“In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.” (Joel 3:1-2)
One of the most amazing things to me has been how the nation of Israel has survived despite thousands of years of persecution. Since Joel wrote this prophecy almost 3000 years ago, Israel has been conquered and possessed by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, and the Romans. The Romans so completely destroyed them in 70 AD that they were scattered throughout the world. While scattered, the Jews continued to face persecution and oppression in both “Christian,” Moslem and secular nations. Hitler’s regime sought the total annihilation of the Jewish race. Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, seeks the same today. Despite all this persecution, the tiny nation of Israel stands today in the midst of a hostile territory. It is an amazing fact of history that a nation dispersed and virtually destroyed in 70 AD could come back as a strong, organized democratic nation in 1948. There truly is something unique about the nation of Israel and about the Jewish people.
Joel prophesies that one day Judah and Jerusalem will be fully restored and that there will be a judgment of the nations based on their treatment of Israel. Many Bible interpreters believe that this will take place after a seven year period of tribulation on the earth. During these seven years, many Jews will come to recognize Christ as Messiah and the nations of the earth will, once again, set their sights on annihilating the nation of Israel. Jesus Christ Himself will return during this time to defend His people and judge the nations.
Where do we as Christians stand in all this? Well, Paul tells us in Romans 11 that we have been “grafted” into the promises of Israel. We are now participants in God’s blessings, through Christ, the King of Israel. This should not create pride in us but rather responsibility. We have been blessed to bless others. We also, like Paul, should pray for the salvation of the Jewish people and for the peace of Jerusalem. Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved (Romans 10:1).
God’s plan still involves the people and nation of Israel. For if there transgression [i.e., rejection of Christ] means riches for the world [i.e., Christ’s death for all mankind], and their loss means riches to the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! (Romans 11:12) In other words, if the Jews rejection of Jesus as their King brought spiritual salvation to the world, then their acceptance of Him as King will bring about the full redemption and restoration of the world. When Christ reigns on earth, He will reign from Jerusalem as the King of the Jews and the King of all nations.
Lord, may Your power continue to protect the people of Israel and may Your grace penetrate their hearts today.