On the evening of October 3, the nation of Israel welcomed in the Jewish New Year. Celebrating it, we joined with them, dipping apple slices in honey and wishing one another shana tovah v’metuka – a year that is good and sweet.
The meaning of this simple-sounding salutation runs far deeper than the outwardly corresponding “Happy New Year!†we Gentiles ritually wish upon one another at the end of every cycle of the Gregorian calendar.
For the Jewish people, as exaggerated as it may sound, there has hardly been a single year in the last 2000 when this nation, as a nation, has had it good and sweet.
Take almost any day on any calendar year since AD70 and you will find somewhere, some Jew, having been afflicted simply because he or she was a Jew.
This was true during the centuries when the Jews’ land lay desolate – its people scattered across the face of the earth.
It has been true every year since the return of the Jews to their land. And it has been true through the last 14 years of the “peace process,†including the year that just ended for them.
Perhaps it is because their history has been so saturated with suffering that all Jews, everywhere, live in constant anticipation of the biblically-promised day of national redemption – a day when Israel will no longer be the tail among the nations of the earth, but will be elevated back to its once-held position – at the head.
It’s been about three millennia since Israel enjoyed that place of honor, during the reign of King Solomon, the first son of David.
In that era, Israel was the known world’s ranking superpower. More an emperor than a king, Solomon had kings ruling under him, his dominion spanning the entire area of the divinely-promised land.
World leaders made state visits to Jerusalem, where they marveled at Solomon’s wisdom and at the visible signs of his abundant wealth. They gazed awestruck upon the magnificent temple erected to the God of this powerful nation.
Israel’s Defense Forces were mighty, unchallengeable. But while his father David had been a man of war, Solomon did not need to conduct a single military campaign. For the duration of his rule the nation of Israel enjoyed the fruits of real peace and prosperity. Every man lived under his vine and under his fig tree, with no one to make them afraid.
Solomon’s reign marked the high point in Israel’s history. Under David’s first son, peace came to the Middle East. His death, however, tipped the nation into strife, division, war and, ultimately, exile.
From that day to this, the Jews have been waiting for the Messiah to come.
As a Christian growing up in a Bible-believing family, when we welcomed in “our†New Year we would often ask ourselves: Could this be the year when Jesus will return?
Across the ages and around the world, God-fearing Jews have had a very similar question on their minds as countless burning eyes searched for the coming of Messiah, the arrival of the Son of David who, with his coming, would redeem them out of all their troubles. Could this be the year?
In the scene from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,†when the Jews of Anatevka are commanded to leave their homes and village, one of them asks: “Rabbi, we have been waiting for the Messiah all our lives. Wouldn’t this be a good time for Him to come?â€
To which the Rabbi replies: “We’ll have to wait for him someplace else.â€
In 1917, Jerusalem resident Rivka Amdursky-Buxbaum witnessed the arrival in the Old City of the conquering British General Sir Edmund Allenby. She recounts:
“They opened the great gate [Jaffa Gate] for him, which was always closed. But on that day it was wide open. When I saw him I thought that perhaps, it was the Messiah – so respectable, so upright and handsome. People cheered and applauded. We knew that redemption had come. How we yearned to be redeemed.â€
This yearning and anticipation grew as events continued to pave the way for the rebirth of the Jewish national home.
Max Nurdock, Secretary to British High Commissioner Sir Herbert Samuel, has spoken of the Messianic fervor ignited by Samuel’s arrival in the Land of Israel on July 1, 1920. The first High Commissioner for Palestine disembarked at the Port of Jaffa wearing a white uniform, with a gleaming sword strapped to his waist.
“My breath, even today, stops, when I think how that scene looked,†Nurdock said decades later. Crying and shouting Jews could be seen behind every window lining the narrow streets, and in the streets themselves, which were spread with carpets and lined with flowers and flags.
