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"The Apple
of My Eye" "Come," they say, "let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more." With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you - the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to lend strength to the descendants of Lot. Selah Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like refuse on the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, "Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God." Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. Cover their faces with shame so that men will seek your name, o Lord. May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord - that you alone are the Most High over all the world. Psalm 83 It’s a timeless story. Israel has been the center of conflict, attack, persecution, and unrest for thousands of years. Change a few names and this Psalm of David could be the cry of an Israelite today. Not only has Israel been a site of strife, controversy, and intractable conflict geographically, but it has also been a topic for debate and an innumerable number of heated conversations. It would seem that Christians and non-Christians alike have much to say with respect to the land described in the Bible as the “Apple” of God’s eye. There are as many widely ranging points of view as there are stones in the Western Wall of Old City of Jerusalem. There are those who feel that Israel is no longer important to. God because the Jews did not accept Jesus as Messiah. Others point to injustice in the land and claim that the Israelites are unreasonable and that they do not deserve the land we know as Israel. Some chose the politically correct road in support of Middle East “understanding,” and unwittingly support anti-Israel propaganda. Others go to the opposite extreme and consider that a vote for Israel is a vote for God “come what may” - “no matter what.” The Bible, however, is very clear. On no less than two hundred and three occasions throughout the Old and New Testament, God is referred to as the “God of Israel”. Furthermore, God proclaims His covenant relationship with Israel time and time again throughout His Word. He promises that He will not allow Israel to see its end. In the Book of Jeremiah, He pledges to His chosen people, “Therefore fear thou not...O Israel...though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I...will not leave thee altogether unpunished" (Jeremiah 30:10,11). Though God recognizes that His chosen people have not always been faithful, His everlasting love for them is quite clear. He goes on to proclaim in the book of Jeremiah, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city [Jerusalem] shall be built...it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.” Even though we, as dwellers of the Earth may entertain a sundry of notions, opinions, and viewpoints with respect to the nation of Israel, the Bible is very clear regarding God’s mind on the subject. We, as believers, are called to be conformed to His image… conformed to the image of Christ Jesus. We purpose ourselves to be transformed by a perfect God until the promise of salvation is fulfilled in Heaven where we truly will be free from sin and attain perfect fellowship with Him. God loves us so much that He did not leave us guessing as to His nature, His thoughts, His character, or His will for us as His children. We have 66 brilliant books full of teaching, prophecy, exhortation, and history that leave us with a clear understanding of who He has called us to be. Throughout the pages of His word He defines for us His unquestionable point of view on Israel… He loves Israel! Israel is close to His heart! It was not only the center of Messianic history, but it is also the center of the promise for the future … the New Jerusalem. Though Israel has disappointed him time and time again, though His heart has been broken over and over, His love for His people has never failed. Without a doubt, God mandates us to cry out in prayer on behalf of Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem. We are to pray that Israel be graced with the blessings that come from faith in Yeshua and we are to pray and support those who are proclaiming salvation through Messiah. The future of Israel and her people is secure only in and by faith and obedience to the God of Israel. Without the blood of the Lamb upon the doorposts of their hearts, Israel (as are the Gentiles) is destined for judgment. God calls us to support His precious people and to look longingly towards the day of the New Jerusalem when we are united together in His eternal redemption and grace. Heed the call. Romans 10:1-13 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes… “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
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