You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12)
This year Israel’s Independence Day was April 17 on our calendar due to the differences between the Jewish Lunar calendar and the Western solar one. (Remember that in 1948 when the modern Nation was created, the date on our calendar was May 14.) I just received word from friends in Israel that the following message was recently published in major Israeli news media. It was an expensive undertaking (144,000 shekels … interesting amount wouldn’t you say?) but this is the very first time even paid advertising has been accepted from Messianic organizations in mainstream media and is truly a miracle. I offer the message here in its entirety. Please note that the explanation of Messianic doctrine at the conclusion was published as well. Amazing!
On the occasion of the 54th Independence Day of the State of Israel A notice of Support
We, leaders of Messianic Jewish Congregations in Israel, wish to declare our support for the government of Israel at this difficult hour of emergency, and to reach out with a message of comfort and encouragement to the people dwelling in Zion.
Be strong and courageous, Israel! Do not fear or be dismayed, for The Lord our God is our help. As it is written: “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its remotest parts, and said to you, ‘You are my servant. I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with you will be as nothing, and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them – those who war with you will be as nothing, and non-existent. For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ ” (Isaiah 41:8-13)
From us the call goes forth to all the friends of Israel, and to those who love God from among the nations to mobilize and stand at the right hand of the State of Israel at this time of testing: -To lift the nation up in prayer -To raise a protest against the rising tides of anti-Semitism -To offer support and help to the State of Israel. As it is written: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Signed by: Leaders of Messianic Jewish congregations in Israel. Clarification: Messianic Jews believe that according to Biblical prophecies and the New Testament, Yeshua, The Son of David, is our Messiah, our Righteousness and our Redeemer. At His first coming, some 2,000 years ago, He became our personal Redeemer, through His sacrifice, which atones for sin. In His soon-to-be second coming, He will appear as our national redeemer and save our people.
A Sign Of The Times
And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced (Zech 12:10). Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe the publication of the above message alone will win the nation Israel for Jesus, nor do I believe it completely fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah. But I do think this milestone in Israeli Messianic events represents another crack in the wall that has divided the Jewish people from their Redeemer for nearly 2000 years. The Bible speaks of Israel being blinded (Luke 19:41) and of them being hardened in part for the purpose of allowing the Gospel to be received by the nations (Rom 11:25). But it also warns the nations not to become arrogant and not to make the mistake of concluding that Israel has been cut off forever. A true sign that we are nearing the End of the Age is that the blinders will slowly be removed and their hearts will progressively be softened. It will take many more events such as the publication of this message of hope to accomplish this, but each one will build upon its predecessor until finally they will look upon Him, their Savior and Redeemer. And then the prophecies will be fulfilled. Then Israel will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills will burst into song before them and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12) That will be Israel’s true Independence Day.
Until then we are admonished to heed the call of our Messianic brethren: To lift up the nation in prayer; To raise a protest against the rising tides of anti-Semitism; To offer support and help to the State of Israel. We have good reason to do this. First of all we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). But beyond that God has promised to bless those who bless the children of Abraham (Gen.12:3), and Paul explained that if their loss means riches for the gentiles how much greater riches will their fullness bring (Rom. 11:12). God’s creation cannot receive the full measure of blessing He intends for it until His people are finally reconciled to Him. In praying for this we are certain to be praying in His will while bringing great and eternal blessing upon ourselves.