Daily Devotion – The nation Israel!
The Door Is Open — But Not Forever
Revelation 4:1
“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.”
On May 14th, 1948, Israel was reborn as a nation. This remarkable event stands as one of the most significant in modern world history, especially for those who study Bible prophecy. Israel’s reestablishment is not just a political fact — it is a powerful signpost pointing to the times in which we live: the Last Days described in Scripture.
Long ago, God’s prophets foretold this return. Ezekiel spoke of the land being renewed and cultivated again (Ezekiel 36:8-10), and of dry bones — the scattered people of Israel — being brought back to life and returned to their land (Ezekiel 37:11-12). Isaiah declared that God would gather His people from the nations (Isaiah 11:11-12), and Zechariah looked forward to the day when Israel would recognize their true Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). The Apostle Paul affirmed that one day, all Israel would be saved through faith in Jesus (Romans 11:25-27).
Many believe that the formation of the modern State of Israel in 1948 was the beginning of the fulfilment of these ancient promises. After centuries of dispersion and horrific persecution, including the Holocaust, God’s hand brought His people back to their land — just as He said He would.
Yet with this restoration, the world has also witnessed a rise in antisemitism. Israel stands today at the center of world politics, facing both support and intense opposition. Nations are being divided over their stance toward Israel, and the spiritual battle is clear. As believers, we owe a great debt to the Jewish people, through whom came the Word of God and the Savior of the world.
Jesus Himself told us to watch the “fig tree” — a picture of Israel — as a sign of His soon return (Matthew 24:30-36). He warned that when we see these things come to pass, we can know His coming is near, even at the door. Israel’s miraculous rebirth is one of those signs, signaling that the door to heaven is open — but not forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 speaks of the day when Jesus will call His Church to meet Him in the air, an event that will precede the Tribulation described in Revelation chapters 6 through 19. Following that time of great trial, Christ will return to establish His kingdom and rule from Jerusalem for 1,000 years.
But today, our world — including our own nation of Australia and many churches — slumbers in spiritual complacency. Scoffers mock the idea of Christ’s return, just as Peter warned (2 Peter 3:3-4). “Where is this coming He promised?” they ask, as if things will continue unchanged forever.
Friend, are you ready for the next step in God’s unfolding plan? Are you prepared for the Lord’s appearing? In Noah’s day, when he and his family entered the ark, the Bible tells us that God Himself closed the door (Genesis 7:16). When that door shut, judgment came, and there was no more time to enter.
We are living in the final days of God’s grace. The door is still open — but soon, it will close when the Church is taken. Now is the time to get right with the Lord, to repent and return to Him as the prodigal son did. There is still time to pray for our loved ones and share with them the hope found in Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us on Calvary’s Cross.
But soon, the door will be closed.
“What He opens, no one can close; and what He closes, no one can open.” (Revelation 3:7)
Today, let’s be sure we are inside the door — and let’s lovingly call others to enter while there is still time.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that today the door of salvation is still open. Help me to be ready for Your coming and to live each day in the light of eternity. Stir my heart to pray for my family, my friends, and those who do not yet know You. Give me boldness and compassion to share Your love while there is still time. Keep me awake and watching, and may I be found faithful when You call. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
Reflection Question:
Am I living today as if Jesus could return at any moment? Who is one person I can pray for and reach out to with God’s love this week?