A few days later, the day after the 9th of Av when Jews had been mourning the destruction of their temple 1850 years before, as Samuel walked through the Old City of Jerusalem on his way to synagogue, “people felt that the days of the Messiah had come.â€
Samuel stood up in the Hurva Synagogue to read the heart-stirring passage in which Isaiah the prophet proclaimed: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.â€
“In that golden moment,†said Nurdock, “the Jews inside the synagogue and all who knew of it outside, felt that the hour of redemption had come.â€
It is vividly clear that the process of redemption has been underway since the Spirit of God first began moving Jews to immigrate to the Land of Israel in the mid-1800s.
Major milestones along this Redemption Road have included the rise of political Zionism under Theodore Herzl, Great Britain’s liberation of Palestine from the Turks, the issuing of the Balfour Declaration and its subsequent international ratification at the 1920 San Remo Conference, the ongoing immigration as Nazism arose in Europe, the Holocaust, the liberation of the death camps, the UN vote partitioning Palestine in 1947, and the declaration of Israel’s independence in 1948.
As every Jew in Israel will acknowledge, redemption did not come completely with the rebirth of Israel. Not a day of peace has been savored by the Jews since 1948. They are back in their land, but redemption still eludes them.
Wars have threatened Israel very decade since 1948. Terrorism continues to ravage the country. This past year has seen the “disengagement†implemented – the dragging out of their homes once again (this time by a Jewish government) of thousands of Jews who may not live in part of their promised land purely because they are Jews.
Full redemption will come. As surely as their physical return to the Land of Israel literally fulfilled the ancient prophecies of that return, so too will be realized the prophecies about the coming of the Son of David, Who will take up His place on the throne of David on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, finally redeeming Israel.
The government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1:33)
Stan,
How these words brought tears to my eyes! Tears for the world that does not know G-d, and tears of hope despite it all, for Israel.
If Jesus were here right now, I have no doubt His anger at how the Jews are being treated in Israel would be only matched by His compassion them as well. Our hope IS in the Lord, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus. Amen
Superbly written. Astoundingly correct. Even so, Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Excellent article, thanks !
just for the record stan the old south african government stood with and supported israel even when israel voted against us. our new order are very content with their support for terrorists in the middle east. remember the worse it looks the better it gets. the God of israel neither slumbers or sleeps. praying for the peace of jerusalem
Stan - How privileged you are to stand where you stand!.
LORD, hasten the day -
when Israel’s eyes will at last be opened;
when her enemies will lick the dust of her feet;
when the nations will acknowledge the God of Israel;
when the borders of Israel will encompass all the Land ceded to her by Divine decree.
When finally, Jerusalem will come into her inhertance as the City of Peace, because the Sar Shalom Himself will reign in the midst of her.
Thank you Stan, for the timely reminder; I think many of us were beginning to despair, too, as we watch the enemy’s plans for Israel unfolding before our eyes.May His blessing be on you.
Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai!
How beautiful are the feet of those carrying the good news of the Lord our God. As I type this reply to your wonderful story, tears are streaming down my face because of the longing I feel for the return of our Messiah. How I so desire to see Him come and save Israel. How I desire to see Him show Himself strong among the nations by defending Israel and destroying the worldly powers.
How I long to stand side by side with my Jewish brothers and comfort them. Their God is my God and their people are my people. It saddens me when I hear of the reports of Christian missionaries being persecuted in Israel, because we are one family……..then Family of God. Yet, I know that the scales will fall from their eyes and their ears will be unstopped just as happened to the Apostle Paul.
If the Lord allows me to come to Israel I would gladly suffer indignation or more at the hands of my Jewish brothers. I would not be proud or boastful or tell them that they are lost without Jesus. I would tell them of God’s family and how when the Messiah returns that Jews and Christians will be more close than blood brothers. I would tell them not to listen to those Christians who tell them that the Messiah is returning to bring judgement on them. He is coming to save all of them….the whole of Israel.
By faith, I can see the Day of His return even now. The joy of Israel and the Church will be made complete by our unity in the Messiah. My soul longs for that Day as a person in the desert longs for cool water.
