Light a Candle for Israel

We’ve all been horrified by the events that began last Saturday in Israel. That’s an understatement. For those of us who are Christians or Jews, we know what will happen, in the end, to those who attack Israel. God’s punishment of evil is inevitable, if not as swift as we might pray.

But even the assurance that God will mete out punishment is little consolation when we see the gruesome images of the dead that have dominated all of the media outlets this past week. 

Pray for Israel.

What does Scripture say about those who would harm Israel? A lot.

“Behold, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)

If God is watching over Israel, why is this happening? Biblical experts can give you insights into the reasons for “why bad things happen to good people,” but my inexpert opinion is that we don’t know. It may sound trite to say that “God has a plan,” but that’s a fact in which I take great comfort. Our human brains can’t fathom the works of God.

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Pray for Israel.

“…for whoever touches you [Israel] touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8)

We know that Israel is the home of God’s Chosen People and that they are His original “favorites.” But what happens when somebody “messes with” Israel? Look at the next verse:

“For behold, I will wave My hand over them so that they will be plunder for their slaves.” (Zechariah 2:9)

My (brief) background research of the above verse reveals that the person who will wave a hand over those who “touch” Israel is God’s angel, the pre-Incarnate Christ. My very elementary summary of verses 8 and 9 is that God will send an avenging angel to anyone who harms Israel.

Pray for Israel.

“Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” (Deuteronomy 33:29)

Notice that this verse doesn’t say that Israel’s enemies “might cower”–Israel’s enemies “WILL COWER.” Again, God’s vengeance is assured. 

Pray for Israel.

“I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4b)

God WILL sustain and rescue Israel. There’s no doubt. It may not happen on the timeline that we want, but it WILL happen.

The following call to action is from a Jewish woman, a friend of a friend. She requested that we, as a larger body of believers, light a candle on Friday night at sunset to usher in Shabbat. This lighted candle is a visible reminder of our prayers for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Our candles will also be a remembrance of those who have already lost their lives in this conflict.

As I write this message, it is Friday, and my husband and I will light a candle tonight at sunset. You will not read this until Sunday, at the earliest, but may I make a suggestion? Can we keep a candle lit in our homes for Israel as long as this conflict lasts? 

Pray for Israel.

Here’s the most difficult part of today’s message, and I considered not even adding it. It’s not easy to think about.

What does God say about our enemies?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.'” (Matthew 5:43-44)

Pray for them. Love them. Really, Jesus? I don’t want to right now. That’s a pretty tall order, and it’s definitely a command that I, personally, would like to ignore. I assume that I’m not alone in this sentiment. But in the coming days, I will do my best to love and pray for the enemies of Israel. But I’ll be praying harder for Israel. I’m not perfect.

Pray for Israel.