In the last days, all nations of the earth will turn against one small state. As this present age comes to a close, the Bible says the whole world will be united by their shared hatred of the nation of Israel.
What are the implications for ourselves? Are we obliged to take sides with Israel now? Are we bound by our faith to line up with the political struggles of the Jewish people, not only because God will rescue their homeland in the end but because God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you”? (Genesis 12:3).
The answer is not what we might think. People of the Bible cannot afford to be caught cursing anyone. We have no reason to choose sides against any people, Jewish, Arab, or otherwise. We are called to be peacemakers, lovers of all, and messengers of a gospel that is blind to national and ethnic distinctions. Our calling is to bless people of all nations by our prayers, concerns, and compassion.
Does this mean we are to have no opinion when Palestinians call for the destruction of the State of Israel? Do we ignore the plight of Arab families whose sons die under the fire of Israeli artillery? No. In all matters, we are to be motivated by issues of justice and compassion. Even as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we have reason to pray for the peace of Damascus, the peace of Cairo, and the peace of Baghdad.
To the extent that we are people of the light, we will be impartial in our love for all people, while knowing that there is no other nation on earth like the nation of Israel. While being one of the smallest countries in the world, she is one huge national museum of theology. Her antiquities are stage and props in an unfolding drama of ethics, philosophy, and history. Her land is a battlefield for the war of the gods.
But what is even more important is to recognize that God has a plan for Israel. It is not just a matter of past history or present survival. The Scriptures tell us that there will come a day when God will reveal His Son to Israel, and they will look upon Him whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10). They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and their mourning will turn to joy as they recognize Him as their Messiah.
This future recognition will be a turning point not only for Israel but for the whole world. The prophets tell us that the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3). The nations will come to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, in Jerusalem, and His kingdom will extend over the whole earth (Zechariah 14:16-19). This is the future that awaits Israel and the world.
As we consider these things, let us remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the nations. Let us ask God to hasten the day when His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven, and when the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
And then, to understand the Bible’s answer to the problems of our own personal identity, listen carefully to its message about a life-changing relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, a relationship that is built upon the realization that He alone has offered a Sacrifice adequate to pay for the worst of our sins, that He alone is willing to forgive as a gift, in exchange for the simple offer of our own surrender and trust.