Thank you, Stan, and the other Christian Zionists who are bringing the message of hope to Israel. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob bless you and yours.
Jamie
Thanks for the interesting article. I am an avid Bush supporter and I know that he really wants to do right by Israel. I am not sure that he knows how under the immense pressure that he deals with every day. PRAY for him to stand with Israel. PRAY for Christians, Arabs, and nations to realize that Israel is eternally the place of Jesus. Pray constantly and there will be a change in the minds and hearts of people. Not all of course, but many.
Here is the peace that passes all understanding Stan. That there is a hope and a promise for Israel. Thankyou for sharing the panorama of views and holding fast.
Is harold talking about Rhodesia as far as the old Govt. of South Africa?
Yes they were a rare and precious democracy. Gone now to the communists.
The Hope of Israel is in those who wait to see the fulfillment Promise of Messiah….Don’t trade that hope for anything.
RIGHT ON, MAY THE G-D OF ISRAEL COME QUITE! LOVE YOUR ARTICALS THANK YOU
Sorry Stan, You write well, beautifuly in fact but I am one who reads these pages to seek truth and enlightenment. You delivered neither just more dogma and half truth. When will people realize that the primary cause of Islamic terrorism in the world today IS because of the mistreatment of the Palestinian people. Go back in history and see that there was no violence until Zionism raised it ugly head and began to displace the peoples who have as much right to the land as do the jews. To see the Jewish right to a homeland in Palestine as an exclusive one is to deny other people their rights. Stop the occupation, return stolen property and grant the right to return to those who also call this holy place home. Then you will see peace. Oh and the Jews and Christians are not the only people who await the Messiah. Yes, Islam is waiting his return as well.
I too am a George Bush supporter, however a tree is known by it’s fruit. I do not believe that anyone born of the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, could in any way do anything to hurt or harm the Jewish people or the nation of Israel.
“Beware that no “man” deceives you.”
Jeshua Hamashia spoke through Johaness” : Yes I will come quickly, but He also told: “when the Son of Man will come if He will see the faith on this Earth? I long also so I cry everyday: “Jeshua lokeah ani ba bait sheli la shamaim”. Keep well. Shabbat Shalom! Romantijezeer, Polin
MY LORD I HUMBLY BOW BEFORE YOU ASKING YOU TO FORGIVE OUR PRESIDENT BUSH FOR HE KNOWS NOT WHAT HE IS DOING. ISRAEL WILL ALWAYS SERVIVE, GOD WILL SOON STAND BETWEEN HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE AND THEN ALL THE WORLD WILL KNOW HE IS KING OF KINGS, AND “THE GREAT I AM”
MY LORD KEEP OUR DEAR FRIENDS SAFE IN THE SHELTER OF YOUR HAND.
Only when the majority of the Jews on the planet cry out to thier God will there be any change from the status quo. He will surely hear when they do , and not be slow to answer IMHO
“And Lord haste the day, when by Faith I shall SEE; the clouds be rolled back as a scroll….The Trumpets shall sound, and THE LORD SHALL DESCEND….even so IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!!!”
This is the cry of all we who believe. We see evil on every corner, and yet we know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and of Jacob is completing His line. There will be two sides: Those for the Jewish People and the Land of Israel never being divided….and those who fiendishly clap their hands and rejoice at the very prospect of total and complete destruction of the Land of Israel and all Jewish People.
GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED!!! HE WILL ARISE AND DO BATTLE WITH THE ENEMIES OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE AND THEIR BELOVED LAND. THE HOLY LAND—THE LAND OF GOD’S DELIGHT….NOT THE LAND OF MAN’S DELIGHT—-BUT THE LAND OF GOD’S DELIGHT!
The battle lines are drawn: people all around the world are taking sides! Many who have long “played church” will be brought low….GOD IS NOT MOCKED. All who have their hand in dividing the land of Israel WILL BE BROUGHT LOW—-SHAME AND REPROACH WILL COVER THEM!!! THEY CANNOT ESCAPE GOD’S WRATH…..HE WILL COME WITH A VENGEANCE AND HE WILL PREVAIL OVER HIS ENEMIES, FOR HIS ENEMIES ARE THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL.
