Observation: We know that the scriptures are timeless. They are written related to specific events occurring for their time period, but also apply to us today. While reading passages with a mind and heart for our current situation - such as interpreting an ask for protection as applying to our own fears during the current economic downturn - we see a specific call that applies to the need 3,000 years ago ... redemption of Israel from distress.
However, even that passage applies today! It could be interpreted as protection for God's people, and thus can still align to the desire for personal protection as a Christian, and a personal calm that comes with secure trust in the Lord. However, this same request can still even be literal today ... Lord, please redeem and protect Israel from all its distress.
It is the distress of Israel today that may in fact be the greatest proof of the Lord's love and plan ... that his nation, raised up from one ancient man, promised a specific yet nothing-too-special land, bounded as a nation of priests to inform the world about Yahweh, and blessed to be a blessing by launching Messiah as the salvation of all mankind ... this small country roughly the same size and population of just New Jersey would be the recipient of open hatred, and nearly continual attack. This is so prevalent that we have words that describe the general idea of hating other people-groups, but we created one unique word specific to just hating Jews. We have a unique name for one specific, atrocious act carried out against Jews during wartime. We are numb to the idea of open international hostility occurring in their part of the world. And we are concerned - but not overly surprised - to learn that an Israeli friend has been openly hunted with a bounty placed on his head while he was on a humanitarian mission to help people.
Application: It is easy for me to read this line - "God, redeem Israel, from all its distress" - and to think 'yes, Lord, please protect and redeem your people who believe in you and protect us during this time of distress.' Instead, today I declare ... Lord, please redeem and protect Israel.
Prayer: Lord, again I say, please redeem and protect Israel. Remember your covenants, and even though they may have been broken or fulfilled already, recall your heart for the people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Protect them in their land, in their homes, and in their everyday coming and going. And continue to raise in their hearts the truth of Jesus, which is that Messiah has in fact come, and that good news is still to this day first for the benefit of the Jews, and then for the Gentiles like myself. Please turn your face toward Israel, and turn their hearts toward Jesus. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment