October 7, 2023, marked the attack upon the nation of Israel from the terrorist group called Hamas. Hundreds of innocent citizens were killed, and atrocities were committed. Hostages were taken and war was declared by Israel. In 1948 Israel officially became an independent nation. Since then, they have been attacked by the surrounding nations who do not acknowledge their right to exist. This recent attack came 50 years after the war in 1973. Many Americans were killed in this merciless attack. I am glad that America has been a friend to the nation of Israel, and I hope that we continue to be so.
The Jews are God’s chosen people. He made many promises to them. Many of those promises will be fulfilled sometime in the future. When Jesus came fulfilling the role as the promised Messiah, His own people the Jews did not receive Him (John 1:11). The gospel of Jesus death on the cross and His resurrection came to the Jews first.
How should we as Christians view the situation happening in Israel at the current time? First, we should pray for them. The scriptures challenge us in Psalm 122:6 (HCSB): “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you prosper, may there be peace within your walls, prosperity within your fortresses”.
We should pray for a peaceful resolution to this war. We should pray for the families who have lost loved ones and for those who have been taken hostage to have a safe return. We should pray that their enemies would cease their attacks and for peace to be restored. We dare not forget to pray that the Jews in Israel and around the world would recognize Jesus as their true Messiah and come to know Him as their Savior.
We as believers need to stand with and support the nation of Israel. According to God’s Word, He is not done with His chosen people. The scriptures predicted that they would return to the land, which happened in 1948. His Word promises they will also fill a future role in God’s plan for His coming kingdom.