ISRAEL AT THE CROSSROADS
Once again, we have tension in the Middle East. I remember years ago as a new believer hearing how one day the whole world would focus on Israel and fight against it. I thought, that’s crazy. Why would there be so much focus on such a small country?
And why would the world be against Israel after what they had endured during WWII? That did not make sense.
Millions of Jews were slaughtered, lost their homes, families and their lives. Those who survived found refuge in surrounding countries and had no homes in which to return. Considering what they had suffered, it seemed appropriate for the United Nations to give back their ancient land and provide an opportunity for the surviving Jews to rebuild and start over.
As it was in ancient times, so it is today. Israel is a tiny country smack dab in the middle of powerful nations. God had placed them at the crossroads of the world!!
Now for fun, let’s get a little perspective.
Just one week ago, according to PEW research there are approximately 49-50 Muslim countries where at least 50% of the people claim to be Muslim. How many Jewish nations are there? Only one. Israel is the only country where over 50% of the people claim to be Jewish.
Hmmm…I wonder how many square miles we’re talking about? So, I looked it up.
The combined land of Muslim nations equals about eleven million square miles compared to Israel’s eight thousand square miles. Better yet, let’s compare Israel to one of our states. Which state do you think is about the same size? If you guessed New Jersey, you’re right. Israel is 8,019 square miles while Jersey is a bit larger at 8,719 square miles.
So, what in the world is all this flack about a small country the size of New Jersey being given back their land, when there are approximately 49-40 Muslum nations and only ONE tiny Jewish nation?
This tells me that something else is afoot.
The Bible tells us that we are in the middle of a war and have been since the beginning. It is a war between good and evil. A war between God, the Righteous Creator and Satan along with his emissaries, who left their proper domain because they wanted to be God.
The world is the stage in which this war is fought.
From the very beginning the Tempter enters the Garden and deceives Eve. “You want to be like God? Come eat of this tree, disobey God’s commands and join us!!” Eve is deceived and the beauty and goodness of the world that God created is disrupted leaving guilt, shame and death in its wake.
One huge tally point for the Enemy.
But the Creator God is not caught off guard. He has a plan. A plan which He has put into motion from the beginning and continues to weave throughout world history in which the Enemy will be defeated. His head will be crushed. And the beauty and goodness of the world which God intended will be restored.
Until then, we are in the middle of the story and the middle of the battle!!!
A few thoughts…
- God is the Victor!!
- God has placed Israel at the crossroads of the world between powerful nations for a reason. He is the Sovereign One who establishes boundaries and raises up Kings and nations to accomplish His purposes.
- It seems counterintuitive, if not foolish, to make His nation small and place it between mighty empires. Ahhh, but we see His reasons played out in history!! It is to show that it is by HIS power and not their might that Israel will succeed.
- Today the mighty empires of Assyria, Babylon and Persia are gone but look at who is still here!!
- Lastly, Israel is at the crossroads for a reason. As nations pass through for trade, they are to be an influence for good and a blessing to the world.
Look at the above and see what lessons also apply to us. If we are on God’s side, we are on the winning side, but the battle still rages. Be on the alert and don’t be deceived. God is our Strength, our Might and our Helper. Look to Him for all our battles!! And remember that as it was always God’s intent to bless Israel and through them to do good and bless the world. So, it is with us!!!
How well are you doing?