The Importance of Israel
Scripture Reading:
Genesis 12:2–3 (ESV)
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Romans 11:17–18 (ESV)
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches.”
Psalm 122:6 (ESV)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!”
Welcome:
Israel is not just a distant land marked by ancient ruins and modern conflict. It is the very stage on which the great drama of God’s redemptive story unfolds. From Abraham to Jesus, from the Law to grace, from exile to restoration—Israel matters. And it still matters today.
The world may treat Israel as a geopolitical issue, but to the believer, Israel is a spiritual truth. It is not just a place—it is a promise, a people, and a picture of God’s faithfulness.
Israel as the Chosen People of God
Deuteronomy 7:6 (ESV)
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession…”
God chose Israel not because they were great in number, nor because they were perfect, but because of His covenant love. This choice wasn’t about favoritism—it was about purpose. Through Israel, the Law was given. Through Israel, the prophets spoke. Through Israel, the Messiah came.
As Christians, we do not replace Israel—we are grafted in, as Paul writes. We are invited into the story that began with Abraham and Sarah under the stars. It reminds us that God keeps His promises, no matter how long it takes.
Jesus Came Through Israel—for the World
John 4:22 (ESV)
“You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.”
Jesus, born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, and crucified in Jerusalem, was a Jew. The Savior of the world came through the lineage of David, fulfilling prophecy and bridging heaven to earth. In honoring Israel’s significance, we honor God’s plan for redemption.
It was on Jewish soil that Jesus walked. It was to Jewish people that He first preached. And it is through Israel that we see both the justice and mercy of God illustrated with power.
God’s Faithfulness to Israel Proves His Faithfulness to Us
Romans 11:29 (ESV)
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
Despite Israel’s repeated turning away from God, His covenant never failed. He disciplined them, but He never abandoned them. He scattered them, but He gathered them again. The rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948 shocked the world—but it should not surprise the believer. God keeps His promises.
What does this mean for you and me? It means that if God kept His covenant with Israel through centuries of hardship, then He will keep His Word to us as well. If He can preserve a people against all odds, He can preserve you through your trials.
We Are Called to Bless and Pray for Israel
Psalm 122:6 (ESV)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!”
God invites us to love what He loves. To pray for Israel is not simply a political act—it is spiritual obedience. We should pray for peace in Jerusalem, for salvation to come to all people, and for unity among God’s people—both Jew and Gentile.
It is also a reminder that our salvation is not detached from our spiritual heritage. As Paul reminds us, we are branches grafted into the olive tree. Israel is the root—nourished by the promises of God.
Modern-Day Application:
In today’s world, it’s easy to overlook Israel amid global chaos. But for the Christian, Israel represents something enduring—God’s unshakable faithfulness. As we see nations rise and fall, let us hold fast to the God who never changes.
Pray for Israel. Learn from her history. Understand your connection to her story. And rejoice that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is also your God—ever faithful, ever true.
Closing Scripture:
Galatians 3:29 (ESV)
“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the story of Israel—a story of promises, covenants, discipline, and redemption. Thank You that through Israel, You brought us Jesus, our Savior and King. Lord, give us hearts that honor what You honor. Help us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the salvation of all people.
Remind us through Israel’s journey that You are a promise-keeping God. Let that truth anchor us in our own seasons of waiting, struggle, and doubt. May we walk forward in faith, knowing that You are working even now to fulfill all You have spoken.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.