Why Israel?

For centuries this question has been asked. That which provokes it is the uncanny survival of the Jewish people and their totally disproportionate impact upon the world, given that they are such a small people. This is not only true of the realms of science, technology, arts, medicine and general academics but it is even more true in terms of the reality or religion.

The revelation of God and His redemptive purposes for mankind have not only changed the lives of millions of people from all over the world but they have also become the foundation blocks upon which much of the world has built their civilizations.  This is frequently referred to as the Judeo-Christian ethic.

Naturally, it is impossible to speak of Israel’s impact upon the world without referring to her great, great son Jesus of Nazareth.  His name is known all over the world and millions of Christians continue to draw close to Israel because of Him!  Of a truth, Israel’s impact upon our world is breathtaking in its scope. So, why Israel?

Because her remarkable existence and preservation bears testimony to a remarkable and Living God! This God has revealed Himself to the world through a Jewish document called the Bible and it is this Bible that testifies to Israel’s unique and God-given role in history.  She is the custodian of the oracles of God. (Romans 3:1-2, Romans 9:1-5).

Moreover, her prophets, apostles and sages have given the world a hope and a light that leads to the truth and her son, Jesus, paid the price for a fallen world that effectively opens the door to eternal redemption (Romans 5:1-2). No wonder He said: “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).

Israel’s history has always been a turbulent one. Her unique role and the existence of evil partly explains why this is so. Every time she has been regathered to her ancient homeland, conflict has been the consequence and this conflict, like today’s, has divided people and confused them. However, it is important to see that out of the conflict the redemptive purpose of God was always furthered.
The same is true today. Israel’s return to Zion has ignited a raging conflict. It is through this conflict that Israel will be guided and corrected by God but in the end the nations will be humbled and event he church will be brought to better appreciate and value the role she has played out historically.

Israel exists for the world. The purpose of God was always that through her all nations should and will be blessed. Her modern day restoration, referred to in the book of Acts as the “Restoration of all things” (Acts 13:19-21), will be no different. Just wait and see!

For the present, let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem, bless all peoples with God’s love and ask the question, “Why not Israel?”