Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – November 2023

Israel stands as a testament to divine providence in a world filled with unsettling geo-political challenges. True to 2500-year-old biblical prophecies, the modern state of Israel was born on May 14, 1948, against a backdrop of global intrigue and mounting tensions.

Quickly, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria rose to cut the nation off in its embryonic state – yet, Israel emerged victorious, against all odds, carving out its homeland by establishing the ‘green line.’ Following this came the Suez Crisis in October 1956, a military maneuver against Egypt by powers including Britain, France, and Israel. Then, the Six-Day War in June 1967, which led to Israel’s territorial expansion marked by the ‘purple line’ – further evidence of the small nation’s big God.

I have heard that military academies like West Point leave Israel’s wars out of their syllabi because, by tactical and strategic standards, they defy logic. The sheer improbability of Israel’s successes – whether during the Yom Kippur War, engagements with the PLO, or various confrontations with Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and Hamas – attest to a force beyond mere military might.

From an evangelical biblical standpoint, the narrative becomes even more apparent. The sovereign hand of God is seen in His promises to Israel, whether to chastise them for their disobedience or to restore them following their repentance. Israel faced exile in Babylon for 70 years, as predicted by the prophet Jeremiah, and then returned. Jesus also predicted the destruction of the temple and Israel’s scattering through the world by the armies of Rome, but that they would one day return.

In these turbulent times, it becomes paramount to recognize the spiritual dimension underpinning Israel’s journey. Please pray and act in ways to first bring peace with God through the gospel and also peace with each other.