Israel’s 70th Anniversary: Recognition and Restoration
Why is Israel so important?
What does the Bible have to do with the nations recognizing Israel’s right to exist in the land of Israel, and particularly Jerusalem?
What does the restoration of the Israel have to do with me or the Bible?
These are just a few of the questions many Believers ask… and it’s no wonder. Today, more than any other time in history, the Word of God and its relation to God’s people and Israel is questioned, or for that matter—totally ignored. People don’t know if it’s important at all, or sometimes worse, they don’t view modern Israel in light of biblical Israel, and look at today’s events in the Middle East as simply political.
Yet, how often does the Bible speak of Israel? How often is Jerusalem mentioned? What about God’s people?
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.’”—Isaiah 43:1
Scripture after scripture speaks of the importance of Israel, Jerusalem, and the people of the land.
Scripture after scripture speaks forth ancient prophecies regarding the restoration of Israel, Jerusalem, and of the people. From Genesis to Revelation God’s promises are sealed—Isaiah 43 is one of these beautiful notes of God’s love:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”—Isaiah 43:2
Today we are seeing the scriptures come to life in new ways. The United States of America, after the many false promises of past leadership, has moved its embassy to Jerusalem! Following this move, there have been various levels of outrage and agreement. Many countries are not only agreeing, but they are acting. Guatemala was one of the first, then Paraguay… and soon, given these actions, many others will follow.
“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”—Genesis 12:2-3
Isn’t this political?
On the surface it is, but underneath it’s far from political. It is biblical! The nations are beginning to recognize Israel’s biblical right to the land, specifically to Jerusalem. Not everyone is consciously aware, but they are fulfilling the Word.
“For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.”—Isaiah 43:3
We, the Gentile Believers, have been brought into the fullness of God. Not only to save us from sin and separation, but to let us be a light to the world, to His people, and to bring about the fulfillment of His Word! These predominantly Gentile inhabited nations moving their embassies to Jerusalem—the City of our God—are being that light because of God’s love.
“Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life.”—Isaiah 43:4
Modern Israel has been a nation for 70 years—a mere blink of an eye in God’s eternity—yet the children of Israel have, and still are, returning to the land in greater numbers than were ever imagined. Close to 30,000 Jews arrive in Israel every year via the process of Aliyah, which requires specific documentation to achieve. And more are coming!
Jews are returning from every corner of the world! Even from countries where for years they were trapped, such as Russia, where their faith and hope was tested. They are even returning from prosperous countries such as France where the quality of life is high! They still remember God’s promises; they still have hope in God!
In 2018/5778 Israel boasted well over six million Jews! That is more than the number of Jews lost in the Holocaust! God is truly restoring His people!
“Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth.”—Isaiah 43:5-6
Today the Gentiles of the world are also coming to Israel! God’s grafted-in children are recognizing the importance of Israel, Jerusalem, and the Jews. They are helping restore the land and do their part in the fulfillment of God’s Word.
Just as the nations are moving their embassies to Jerusalem, so the children of God are bringing the people, land, and nation back to life! The nations are gathering together in their belief in God!
“Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him. Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled…”—Isaiah 43:7-9
Israel in this season is engaged in the celebration of 70 years of promise; of the fulfillment of God’s Word. Yet, the work isn’t finished. The Word IS being fulfilled, and many prophecies have come to pass… but there are more. The land is being restored, but TOTAL fulfillment is still to come.
The question of the hour is one that God asks in Isaiah 43:19: ‘Shall you not know it?’
Will we know God’s work? Will we be a part of it?
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.”—Isaiah 43:18-21
It was prophesied not only in Isaiah 43, but also in Ezekiel 36, that Israel would be restored. The land, animals, trees, people; they are all to be restored, renewed, and made beautiful—multiplied through God’s goodness!
70 years ago the land of Israel was desolate, barren, and given to reproach. Today it is being restored and is prophetically thriving! Prophecy is coming to pass. The nations are turning to Israel and saying ‘she is blessed!’
Let us be part of this change! Join us in our Israel’s 70th Project by sponsoring the planting and care of an olive tree in Israel. Let the new thing God is doing come to pass. Let us together with God make a road through the wilderness! Let us recognize and restore the land!
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’”—Psalm 35:27