"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how will you contend with horses; and if in the land of peace they wearied you how will you do in the swelling of Jordan" (ie: in the flood of tragedy or war; editor's paraphrase) Jeremiah 12:5
"Thus says the Lord against all evil neighbors that touch the inheritance which I have caused my heritage Israel to inherit......I will utterly destroy that nation" Jer. 12:14,17
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do ?" Psalm 11:3
"In your patience possess you your souls.And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh" Luke 21:19,20Almost twenty years ago, the former trickle of Christian-Zionists whose hearts God had touched through many generations to "Comfort ye my people", became an ever-widening stream until several thousand Christians go up annually to Jerusalem to worship the King; a foretaste of what Zechariah prophesied some 2500 years ago. In 1996, during the Jewish Succot more than 5000 such pilgrims participated, from more than 100 gentile nations !
Since the first Christian celebration of that "Feast of Tabernacles" in 1979 the flow of Christians demonstrating love and support for the Jewish people and State has caused many Jewish people to witness a different Christian mindset towards God's Chosen People (Exodus 4:22) than in previous times. In this manner at least part of the "body of Christ" has sincerely grasped Paul's injunctions to gentile believers: " that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy" Romans 11:31; and " you gentiles owe it to them to minister unto them in carnal things" Romans 15:27. This change in Christian hearts and thinking is truly a sovereign work of God's grace in our hearts and minds; not a contrived or theological matter !
We have rejoiced with Israel when she rejoiced; and we have wept with her when she wept. Most such pilgrims have had an early taste of heaven while in Jerusalem attending the charasmatic Christian celebration; and many have already inherited the blessing promised by God: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they that love her shall prosper" Psalm 122:6
Knowing the Word of God concerning His faithfulness to us, and to
Israel, we have no doubts as to the final outcome of this wicked world's
conspiracy against God, Israel, Jews, the Church and Christians: we
shall all overcome ! It is already settled in the heavenlies. It was
settled at Calvary, as far as God is concerned, when Jesus gave up his
spirit and cried with a loud voice:
"IT IS FINISHED"; "Now is the prince of this world judged" John 16:11
But it must yet be worked out in flesh and blood; in Israel, and in the true Church of Jesus the Christ.
And this is what is happening as both Israel and the true Church experience increasing opposition, pressure and persecution; worldwide. And as the end of the Last Days of this gentile age approach it shall continue to escalate and intensify. Satan, cast out of the third heaven, (Isaiah 14:12), is still confined to the second heaven (the "prince of the power of the air") Ephesians 2:2; but will soon appear on earth as "the son of perdition" 2 Thes. 2:3; with increasing activity, "knowing his time is short". But, "whom the Lord will consume with the spirit of his mouth; and with the brightness of his coming (returning)" Ephesians 2:8.
The timing is the Lord's. We shall receive the rewards after we have endured with patience. We will not all have the same trials and testings; but the Lord will refine us as silver is refined; for his glory. In the meantime "all things work together for good TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD and are called according to his purpose; that we be conformed to the image if his Son" (Romans 8:28,29).
In the meantime we are: not to be deceived; to watch and pray; to be about our Father's business; above all to remember that " we wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12), but that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much" James 5:16 Elijah was mere flesh and blood too, but his prayers stopped up the heavens for 42 months; and later released the rain so that "the earth brought forth her fruit" James 5: 17,18
If I hear the Spirit rightly, we Christian-Zionists are now called to such prayer for Israel. And such prayer is our ultimate weapon. This truly is the command to us now, from the Spirit of God. All else is secondary. Oh God, help us !
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