In Genesis 12, God tells Abraham to go to a land He will show him and promises that He will make him a great nation. God goes on to commit to Abram, that He will bless those who bless His nation and curse those who curse it. In Zechariah 2:8, God calls Israel the apple of His eye. Since God is so passionate about Israel and the Jewish people, we should also be.

A little over a week ago, on October 7th, 2023, the world watched with heavy hearts, as video footage showed Israel under attack. Often in war, innocent civilians are killed or injured if they are in or near military zones that the enemy is targeting to disable their enemy, or if missiles stray from their intended targets. This is a cost of war that is deeply saddening. However, this attack was not a fight between one military force against another; rather, it was a terrorist group purposely attacking innocent families inside their homes. This was a senseless act of violence targeting innocent people with over 1,300 brutally killed and many others wounded or taken hostage. 

As many false narratives are released about the attack, some of which blame Israel, we have seen an upsurge of antisemitism around the world. Some in the media point to instances when innocent people were killed by Israeli fire, even though it was the terrorists who placed their own civilians in the military zones they knew would be attacked.

As Christians, we must be careful whose narrative we believe and not fall for the enemy's tactic to get us to blame the Jewish people or rise up against Israel. We must stand firmly with them. According to the Bible, in the end times, many nations and people will rise against Israel. However, Isaiah 62:6 says “He has set watchmen over Israel day and night, and they shall not be silent.” He goes on to say, “You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest.”

We must ask ourselves, “Are we doing what we can to support Israel during this horrific ordeal? Are we being watchmen over Israel lifting our voices to Heaven both day and night, crying out to God on their behalf?” 

Jesus will return one day to defeat all the enemies of Israel. Let’s make sure we are on his side.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I thank You for giving me wisdom from Your Word on how I should view Israel as Your chosen people. Your Word tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Therefore, Father, for the sake of Israel I will not keep silent, for the sake of Jerusalem I will not rest. I lift up Israel and the Jewish people to you. 

You see those who have come against Your treasured ones and those who back them with their support. They conspire to wipe out Israel as a nation and are therefore making a covenant against You. Lord, confound Israel’s enemies and put them to shame. Pursue them and terrify them that they may seek You, Father. I ask that You put a hedge of protection around Israel, her citizens, and her leaders. I humbly ask that You give them Your wisdom in their response to this brutal attack. In addition, Lord, please lead, guide, and direct each world leader who is making decisions concerning their stance on behalf of the nation of Israel. Please guide my nation and her people to always stand firmly with Israel. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

We should always aim to follow everything that the Word of God says, especially concerning all that is written. His Word is clear that we should pray for Israel. Be encouraged to start today and lift Israel and her people to God in prayer. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with praying Psalm 83 over Israel’s enemies and Isaiah 62 over Israel and her people.