Explore why Israel remains at the center of God's attention. Learn about Israel's biblical significance, the current conflict, and the eternal promises that underscore the nation's pivotal role in God's plan. Discover the spiritual and historical context of Israel's struggles and triumphs.

Living in a war zone is an experience that most Americans find hard to fathom. While the United States has faced attacks, its wars have primarily been fought abroad. However, in Israel, the situation is different. In a country the size of New Jersey, surrounded by enemies, Israelis face constant threats and live under the shadow of rocket alerts. They are adjusting to a new normal, one that requires resilience and reorientation.

Today marks a solemn milestone: 100 days since the October 7 attack on Israel. In these 100 days, we've witnessed unimaginable loss and a world that, in many ways, turned its back. Yet, our resolve remains unbroken. We remember every life lost, every moment of bravery, and every tear shed. Join us in reflecting on this journey and looking forward with hope.

So, the question has come up: Aren’t all Jews saved? It’s not a new question. It has been brought up many times by Christians who know that the Jews are God’s chosen people and many think that they have a pass to drive the fastrak lane right into the kingdom.

The assumption is always that when a Jew believes in Jesus, they are no longer Jewish. But this simply isn't the case. Faith in Jesus doesn't make someone any less Jewish. In fact, for many of us, our faith in Jesus has actually made us more Jewish.

But this misunderstanding, on both sides, is what has kept Christians from intentionally reaching out to Jewish people and what has kept Jews from understanding that Jesus is for them. The offer on the table for the Jewish people is that if you want to come to Jesus (the Jewish Messiah), you essentially have to switch teams, put on a new jersey, and go to the other clubhouse.

We jokingly say that the Jewish people are just like everyone else in the world, only more so. It is not that we are better than anyone else, or smarter, or more numerous. In fact, our “chosenness” is something that most Jews would like to understand better. I certainly had no clue what being chosen meant. It didn’t always seem like a great deal to be chosen.

On this solemn day, we remember specific events in history and how they impacted us as a people. Although today is not necessarily meant to be celebratory, it should also not be forgotten. Today Jews around the world will join together in mourning and reflection.

At sundown tonight, the 5th of the Hebrew month “Iyar,” it will be Yom Ha’atzmaut - Israel’s Independence Day. This day is not just about freedom for the Jewish people but also marks God's providential hand in their history. The Jewish people were brought back from near extinction by God Himself, and now they are flourishing as one of the most powerful nations in the world!