Contrary to the view that God is done with the nation of Israel and has replaced it with the church, the Bible actually makes it clear that God has not rejected His people Israel whom He foreknew, and admonishes us against any such presumption (read Romans 11). We are rather given a very direct instruction in Scripture to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, i.e. Israel (Psalm 122:6). This has got nothing to do with the politics of our day, or God preferring one race over the other – for the Bible says “…..God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34-36). Rather this instruction has got everything to do with God’s plan of salvation for all mankind. Let’s examine the Scriptures some more to see why this prayer point is crucial, even in our day.
Abraham’s obedience to God earned Him these blessings: “By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed….. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (Genesis 22:16-18). From Abraham came Israel, and through these descendants of Abraham, God decided to make good the promise He gave to Abraham. Even so, it was unto Israel that the oracles of God (the very words of God) were entrusted (Romans 3:1-2). From Israel came the patriarchs (fathers of our faith) and from them (Israel), according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God (Romans 9:5). From Christ, the good news, which is the power of God that brings salvation came to everyone who believe, first to the Jew, and the gentile (non-Jew).
Indeed, those through whom the blessings (and salvation) came to all the nations, did indeed first partake of the blessings themselves. Even so, at present a spirit of stupor (and of slumber) has fallen over Israel, because of their unbelief so that they have eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear – and they believe not in the Messiah (Romans 11:8-9; 20). Israel has stumbled, but their stumbling is not so they will fall but even through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, that they would be made jealous to return to their Saviour (Romans 11:11). For a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and when all the fullness of the Gentiles has come in into the kingdom of God, all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:25-26). This does not mean that there are not individuals now in Israel that are saved, but Israel as a nation, collectively do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord. But the promise of their being grafted back in into the true vine, the Lord Jesus Christ, still stand sure, and it shall come to pass (Romans 11:23-24).
Until then, we the body of Christ, has a duty to pray for Israel; for its peace and to see the promise of God’s salvation break out in all Israel. As the Scripture says, For if their (Israel) rejection (or falling away) brought reconciliation (salvation) to the world (gentiles), what will their acceptance (turning to God) be but life from the dead? (Romans 11:15). So we are admonished, “But if some of the branches (Israel) were broken off, and you (gentiles), being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree (Israel), do not be arrogant toward the branches (Israel); but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you (Romans 11:17-18).
Even so, in Christ, we are all concluded to be descendants of Abraham – spiritual Jews (Galatians 3:29). Let us heed the command of the Lord not to be arrogant towards our spiritual heritage, and habitually pray for Israel. For those who love Israel prosper (Psalm 112:6).
To be continued…
-Kwadwo Omari
© 2015