When Ezekiel’s dry bones came together on May 14, 1948, and the nation of Israel was reborn, it was a miracle! Nothing similar has happened in the history of the world. It was truly an event worth celebrating.
And yet, the new nation of Israel wasn’t even old enough to take baby steps when it was attacked by neighboring countries. More wars followed, as well as constant incursions by terrorists. Throughout their short history, modern Israelis have barely dared to hope they could draw a peaceful breath in their own towns and villages.
And now, horrendously, the terrorist group Hamas has viciously assaulted Israel, and voices all over the world are criticizing the VICTIMS of the attacks, the Israelis. It’s madness. And it is an attack on God because Israel is His beloved nation. The fact is that all of us should love Israel. It is pure presumption to say we love God if we do not love the nation He chose out of all the Earth to be His own.
And so, this Thanksgiving season, I am thanking God for Israel and for His chosen people, the Jews. When we begin counting our blessings, we can legitimately place Israel high on our list.
Here are five reasons why:
1 The Gift of the Savior
I’m beginning with the most important reason to honor the Jews – Jesus Christ. God promised in Genesis 3:15 that a Savior would come. And when the time was right, Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. His mother was a virgin because His Father was God – therefore, Jesus was God. He was also a Jew.
As a man, after a travesty of a trial, Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion. He carried the sins of the whole world onto that cross and paid for them with His own, sinless life. When He died, the veil of the Temple was split from top to bottom. That torn curtain was God’s invitation to every living soul to receive the sacrificial death of Jesus as our atonement for sin. It gives us the option to become a member of His family and make a reservation in Heaven for all eternity.*
No other nation will ever have the opportunity to give a Savior to the world. The deed has been done. The Savior has come. And Israel was the vehicle of His coming.
2 Pillars of Faith
Throughout history, the Jewish people have been the keepers of faith, preserving and spreading the teachings of God. Their steadfast commitment to their beliefs has had a profound impact on countless lives worldwide.
The Bible, the Word of God, was written entirely by Jews, except the books of Luke and Acts. The Bible is the “answer book.” It explains the origin and destiny of man. It traces history from the Garden of Eden to the death of the antichrist. It holds all the secrets of life and death. And it is the best guidebook for a successful, joyful sojourn on this planet.
I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to bear the responsibility of being God’s scribe. But, except for Luke, those scribes have all been faithful Jews.
3 Intellectual Excellence
Jews have made immense contributions in various fields, including arts, sciences, literature, philosophy, and technology. Their intellect, curiosity, and innovative thinking have been instrumental in shaping our modern world.
Israel is renowned for its thriving start-up ecosystem, often referred to as the “Start-up Nation.” Its entrepreneurial spirit and cutting-edge advancements have placed it at the forefront of technological innovations, benefitting societies globally.
4 Humanitarian Contributions
Jews have a long history of advocating for social justice and championing humanitarian causes. From establishing charitable organizations to fighting for civil rights, they have played a significant role in making the world a better place for everyone.
Israel has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, extending assistance to nations in need around the globe. Its public-spirited initiatives, such as medical advancements and clean water projects, have saved and improved countless lives.
5 Resilience and Determination
Despite enduring persecution and countless challenges throughout history, the Jewish people have demonstrated remarkable resilience, perseverance, and determination. Israel’s survival and continuous growth against all odds serve as a testament to the power of the unwavering human spirit. Their accomplishments serve as a model and an inspiration for all of us.
The Absurdity of Anti-Semitism
Some Christians claim that God has disowned the Jews because they crucified Jesus. Of course, the Jews didn’t have the power to crucify – the Romans crucified Jesus. But even if you want to blame the trial, the conviction, and the crucifixion on the Jews, it is the height of arrogance to label them forever unworthy. Every human being who has ever lived is equally guilty of crucifying Jesus. God won’t disown you if you’re His born-again child. And He hasn’t disowned His covenant people.
Then there’s the issue of choosing sides. The devil and all the demons of hell hate the Jews. They hate the Jews for being precious to God, for producing God’s Word in written form, and for giving birth to the Savior of the world. So, anyone who chooses to hate Israel is toiling on the side of unutterable depravity. And anyone who chooses to hate the Jews is the philosophical sibling of Adolf Hitler.
By the way, if you are offended that God singled out Israel and the Jews from among all the peoples of the Earth, please read your Bible. Being the chosen ones was no picnic! The nation of Israel became an object lesson for the whole world. Their every fault was revealed. Their sins were soundly punished. And worst of all, many of them don’t even know to this day that their Messiah has already visited Earth and paid the price for their sins. Being God’s chosen people was a heavy load. Instead of hating and criticizing them, we should be blessing and praying for them.
On This Turkey Day
It is deeply disappointing, 75+ years after the Holocaust, to discover that vicious, unreasonable anti-Semitism is still so prevalent in our world. I hope you will join me this Thanksgiving Day in praising and glorifying God for the nation of Israel and the Jewish people who have so richly blessed our planet. I also hope you will join me in praying for the peace and safety of Jerusalem, as well as Jews around the world.
Footnote:
- If you haven’t yet exercised your option to join God’s family and make your eternal reservation in Heaven, please read my blog, “Highway to Heaven.”
Photo credit: coloringbooksbd on pixabay
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