The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is HERE with us for this time. We who are Believers, grafted into the olive branch, must look UP—our HOPE comes from the LORD. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ISRAEL NOR FORSAKE HER….DRAW NEAR TO MESSIAH BELOVED JEWS IN ISRAEL AND AROUND THE WORLD, AND WATCH GOD WORK……YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH…..
If you know anyone who does not love the Jewish People, and who does not really care what happens to them and their Land, pray for them, that they may get right with the Lord Jesus Christ—MESSIAH! Their time is running out…
Even so, COME Lord Jesus!!!
Israel doesn’t stand alone. There are believers all around the world who support Israel, who will give G-d no rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in all the earth, until He restores the borders of Israel to what HE set them to be.
It is so sad to see the nations gathering against Israel, and to know that America has cut aid to Israel because of the war in Iraq. The President has made and is making a grave mistake, and America will be punished; those who support this two-state “solution” will come to see the error of their ways.
May the L-rd have mercy on us, and open blind eyes to see the Truth of His Word.
My prayer is always for the Peace of Jerusalem, God almighty will never leave the Jews alone, He will always be with them and us christians as well, and to whoever will trust Him. May we all pray for Israel and Jerusalem in Particular. thnks
The people of isreal is bless by god so any one dealing with them have to be very careful .because GOD WILL NOT forsake his people
The Lord said that He will suffer the division of His land. Whatever we may think as humans, we must remember that He said that. He cast out the Jews for sin, but now that they are back, still in unbelief except for a minority, He will NOT allow the division. If it occurs, if false peace then comes from that, wrath will then come.
Pray for Jeshua to come soon and bring real peace to all who survive the coming war, and even those who do not survive, in Heaven.
Sorry, wrong quote from the Bible–the Lord will NOT suffer the division of His land. I am so upset by this that I write wrong.
I have decided….I stand with Israel….Maranatha
I stood where you are standing just a month and a half ago. I wept for the City of David and felt a frustration so deep, that more do not know the truth and will not stand for this City and this Country. I STAND…….even if my Country does not.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will soon let all know whose land this is.
Hear the word of the LORD…”O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, TILL YE SHALL SAY, BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.” Matt. 23:37-39.
I will pray for you Tom, David makes a very good point.about Bush.I pray that Pres.Bush’s eyes is opened to the truth. Stan, this is an excelent article,I hope to see you in November,Shalom
Tom if Palestianians really want peace and prosperity why did they trash GAZA after the Jews Left? Look at Palestine before 1949 when it was in the hands of the British Mandate why didnt they attempt to drive out the occupyers then? Look at Israel after 1949 till now. Israel is very productive. only in the hands of the Jews 60 years and now look at what they have done.http://www.Israel21c.org nuf said.
Not one word about Jesus. Hey Stan, it’s ALL about Jesus.
Please do not lump all Christians together as just backing Israel as a part of their Christianity. I love Israel as much as you do. As did my father, and grandfather. My grandfather visited Israel in the early 60’s as I hope to do one day. He loved Israel and passed that down through our family. And I am now passing it down. I weep for Israel. Awhile back I read what you had to say about Israel and the trib. At first I was excited (and yes a little scared for my family to think we would have to go through the trib), but excited that Israel wouldn’t have to go through this. I started reading and studying this, but I could not find this. I called my father and could not stop weeping for Israel. He reminded me that though Israel is Gods chosen and loved people, they would not choose Him. And just like the fate of ALL who will not choose Him, there is a consequence. It made me want to go right now to tell them and beg them to know that their Messah has come and will come again. You are already over there. There house is on fire. Please tell them, warn them. I know you do not believe this, but what a HUGE mistake you will have made if you are wrong about this. I stand with Israel, and I pray that if God gives me the chance, I will have the courage to tell them that if they die tonight and have not accepted Jesus Christ, Yeshua, they are headed for hell. The same as any person on this earth. John 14:6 I wish you were right. I believe that they have suffered enough, but I am not God.
