Israel’s Mysterious Allure
It’s amazing how the world is drawn to Israel. Political, technological, and military developments in the Holy Land, no matter how small, routinely make worldwide headlines.
It’s no secret that international news outlets allocate a disproportionate amount of time to cover Israel. Yet, numerous incidents of bloodshed, uprisings, and warfare occur daily throughout the world without generating so much as a media soundbite.
Why are they so drawn to Israel?
Though the unsaved world can’t answer this question, many Bible-believers can: It’s a “spiritual matter.” Israel is home to the largest population of Jewish people on Earth, and it is the land to which Christ, at His second coming, will return as King.
Jerusalem will be the spiritual and physical capital of His Millennial (1,000-year) Kingdom, and the city of His throne. Israel is so precious to God that the prophet Zechariah writes, “… for whoever touches you [Israel] touches the apple of my [God’s] eye” (2:8).
Though Israel and the Jewish people are in a time of discipline for unbelief (in the Lord Jesus), God has by no means cast them away; not even close. There is a growing and thriving remnant of Jewish (Messianic) believers (including this writer) actively and effectively evangelizing their Jewish brothers and sisters for Christ.
Having said that, the nation of Israel as a whole, at this time, is not functioning as the conduit which God had originally intended for them to be in bringing the message of salvation to the world. The Gospel is indirectly demonstrated through the sheer fact Israel exists, but the nation – aside from the believing remnant – is not active in sharing the Gospel.
But let’s be clear. In no way does this mean God is finished with Israel or has rescinded His love and promises to it. Nor, as certain camps of Christian theology teach, has Israel become a metaphor and allegory for the Church. Rather, Israel is still very much in God’s plan, and He will unequivocally fulfill all of His promises to it at the end of the age when He redeems it (the remnant).
The Jews are still God’s Chosen People.
Presently, the Church is the conduit for world evangelism. But this crucial truth should never be a reason for accepting the poisonous teaching of “Replacement Theology” – the belief that the Church has “replaced” Israel. The Church has not taken Israel’s place in God’s affections. Israel is still the apple of God’s eye, and for this reason, Israel should matter to believers.
David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since. David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website.
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