Why Should We Care About Israel?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

We just passed the third anniversary of the horrific, cowardly attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Some may ask, “Why should we care about Israel? Why does it matter to us what happens over there?”

As Christians, we are connected to Israel. Our Christian heritage began in Israel. We are all one in Christ (for those that believe). If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29 NKJV)

Jesus died to break down the dividing wall of Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 14:14-17), but that doesn’t mean the present-day church has replaced Israel. Jesus came to save the entire world (John 3:16).

Those who bless and love Israel will be blessed in return (Genesis 12:3). Not because God loves them more than He does anyone else, but because Israel is where Jesus came from. To curse Israel is to curse God’s Son.

But you know what? In the middle of this bad news, the Bible says Israel will prevail. They will not be pushed into the sea as their enemy so desires. No matter how bad it gets or looks, the land of the Bible will continue until Jesus comes back.

Here are 5 ways we can pray for Israel:

1. Pray for the government of Israel to make the right decisions.

2. Pray for Israel’s military.

3. Pray for the safety of cities, and that further attacks can be thwarted.

4. Pray that America will help our ally and fulfill our promises to this nation.

5. Pray that Israel will turn to the God who saves.

I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to Yahweh’s house!” Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem; Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together; where the tribes go up, even Yah’s tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to the name of Yahweh. For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of David’s house. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They will prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces. For my brothers’ and companions’ sakes, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” (Psalm 122 WEB)

This war is labeled by commentators as having a political cause. This conflict is spiritual. We do need to fight the physical war, but we need to know the spiritual cause behind it. The devil hates Israel because God formed that nation to bring His Son to the world. This is why there is so much anti-Semitism on the earth. Some people hate Israel and don’t even know why.

We can put on our spiritual armor and fight the real enemy who is behind these kinds of attacks.

Ephesians 6:10 tells us, Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

We can stay stable in our own relationship with the Lord by knowing who we are in Christ; by living in the righteousness that He died to give us; by not diluting the Word and by walking in truth.

It is easy to look at world events and be afraid. America has experienced terrorist attacks too. We may not know the future, but we know the One who does. We should not live in fear but look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. (Zechariah 14:9 KJV)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

What are your thoughts? Join the conversation.