Having a Heart for Israel

Did you realize that as Christians we should have a heart for Israel?

One thing was apparent to me about Marvin when we first met and that was his love for Israel and the Jewish people.

Being raised in a traditional Christian church, I know the Jews are God's chosen people and that Israel is dear to God's own heart, but until I began studying and praying with Marvin, I never realized the depth and the meaning of it all.

Some of the Jewish customs and feasts have blessings that can enrich our lives deeply, like the pronouncement of blessings every morning by Marvin over me and our family.

You can't imagine how humbled and how special it makes me feel when the man that I love prays over me every morning for favor, protection, success and blessings to be mine that day.

There are many benefits for the believer when we realize that God truly has a heart for Israel. He promises to bless every believer who blesses Israel. (Ps 122:6b NKJV)

Genesis 12:3 reminds us concerning Israel that He, ".....will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you....."

Even the apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:16 that it's, "...for the Jew first and also for the Greek." He further says in Romans 10:1, "Brethren, my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved."

Zechariah 10 talks about the restoration of Israel and in verse 9 tells of their return some day to their land.

God goes on to remind us, saying that Israel's rejection is not final (Rms 11:29), that His plan for Israel and the Jewish people is irrevocable and can not be changed, which quickly strikes down the 'replacement theology' taught by many main stream denominations today.

As Christians, we should feel honored that according to Romans 11:25, "....blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." Praise be to God that he loves us as well!!!!

God speaks of a new covenant with Israel in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and says he will put his law in their minds and write it on their hearts, and will remember their sin no more.

The one thing I hope you'll go away with today having read this is to realize that we as Christians have a responsibility to pray for the salvation of Israel (Rms 10:1) and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6a).

Shalom, Diana and Marvin