The 'mystery' of Israel: hidden from the eyes of the proud
22 September 2022
The 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 77) opened in New York on Tuesday, 13 September 2022. The first day of the high-level General Debate was on Tuesday, 20 September 2022. Global leaders are gathering to discuss the major issues of the day.
This annual meeting of the General Assembly occurs in the midst of a momentous shift in geopolitical relations – a shift that has major ramifications for Israel. With the Western nations (traditionally led by the United States) decreasing in global influence, we are seeing countries like China, Russia, Iran and Turkey having significant influence well beyond their own borders. Most of these nations are not friends of the State of Israel.
As the world’s leaders discuss the major crises facing humanity, many will criticize and condemn Israel, but you can be sure no-one in New York will be talking about the greatest miracle of all: the restoration of the Jewish people to the land. There seems to be almost a willing blindness to see and understand what the God of Jacob is doing in our midst. And the tragedy is - they are missing the fact that God is restoring the Jewish people to the land in order to be a blessing to the nations!
Worse, many UN member states actively oppose the existence of the State of Israel and promote its destruction. It is outrageous, for example, that the UN allows Iran to be represented by its President Raisi, who openly disputes the legitimacy of the Jewish State, promotes its destruction, and even casts doubt on whether the Holocaust actually happened.
On the other hand, there are some world leaders who clearly appreciate the importance of the Jewish State of Israel. This week was the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. After 70 years on the throne, she is succeeded by her son, King Charles III. Queen Elizabeth represented stability, integrity, love and service. She also had a deep Christian faith, and a close bond with the Jewish people. Although she never visited Israel, it is understood she supported the Jewish State. It remains to be seen to what extent her legacy will be continued. But the facts that King Charles has a deep affection for the Jewish people, and that Liz Truss is now his Prime Minister, give cause for hope.
In this week’s teaching, Johannes Gerloff explains the 'mystery' of Israel referred to in Romans 11:25 – the revelation of God’s truth that “Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.” God does what He promises, His purposes are irrevocable.
This mystery is hidden from the eyes of those who seek power and influence in the world at any cost.
Let us pray that the leaders of our nations – especially leaders, like King Charles and Prime Minister Liz Truss - will receive extra revelation of God’s mysterious dealings with Israel, the church and the nations, and abundant courage to stand boldly on God’s promises when meeting the leaders of other nations in New York.
Let us also pray for Israel's representative in the UN, Gilad Erdan.
And as we seek to interpret the signs of the times, let us keep our eyes focused on the Lord, and remain vigilent - “waiting, watching and praying” for the coming of Messiah.
The Editorial Team - Israel & Christians Today
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