Why Israel matters to the Church and the whole world!
We are going to look at why Israel matters. Throughout the Bible, the people, the land of Israel, and their capital, Jerusalem, are central themes in God’s plans. The nation of Israel matters—not only for the salvation of people but also because the nation itself matters.
God’s Promise to Abraham Remember God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3:
“I will make you into a great nation… all the families on earth will be blessed through you.” The blessing of all people is through the nation of Israel. Israel was the vehicle of great blessing to the whole world through the first coming of Jesus. But the nation is also the vehicle for Jesus’ second coming. This is where we will focus today: why the nation of Israel matters in regard to the 2nd coming.
Jesus’ Return: More Than Just About the Church
Many believers focus on Jesus coming to “take us to heaven,” but God is focused on Jesus coming to the earth again. It’s about the Return, more than the Rapture. Jesus’ second coming is not just about the Church—it is about what He will set up on the earth when He returns. He is coming to set up His Kingdom on earth, where He will reign for 1,000 years—the Kingdom Age (Millennium). It will be glorious and wonderful!
Why Israel Matters
Jesus is Returning to a Place to Set Up His Government—That Place is Israel
Jesus is coming to a specific geographic place for a specific purpose: to set up His government in the city of Jerusalem, which will be the capital of His Kingdom.
Eternal Covenant Promises to Israel
God made eternal promises to Israel. Just because He has graciously included the Church in many of these promises doesn’t mean He will not fulfill them for Israel. If He canceled His promises to Israel, how could we count on His promises to us?
First Promise: The Land
Genesis 12:7 (AMPC): “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.'”
Genesis 13:15, 17:8: God promised that the land is Israel’s forever, their everlasting possession—an irrevocable gift and eternal covenant promise (see Psalm 105:8-11 and others).
Second Promise: The Throne God promised that David’s throne would be established forever. 2 Samuel 7: “Your throne shall be established forever.” Isaiah 9:7: “…of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
God will faithfully keep both these promises: the Jewish nation in their own land with their own government!
Why Israel’s Restoration Matters for Jesus’ Return
Jerusalem Must Be Under Jewish Control After 2,000 years of scattering, the Jewish people were re-gathered, and in 1948, Israel was restored as a nation. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Jerusalem was restored to Jewish governmental control. This sets the stage for Jesus’ return! The city must be under Jewish control so they can welcome their King.
Israel’s Leaders Must Invite Jesus to Rule Jesus won’t show up and demand the throne. Israel’s leaders at the end of this age will invite Jesus to rule as their Messiah and King, just as David had to be invited by Israel’s leaders to be king (see 2 Samuel 2:4, 5:3). Jesus said in Matthew 23:39, “When they see Him again, they will say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.'” This means they recognize Jesus as their God-appointed King!
The Natural Restoration Has Begun, Spiritual Restoration Will Follow Zechariah 12:10 prophesies that Israel will see Jesus and repent. They will return to a right relationship with God, and as promised, David’s descendant will again sit on the throne in Jerusalem.
The Importance of the Church Supporting Israel
The Church must stand with Israel in dark days because Israel matters for God’s plans to be fulfilled and for Jesus to come again. We must have a genuine commitment to Israel’s preservation and restoration in our hearts, just as it is in God’s heart. The Church needs to:
Stand with Israel because Jesus’ return is violently opposed by Satan and all his forces, as Satan will lose his present rule over the earth when Jesus returns (see Revelation 19:11, Zechariah 14:3).
Prepare for Increased Hatred Against Israel and Jews
Hatred toward Jews and worldwide rejection of Israel is increasing. This is not just a political or territorial war—it is a spiritual battle. Israel is a test for the nations, the Church, and individuals. How we respond to the Jewish people during persecution will be a reflection of our faith and alignment with God’s heart.
Jesus’ Return and the Kingdom Age
In the Kingdom Age, Israel still matters. She will be the leading nation on earth, the capital of the world, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:13. From Jerusalem, Jesus will bring His righteous rule and peace to the whole world, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants.
In this age, both Israel and the Church will bring about the “times of restoration of all things” (Acts 3:19-21 NLT).
Our Role in God’s Plan
Our participation matters! Our prayers, actions, and intercession matter. Daniel recognized Israel’s turning point from prophecy and responded with intense, fervent intercession. We too must:
Pray for Israel’s Preservation Declare our support for Israel’s right to exist, even when it costs us.
Ask Jesus for Supernatural Provision and Protection Pray for Jewish people everywhere, asking for the veil of blindness to be removed so they can turn to their Messiah.
Pray for God’s Heart for Israel Ask the Holy Spirit to move our hearts to carry Jerusalem, the nation of Israel, and the Jewish people before the throne of grace.
Resources: Neville Johnson, Derek Prince, Asher Intrater, Dan Juster, Don Finto, James Goll
by Marnie Piuze