Jennifer Blankenstein
Jennifer,
You have recognized something that has bothered me for some time. It is the lack of pointing to Messiah and the lack of preaching of repentance for all peoples. I have been reading Stan’s post for several years, and I appreciate his effort and his insight. He is a fantastic writer, and I agree with him on numerous occasions. However, he and his associates apparently do not believe that the Jewish people need to recognize Messiah to be saved. They also do not believe that the people with suffer any longer. The reference is Is. 40:1-2.
I listened to a message of theirs from the recent trip to the US. The comment was drilled home that the people had been decimated twice in the past by a 1/3 reduction in the nation, and that there was nowhere in Scripture that supported a third 1/3 reduction. I suggest reading Ezekiel 21 (particularly vs. 14). See also, Psalm 80 (vs.5 in particular). Finally, see Ezekiel 5: 1-12. The prophet divides his hair three times, and each division receives a different punishment. Only a remnant is saved.
Here is where I differ with many people who post here. I believe that the “church†(professing “Christiansâ€) will also see the judgment of the Holy One. There is no pre-tribulation rapture. However, we will NOT see His ultimate wrath (we are not appointed to wrath – 1 Thess. 5:19), but we will see tribulation (John 16:33, also the message to the “overcomers†in the first few chapter of Revelation). We will ALL see His judgment come upon the earth. The Jewish people must recognize Him and repent (Zech. 12:10ff), but the “church†must repent of their apostasy and recognize their Jewish savior as well (Zech. 8:20-23).
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is a covenant keeping God. He has not abandoned His people Israel (Romans 11). He will draw them to Himself. They will recognize Messiah, just as the gentiles, who are saved and grafted into the nation of Israel. BUT, ALL must come in REPENTANCE. ALL must have a heart to know Him, evidenced by the obedience of His commands. ALL will be saved by grace, through faith in Messiah AND will display their faith by obedience (James 2:14-26).
You may not be able to read this post, if Stan rejects it. If that occurs, I hope that he and his associates will at least read it and prayerfully consider the case provided with Scripture. If I have erred in any representation of the Scriptures, I humbly ask anyone to provide me with proper reproof and correction by Scripture, and not man’s traditions.
Sincerely,
David
I would like to address a couple idea in the comments.
First, Islam is not awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Islam is a perversion of Judaism and Christianity. Muslims will tell you that Jesus was a great prophet and even that He was born to Mary, but they do not accept Him as the Son of the Living God. Islam is a strange religion that has one scripture that says to love the people of the book (Jews and Christians), then in other verses followers are admonished to kill them.
Judaism in its present form does not accept Jesus as the Messiah or Son of God. However, Israel are still God’s people and He tells us in scripture that blindness and deafness to the Messiah have come on them for the benefit of the gentiles. However, this blindness and deafness will be lifted from their eyes as is shown in the prophets. Paul speaks of Israel being saved after the fullness of the gentiles have come to Jesus.
I can not speak for Stan, but what I have heard from him is not that he believes that Israel is reconciled to God through means other than Jesus Christ, but that Israel is God’s chosen people and at an appointed time He will open their eyes to the truth. There is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. I do not think that Stan believes otherwise. But, those of you who believe that Israel will not be saved unless they embrace Jesus now must search the scripture and find the truth. They will embrace Him as He comes to save them. He will return as a Mighty Warrior, defending Israel.
Those of you who are concerned for Israelis who die now must understand that Jesus went to Sheol, the holding place of the dead, and preached the Gospel. This is shown in Peter’s writings. Now it can be argued that he only preached to those who had died up until His coming, yet we know that God is not limited by time and space and that those who die before the second coming of the Son of God step outside of time as we know it. I will not presume to claim one way or the other as correct, but simply mention it for food for thought and consideration. Why would God place blindness upon them and then hold them accountable? Jesus said to the Pharisees that they would not have been guilty if they had been blind, but that because they did see that their guilt was upon them.
