REMEMBERING ISRAEL

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’” — Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

Earlier today, I had a great conversation with a friend and ministry leader from Tennessee who recently began working with an organization (CUFI – Christians United For Israel) committed to helping the Church, particularly the next generation of ministry leaders, better understand the significance of Israel and the Jewish people.

We talked about Israel’s history, the challenges the Jewish people have faced, and the importance of maintaining a biblical understanding of God’s purposes and promises concerning them.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have endured tremendous suffering and persecution. Just consider the extreme horrors of the Holocaust, when millions of Jews were murdered. That has to be one of the darkest chapters in human history. But that’s not the only suffering Israel has faced. More recently the people suffered the awful attack of October 7, 2023, when innocent people were murdered and others were taken hostage. Events like these remind us that hatred toward the Jewish people is far from a thing of the past.

Sadly, antisemitism continues to be a troubling reality in our world today. And while much of this hostility has come from outside the Church and our Christian faith, history tells us that some of their mistreatment has come from those who profess to follow Jesus.

Even within the Church, there are differing theological perspectives concerning Israel. Some have come to embrace what is commonly called Replacement Theology, the belief that the Church has replaced Israel concerning God’s covenant purposes and promises.

To be clear, I don’t hold to that position. And, I find it to be destructive on many fronts.

I believe the Church is the Bride of Christ, entrusted with the message of salvation through Jesus. We carry the hope of the gospel to a lost and broken world, a message for everyone, both Jew and Gentile (Romans 1:16). But I also believe that…

God has not forgotten Israel, nor has He abandoned His purposes and promises concerning the Jewish people.

In Romans 11:1–2, Paul asks an important question:

“Did God reject his people? By no means!” (NIV)

Later, in Romans 11:29, he reminds us that God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. Paul also cautions non-Jewish believers against arrogance, reminding them that we’ve been grafted into the olive tree and are supported by its root (Romans 11:17–18).

These passages remind us that God remains faithful to His promises. He always has and always will! So, as believers, we should never forget the Jewish roots of our faith nor the people through whom God brought the Jesus (the Messiah) into the world.

Of course, recognizing God’s continuing purposes for Israel doesn’t mean agreeing with every decision of its government. It also does not diminish our responsibility to love and demonstrate compassion toward all people suffering because of hatred, violence, and war. Every human life has value because every person is created in God’s image.

But it does mean that we should wholeheartedly reject antisemitism. We must continue to take a stand against the mistreatment of Jewish people and recognize that Israel does have a place in God’s redemptive plan.

And as Scripture reminds us, we should pray for them.

Psalm 122:6 instructs us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (NIV)

This isn’t simply about politics, it’s about seeking God’s protection and peace for people who have experienced generations of conflict and suffering. It’s also about praying for everyone affected by the unrest in that region, asking that they might experience the hope and peace found in Jesus.

As I reflected on our conversation, I was personally challenged to be more intentional in remembering Israel in my prayers. It’s easy to become so occupied with our own responsibilities, ministries, and concerns that we overlook the needs of others.

So, here’s my encouragement today: Let’s not forget Israel. Let’s remember the Jewish people, stand against hatred and persecution, and faithfully pray for their peace.

And as we invest in the next generation of believers, let’s help them develop a Godly world-view, a biblical understanding of Israel, and a genuine love for the Jewish people. And may our attitudes and actions reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father, who remains faithful to His promises and desires that all people come to know Him.

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and the promises of Your Word. Help me to be more mindful of Israel and the Jewish people, remembering them faithfully in my prayers. Today, I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and ask for Your protection, comfort, and healing over those who are suffering. Bring an end to hatred and violence, and may people throughout that region come to know the hope and peace found in Jesus. And give me a heart that reflects Your own. Teach me to love others and remember to pray often for the peace of Jerusalem. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.