The story of Israel can be traced all the way back to Genesis. God made a covenant with Abraham (in Genesis 17) that he would give him many descendants (aka Israel), and that the land of Canaan (aka Gaza, West Bank, Jordan) would be their inheritance. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s promises were realized as he delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and ushered them through the wilderness to the land of Canaan.
Even though God did miraculous things for Israel, they still had a propensity for rebelling against God. So because of Israel’s rebellion, God designed a plan that would allow for anyone, Jew or Gentile, to be reconciled to God. Jesus became the broken branch that would allow for Gentiles to be grafted into God’s family. And now God’s covenant to Israel has been extended to all who come through Jesus. So while everything that was promised to Israel can now be true of the church, there is still a Jewish story that is unfolding today.
Now that we are in a new covenant, how should Christians view Israel? Does Israel still have any significance in the church age? Paul addresses some of this in Romans 11 which was clearly written after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Here are some interesting points that Paul brings out for the way we should view Israel today:
1. God has not rejected Israel
“I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.”
Romans 11:1
God’s invitation for Gentiles to join his family was not a rejection of Israel. He didn’t replace Jews for Gentiles; he simply opened the door for Gentiles that was already open for Israel.
2. Because Israel stumbled, we have salvation
“Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.”
Romans 11:11
In many ways, Israel was like the older brother who learned lessons the hard way. They were the trailblazers who were cut by the thorns of rebellion, and because of their sins, Jesus came to make a way for us.
3. Israel’s repentance will lead to revival in the church.
“For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”
We’ve all seen how a movement in a college can spark a flame that spreads. But can you imagine what would happen if the people of Israel had a revival? If their rejection resulted in the reconciliation of the world, imagine what would happen if they repented.
4. God is able to restore Israel to the church again
“And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.”
Romans 11:23
When God opened the door to the Gentiles, he was not giving up on Israel. God is a patient God. For thousands of years, Israel followed a pattern that looked something like this: sin, apathy, rejection, desperation, repentance. God has used Babylon, Assyria, and other enemies to bring Israel to repentance in the past. He can certainly do the same through Hamas and Palestine.
5. Israel will be saved
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.””
Not only CAN God save Israel, but he WILL save Israel. One of the last things that will happen before Jesus returns is a massive change of heart from Israel toward God. Israel has rejected Jesus as Lord and Savior; but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Does this mean every single person in Israel will be saved? Only God knows the answer to that question.
6. Israel is loved by God
“As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.”
Romans 11:28-31
God’s love for his people has never changed. He’s been angry by their rebellion, but it has never undermined his love. His relationship to Israel is like a father of a rebellious son. He might be disappointed and disconnected, but his love always has hope.
7. God will have mercy on Israel just as he’s had mercy on all believers.
“Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”
Any person who has received the grace of God through faith understands with gratitude the unbelievable gift we’ve been given through Jesus. Because of our rebellion, and because of Israel’s rebellion, we were given mercy. Israel, because of their prolonged rebellion, will also experience one day the unbelievable gift of God’s mercy.
8. God’s justice is beyond understanding
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
We all have a sense of justice that activates when we process all of these things about Israel. “What about this?” Or “what about that?” We can begin to question the justice and fairness of God. Is it really fair to Israel? Is it fair to Palestine? Is it fair to us? Yes. God is just. And his justice is beyond our understanding
So how should the church view Israel? If Christians are adopted children of God, then Israel is like a wayward older brother. We should pray, and long for their protection and repentance.