Daily devotion – The survival of Israel
Israel’s Persecution and Survival
Yesterday, we were reminded once again of the dangers that surround the nation and people of Israel.
A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced into an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a violent incident in the cockpit. Reports say one pilot attacked and seriously injured another, and the aircraft entered a dramatic descent before passengers and crew intervened and the plane was brought under control. All passengers were ultimately brought to safety. The full circumstances and motive remain under investigation.
For Israel, however, this kind of danger is nothing new.
The people and nation of Israel seem to remain continually in the headlines of our news outlets, and sadly, so often those headlines concern violence, hatred, terrorism and threats against them.
Think about what it would be like to live as a family knowing that there are those in the world who do not merely oppose your government or disagree with your policies, but openly desire the destruction of your nation and people. Imagine sitting around the table with your children and grandchildren while carrying the knowledge that serious threats can come against them simply because they are Jewish.
That history is not something we should forget.
When I am challenged about my support for Israel, I often say, “I have six million reasons why I stand with them.” Six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, including approximately 1.5 million Jewish children.
We must never forget what hatred can become when it is allowed to grow unchecked.
But as Christians, our concern for Israel is not merely political. It is biblical.
God Himself made promises concerning Israel:
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
— Genesis 12:2–3
And Scripture gives us a very simple command:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
— Psalm 122:6
To love and pray for Israel is therefore not simply a political position. It is a response to what God has revealed in His Word.
And as I read my Bible this morning, I was reminded of something else: Israel’s story is not finished.
There is still much prophecy concerning this people and this land. Scripture tells us of a future time when nations will gather against Jerusalem, when the situation will appear utterly desperate. Yet at that very moment, God Himself will intervene.
“In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David…”
— Zechariah 12:8
And then:
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”
— Zechariah 12:9
What a powerful reminder!
There may be times when Israel appears surrounded, threatened and even on the brink of annihilation, but God has not forgotten His promises.
The Bible tells us that ultimately, Jesus Christ will return, and the Lord Himself will defend His people.
So as believers, let us pray.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for the Jewish people. Pray for those living under the constant threat of violence. Pray for salvation. And pray that God’s purposes concerning Israel will be fulfilled exactly as He has declared in His Word.
The world may forget history.
The world may change its opinions.
Nations may rise and fall.
But God keeps His promises.
Israel’s survival is not ultimately a testimony to the strength of man—it is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” — Psalm 126:3
And as we watch the world around us, we can confidently remember: God is not finished with Israel, and He is not finished with His prophetic purposes.