The Books of Ecclesiastes says that “to everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven.” To use the definitions in Ecclesiastes chapter 3, our prayer is that this time of war and weeping will soon transform to a time of peace and dancing for the Israeli people. On 9th October, Israel entered a new season. But it wasn’t Israel’s decision. It was orchestrated by the evil Hamas terrorist group who decided that this was a season to kill, destroy, and hate.
During this very troubling season, we must pray for Israel’s protection and deliverance. We must continue to pray for the Israeli hostages, now understood to be at least 199. We must pray for the IDF, which is preparing for an imminent ground invasion. We must pray for all those mourning their loved ones, and for those injured in the attacks on 7th October. We must pray for those who have experienced trauma, either as witnesses or in serving on the ground in the aftermath of the attacks. We must pray for the Israeli leadership and for the careful planning of Israel’s operation in Gaza. We must pray that those in Gaza who are not complicit with Hamas will heed the warnings and find safety.
Hamas has touched the Apple of God’s eye. Their motive is the same as the Nazis. Their actions more brutal than ISIS. But the God of Israel is not sleeping. The Bible says that those who bless the nation of Israel will be blessed. Those who curse Israel will be cursed. This is God’s prerogative. He is a God of Justice and He is faithful in keeping His Word. Soon, we will see which nations are prepared to stand on the side of blessing, and which will align with the side of cursing. We pray earnestly that Britain will be among the former.
This is also a time for Christians to be watchmen. Isaiah 62:6 says, “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent.”
As watchmen, Christians must stay awake and attentive to the events that are happening concerning Israel. “Be sober, be vigilant,” the Apostle Paul wrote concerning our adversary the devil. Vigilant means being constantly watchful and alert. But being sober is being able to think clearly. In other words, we must be perceptive to what is happening, not just watching. This is extremely important when interpreting how some in the media report events. We can only be an effective watchman if we seek God’s wisdom and His understanding concerning the things we are witnessing with our eyes.
When Nehemiah appointed workers for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, he understood the motives and the capabilities of Israel’s enemies and set watchmen around the city. Referring to the plots of the enemy,
Nehemiah 4:8 says, “And all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”
Nehemiah then gave the following instruction, “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us,” (Nehemiah 4:20).
Today, we have set a watch for Israel. We have heeded the warning, and we will pray for Israel day and night. In support of Israel and our Jewish friends, we will rally to your side and declare with full confidence, “your God will fight for you.”
This year, we want to do more to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
We know that as we bless Israel this year, God will bless us, just as He promised in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Now is the time to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
