People like peace and quiet. Some carry the “Adventurous Gene” and thrive on risk and action filled events, but most of us appreciate stability, safety and predictability.
The aggressive, graphic, and sometimes excessive media coverage of international and domestic terror threats continue to disturb our delusions of a perfect world, and Isaiah’s ancient prophecy is more applicable today than ever before, saying, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)
While the context of this prophecy indicates that the “YOU,” in this chapter refers specifically to the City of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel, the people of God from all nations, who are grafted into God’s Olive Tree through Christ (Romans 11), are participants in this promise as well. As we near the end of this age of grace and can hear the footsteps of the Bridegroom at the door awakening the sleepy virgins (Matt 25:10), Israel and the true Church are in this together.
At a time when “men’s hearts [are] failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26), the shepherds must lead God’s people to greater courage, strength, and faith, and a trip to Israel is an effective antidote to fear. Here, God’s people are strengthened and emboldened daily while experiencing the greatest modern day miracle of the resurrected State of Israel. Here, hearts are touched each day with God’s faithfulness, credibility, and reliability.
Israel is an end-time gift to the community of Faith worldwide, and millions of Christians know this and arrive to Israel each year to experience this miracle and draw closer to God. Why aren’t more folks coming? What’s holding back the rest of the Church?
The answer is simple and twofold, fear and greed.
FEAR says that there has always been a perceived element of danger in traveling to Israel, and more so “as the day approaches.” TRUTH answers that this lame excuse has been used for decades while millions of the faithful have been traveling safely and undisturbed in and out of the Land.
GREED says that you can’t afford the journey and instead must direct your expendable income to pressing needs, when in fact most of these aren’t really “needs” but rather cultural and image driven “wants.” TRUTH answers that your best investment is in your eternal soul and those of your family members, and that a journey to Israel will, beyond a shadow of a doubt, increase and strengthen your faith and trust in God.
The enemy of our soul is playing both of these cards, fear and greed, against God’s people, persuading Christians to never exercise faith and courage and come to Israel. Why? Because there is just too much evidence to be found in Israel that Jesus is real, that the Word of God is true, and that the devil is a liar.
Instead, let the shepherds encourage God’s people; call them to come, to witness, and to participate in the great and awesome miracle of the resurrected State of Israel.
What can you do about it? Pray and contact me today to learn how together we can encourage the folks who are in your circle of influence and facilitate a trip of a lifetime to the Promised Land.
Stay blessed, Reuven Doron