“And there was great indignation against Israel” II Kings 3:27 Israel always seems to get slammed. In this instance it was because, under the direction of Elisha, they crushed the Moabites. They did what they were supposed to do in obedience to God.
That’s awesome!
But, I am somewhat ambivalent about modern day Israel. Please don’t misunderstand me. I love “Israel” — although, I’m not sure what that really means. This is such a complicated topic of discussion. For sure, I love the “Israel of God.” Galatians 6:16 — “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”
But, how does one define the Israel of God? I believe it refers (as Paul uses it) to those that are truly born-again. Meaning: those who have been adopted by God through faith in the shed blood of Yeshua are the only Israel of God.
Here are some words from the Apostle Paul himself to consider:
Romans 9:3 - “I could wish myself accursed from Messiah for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”
Notice also what he says in Romans 9:6 - “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.”
And then in Romans 10:1 - “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”
So … you conclude.
Back to my ambivalence.
I just happened to hear this mentioned on TV Thursday morning. Here’s an online quote from the UK Telegraph:
“Israel's opposition Labour party has postponed its July primaries by one day to avoid clashing with a Tel Aviv concert by US singer Britney Spears, a senior lawmaker said Wednesday. Former party leader and defense minister Amir Peretz said the Labour leadership fight had been scheduled for July 3 but had been pushed back to avoid clashing with the Britney show on the same date in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park.”
Wait a minute. Let me spin my head back around. WHAT!! What is wrong with these people?!
I’ll tell you.
They are a secular nation that has turned it’s back on Yehovah. There’s no way around this. If they were to read and actually practice the Torah they’d be a totally different nation. They wouldn’t be willing to give away Yehovah’s land for peace. As a matter of fact, their own Scriptures (ours too) forbid them for doing such a thing. But yet, they keep on disobeying God in one form or another.
Well, before I get too high on my self-righteous soap-box — let me pull in some perspective.
The truth be known, I’m not walking on water myself. I have enough of my own fingers pointing back at me. But here’s the difference … Yeshua.
Yeshua is what Paul says his “brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” need. We’re not doing them any favor by side-stepping the issue of Yeshua. He is, and always has been, what they need.
So when we pray for the peace of Israel, let’s remember it’s not military and economical peace they need. They only true peace Israel (nationally and personally) will ever know is to be found in Yeshua.
Even so, come quickly Yeshua.