Signs - Part 3

The story of Israel's rebirth as a nation on May 14, 1948, should amaze even the most cynical skeptic. Israel has been the apple of God's eye since the time God chose them as the means of fulfilling the promises He made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Unfortunately, the history of Israel has included many highs and lows due to their cycles of faithlessness, disobedience, and idolatry. One such low was the period of time between A.D. 70 and May 14, 1948. The Roman General Titus destroyed the Temple in A.D. 70. The nation continued spiraling downward after that until it finally was unincorporated in A.D. 135. From then until May 14, 1948, Israel did not exist as a nation in the land God gave to it long ago.

The problem as far as prophecy is concerned is that Israel's existence as a nation, back in the land, is necessary if God's promises to Abraham are to come true. Fortunately, as Numbers 23:19 puts it: "God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" 

The obvious answer to these questions is a categorical "NO!" And so, God was at work from A.D. 70 until 1948, orchestrating the hearts and minds of people in history to ensure the fulfillment of His word.

One thing God used to eventually put Israel back in the land as a nation was the nearly worldwide rejection of the Jews living in the other parts of the world. Isaiah 11:12 mentions the scattering of the Jews to "the four quarters of the earth."  Indeed, by the end of the 1800's, Jews were living in various places all over the world, with the vast majority of them living in Russia.

Wherever they lived, for the most part, they lived under oppression. No nation was thrilled with the Jews living among them, especially Russia. As a result, people began to think of the Jews being back in their own land, as a recognized political entity, to solve this thorny problem. Thus, God began to work in the hearts and minds of people, with May 14, 1948, as the outcome.

Along the way, there have been numerous challenges to Israel's status in the land. Keep in mind, if the devil is able to destroy Israel or to keep them from occupying the land, he wins. He proves God is powerless, unable to fulfill the promises He made. 

One example of the challenges facing the historic outcome of May 14, 1948, was the crazy notion of carving out a homeland for Jews, not in Palestine, but in Uganda. Fortunately, this idea was rejected by a Jewish congress of Zionists in 1905. Another example of the threat to the outcome God had in mind has been the military threat to Israel from day one of their existence. Even today Israel continues to live with that threat. In fact, it will be a military threat that ultimately brings on the return of Christ to rescue His people. Thus, Jesus said in Luke 21:20: "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near." 

You can learn more about the historical events leading up to Israel's return to the land here. As you study, keep in mind three things: (1) Israel's existence back in the land is by itself a fulfillment of Bible prophecy (see Isaiah 11:11-12; Isaiah 66:8; Jeremiah 32:36-44); (2) It a sign that Jesus' return is near; and (2) It is a sign of the faithfulness of our God. 

All of this is so encouraging. God is at work, orchestrating events that will lead ultimately to Jesus' return. In the meantime, no matter what is going on in your life, you can count on the Lord for His sovereign help and provision. He is a faithful God!