over the rising force of radical Islam and the power it is exerting over nations' policies, specifically as they relate to Israel. As the nations shake and quake we must be clear on what we believe and why we believe it. Here are five clear reasons why in this critical moment we must stand with Israel and the Jewish people. 1. Every believer is charged to make the Jews a priority in their value system and to render thanksgiving from their hearts for God’s work through them as a people. Romans 9:4-5 says “... who are the Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.” So scripture speaks to us very clearly: we’re dealing with the roots of everything that has to do with the revelation of God to humankind. 2. Our place in God’s present order inextricably links us with the Jews as a people and thereby the land of Israel according to the Word. When we put our faith in the Redeemer who came through the Jews, we enter into a line of those who have trusted God according to His revealed grace and redemptive purpose. 3. God has made unique declarations regarding the land of Israel which have never been rescinded:
Leviticus 25:23 The land is the Lord’s land, and it is His to assign and dispose of: “The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine...
Deuteronomy 32:43 Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people...He will provide atonement for His land and His people.
Ezekiel 38:16 God is speaking to people in the end times who rise up against Israel. God is speaking of a confrontation that will take place in His land. "You will come up against My people Israel...I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you..." 4. Israel’s present conflict is neither by their initiative nor perpetuated by expansionism on their part. The general attitude of the world today regards the Palestinians as the underdog, but Israel is defending the land covenanted to them in 1917 and established by the United Nations Assembly Nov. 30, 1948.
The Palestinian goal is not to secure a homeland but to drive Israel out altogether. For the sake ofmounting public opinion against Israel, surrounding well-resourced Arab nations have never offered refuge to the Palestinians. The majority of the world doesn’t know this, and nobody is bothering to tell them because sympathies are so overridden by other forces. 5.To stand with Israel is not to oppose Arab peoples as an entity or to deny the rights of Arabs living in Israel to peaceful, politically secure, and prosperous lives. God has no disposition against any human being, certainly not Arabs who are the offspring of Ishmael, the other son of His chosen leader Abraham. Standing for Israel doesn’t require an anti-Arab stance and doesn’t require us to be loveless towards other peoples. (Excerpt from “Why Stand with Israel” from Watchmen on the Wall Manual. Click here to order.)
Last week we witnessed an extremely pivotal moment in history. On the sixty year anniversary of the UN’s Partition Plan, calling for independent Jewish and Arab states in Palestine, leaders from approximately 40 nations gathered in Annapolis, Maryland to participate in the Middle East Peace Summit. The resulting “Annapolis Joint Declaration” which was signed by Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas outlines the goal of two separate states of Israel and Palestine “living side-by-side in peace and security” by the end of 2008. The United States will be monitoring the continued negotiations between the two parties over the next year. As sons and daughters of Isaachar who understand the times (I Chron. 12:32), Annapolis is another indication that we are truly living in the last days. We must be watchful and given to prayer in this hour like never before. God always deals with those who touch Israel, the apple of His eye (Zech. 2:8). The United States could face dire consequences for pressuring Israel to give up land for peace. Our prayer must be Lord, “in wrath, remember mercy” (Hab. 3:2). As we approach this New Year, may God anoint each of us with fresh zeal, passion and determination to see His purposes prevail…
Prayer Points:
• Wisdom and discernment for President Bush, his advisors and Condolezza Rice - Scripture: Isaiah 11:2 – 3
• Sound judgment for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Israel’s leaders - Scripture Proverbs 19:21
• Against the division of Israel and Jerusalem to Palestinian control - Scripture Psalm 105:9
• Mercy for America - Scripture Habakkuk 3:2
WHY TEENAGERS ACROSS AMERICA ARE GETTING EXCITED ABOUT ISRAEL XTREME
• Hiking in the Negev Desert, where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tended their flocks
• Climbing the breathtaking Golan Heights, with its flowing rivers, gushing waterfalls and bursting blossoms
• Rafting down the Jordan River
• Special VIP tour of Israel's Knesset in Jerusalem
• Exploring the alleys, tunnels, and rooftops of The Old City of Jerusalem
• Biking the ocean-lined promenade of exciting, modern Tel Aviv
• Spending an evening in a Bedouin tent
• Riding through the desert on a camel
• Bonding with old friends and making new friends of all different cultures, through times of fun, fellowship, worship, and prayer
• Exploring the beauty of The Mount of Olives, where Jesus taught Israel Xtreme July 1-10, 2008 - a life-changing summer adventure in the Holy Land for ages 14-19 yrs. old. For more information visit www.israelxtreme.com
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Eyes & Wings
WHY STAND WITH ISRAEL?