Let me clarify, anyone who claims that the muslim god, Allah, is the same as the Father or Jesus is [b]wrong[/b]. The Quran and the Holy Bible are completely at odds on most any subject you can consider. There is only one way to the Father and that is through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
this response is directed to Tom…I am happy to tell you that the messiah that islam awaits is NOT the same Messiah that is coming to save Isra’el..also ware were the “Palestinian people” prior to the 6 day war/Isra’el?..Who are the Pal people they are refugees from the surrounding Arab nations that were told to leave the land prior to the attack on Isra’el-since then NO Arab country has allowed them entry back only Isra’el has given them a place to live..lets face it the lie has been told and believed becuase the world has a short memory..Yeshua is the ONLY answer for every Jew,Christian,and Gentile…sorry Islam is NOT the answer…keep praying for the Muslims to come to the tuth of the Bible..and the forgiveness of Yeshua Ha Mashiach!!!–love to hear from you Tom
Thank you Stan for an excellent article. And thanks to most of you here for your comments as well. Although I cannot agree with Tom, writing about the so-called “Palestinians, I also cannot hate him or feel any disgust for him because of his comments. He too is blind to God’s Truth. Jesus WILL in fact return again and all Jewish eyes will be opened to HIS Truth, and NOT the temporary doctrines of mankind.
As the Bible has been verified by many scholars world over, for many years, only a fool would deny it was inspired by the One, True, Living God. And may HE have mercy on all who still disbelieve.
God Servant, and Stan; I agree with you whole heartedly, I hope someone can point out clearly to Tom that the “Palistinians” were invented by Mr Yasser Arafat and that HaShem’s Word is literal and infallible.
Blessings! A beautiful and bold commentary. Yes, I fell it also …soon, very soon.
[...] From the Jerusalem Watchman If you are interested in what is happening in Israel this Days of Messiah is a good article to read. I am not pleased with how the world is treating Israel, especially the US as I thought that we did support their right to be an independent nation in their homeland. I guess my history is not what it should be and I need to do some reading up on this issue. [...]
Thank you for the article, it was beautiful. I just wanted to let you and all your readers know, that there is much prayer for the Jews and all of Isreal from their christian friends here in America. My heart goes out them and their families.
But the same enemy that is after them, is after us. But He who is in us is stronger than he who is in the world. Come quickly Lord Jesus and may the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob bless you.
God has always been for Israel. Even in times of punishment, the Father has always had a plan of restoration for them. From the time God called out Abram from his home in Ur until now, His mighty hand has been upon the “Apple of His eye”. In Him all the promises are “Yes” and “Amen”. The actions of man cannot change or delay what God has set into motion for Israel. No gevernment, no single one man, not even Pres. George W. Bush can thwart the plans of the Almighty, The great “I AM”!!!!!!!
Shalom Stan and all who have posted
Stan I love your words above . I know they are from your heart , a heart that has a love for Israel that only the God of Israel can bestow . Thank you.
For those of you who think that Stan does not stand for repentance or turning to Yeshua, you are sadly mistaken. Although I disagree with Stan on a few points , I can tell you his heart is right . And the heart issue is the most important issue in God’s eyes…. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Now as to the salvation promised to the Jews by the God of Isreal , how many saved there will be, how He will do it, I do not know. I do know that God will redeem his people . The details are not up to us but to God. We must trust Him Neither the Muslims, nor the UN , nor the roadmap, nor any other power has any chance against the mighty God of Israel. He will prevail. Jesus Christ, The Lion of the tribe of Judah, is the God of Israel. When Israel is saved, we do know that they will turn and accept Yeshua as their Messiah. This of course means they will have repented. Let us trust God and pray for the Peace of Jerusalem to return and redeem …. Even so come !
Shalom Jeremy