All Eyes On…
As the world’s focus shifts toward the escalating conflict in Gaza, it’s easy to become consumed by the barrage of headlines, social media posts, and public outcry. The slogan "All Eyes on Rafah" has gone viral, highlighting the tragic events unfolding in the region. But as we fixate on the earthly turmoil, it’s crucial to remember that there’s a higher perspective at play. God’s eyes have always been, and will always be, on Israel—past, present, and future.
God’s Eyes on Israel: Past
From the very beginning, God's attention has been on Israel. This divine focus was established when God made a covenant with Abram (later Abraham), promising to make him a great nation that would bless the entire world. Genesis 12:1-3 states:
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Israel was designed to be a blessing to all the nations. Despite periods of disobedience and waywardness, God’s promise remained steadfast. This is evident in the story of Balak, the king of Moab, who sought to curse Israel. In Numbers 23:7-8, we read:
“And he took up his oracle and said: ‘Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, from the mountains of the east. ‘Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!’ How shall I curse whom God has not cursed?”
Even when Israel was not living up to their covenantal obligations, God’s plan for them remained unaltered. This plan also included the city of Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 6:6 declares:
“Yet I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.”
God’s choice of Jerusalem as His dwelling place is reiterated throughout Scripture. Psalm 132:13 says:
“For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place.”
No decree or declaration by any nation or organization can change this divine selection. Jerusalem is where God has placed His name, and it is from here that the greater David, Jesus, will one day reign.
God’s Eyes on Israel: Present
Fast forward to the present, and we see God’s hand preparing the land of Israel for the return of His people. The transformation of Israel over the past century is nothing short of miraculous. Once a barren wasteland, the land has flourished in preparation for the return of the Jewish people. Ezekiel 36:8 prophesies:
“But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they will soon come home.”
God instructed the land to prepare for the return of His people, and it did. The Jewish return to their ancestral homeland was not just a physical relocation but a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Ezekiel 36:23-24 says:
“And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.”
Ezekiel 37:14 further affirms God’s promise:
“And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”
This gathering of the Jewish people back to their land is God’s way of showing the world that He is faithful to His promises. For those born after 1948, Israel’s existence might seem like a given. However, the re-establishment of Israel is a modern-day miracle, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
God’s Eyes on Israel: Future
While Israel’s history and present are marked by miraculous events and divine intervention, the future holds both challenges and hope. The Bible speaks of a time of unprecedented trouble for Israel, often referred to as the "Time of Jacob’s Trouble." Jeremiah 30:7 describes it as follows:
“Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it.”
This period of tribulation will be unlike anything Israel has experienced before. Daniel 12:1 adds:
“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”
Despite the trials ahead, the promise of deliverance remains. Isaiah 62:1 captures the persistent hope and divine commitment to Israel:
“For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch.”
God’s covenant with Israel is eternal. His eyes are perpetually on His people and His land. In the midst of current events, such as the battle to eliminate Hamas in Gaza and the global anti-Israel sentiment, it’s essential to remember that God is not surprised or worried. He remains sovereign, seated on His throne, watching over Israel.
All Eyes Are on Israel: Past, Present, and Future
God’s Eyes: From His covenant with Abraham to His promises through the prophets, God’s eyes have always been on Israel. He has chosen them to be a blessing to the world and has placed His name in Jerusalem.
The Enemy’s Eyes: Throughout history, Satan has sought to destroy Israel, knowing that their existence is tied to God’s redemptive plan. From Pharaoh in Egypt to modern-day conflicts, the enemy’s focus on Israel is relentless.
The World’s Eyes: Nations around the globe watch Israel, often with critical eyes. Whether through media coverage or international policies, the world’s attention on Israel is constant and often biased.
The Church’s Eyes: The body of Christ is called to stand with Israel, understanding the biblical significance of the Jewish people and their land. As believers, we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and support Israel in their time of need.
The Jews’ Eyes: The Jewish people themselves are reminded of their unique relationship with God. Their history, present struggles, and future hope are all part of God’s unfolding plan.
All Eyes on God
In these tumultuous times, while the world’s eyes are fixed on Rafah and the conflict in Gaza, we are called to lift our eyes higher. Psalm 121:1-2 reminds us:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
God’s eyes are on Israel, and His promises are sure. As we witness the unfolding of events in the Middle East, let us keep our eyes on God, the author and finisher of our faith. He is not only the God of Israel but the God of all who call upon His name. As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may we also pray for wisdom, courage, and discernment to navigate these challenging times.
Israel’s past, present, and future are inextricably linked to God’s redemptive plan for the world. As believers, we have a vested interest in the peace and prosperity of Israel. Our support, prayers, and understanding are crucial as we stand with God’s chosen people, knowing that He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Let us be encouraged, for we serve a God who is faithful to His promises. In the midst of global unrest, we can rest in the assurance that God is in control, and His eyes are always on Israel.
About The Jewish Road
At the heart of The Jewish Road lies a passion ignited by a father-son duo, Ron and Matt Davis. Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to bridge the gap in understanding that has kept two faith communities apart for too long. We're here to help Christians connect with the roots of their faith and for Jews to explore the life and teachings of Jesus with an open heart.
Imagine a world where every believer, be it Jewish or Christian, not only knows their faith but truly understands its origins and interconnectedness. We strive to restore the Jewish essence of the Gospel, offering insights that deepen knowledge, bolster faith, and propel the growth of the Kingdom. The narrative of faith, we believe, is a two-act play where both acts are essential for a comprehensive grasp of the story. By uniting these acts, we're presenting a more holistic and enriching perspective.
Life is too short to wander without knowing the full essence of your beliefs. Whether you're attending a synagogue or a church, there's so much more to discover. The Jewish Road is here to guide, enlighten, and, most importantly, bring both halves of the story together. Join us on this journey; together
