Happy Birthday Israel…
I guess most of you are well aware this is a monumental week in the scope of world-wide affairs and things of Biblical importance because yesterday May 14 the modern nation of Israel celebrated its 60th anniversary of statehood.
So not only do we want to wish them a happy birthday, but I want to convey I’ve had this event on my mind big time this week. For all those people who say they never witness miracles - well take note, because we are witnessing a modern day miracle right before our eyes.
Please understand that for over 2500 years the Jewish people have been scattered throughout the nations of the world. And for all that time the land of Israel was under occupation of many different nations. But thousands of years ago God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. And of course for all you Bible buffs you know God kept his promise and under the guidance of Joshua the people of Israel took the land. However within a few-hundred years because of idolatry and hardness of heart toward the Lord God they were sent into captivity and later dispersed to the many nations of the world.
But God had spoken to the prophets like Ezekiel, Daniel and Jeremiah that in spite of Israel’s sin He still had a plan for them and the promise made to Abraham had never ceased. And even though the land was under the tyranny of many other nations in the late 19th century God began the process of keeping His promise and bringing the Jewish people back into the land.
Then even though surrounded by many enemies God miraculously delivered Israel into the land and on May 14, 1948 by a vote of the United Nations to recognized statehood. Amazing….miraculous.
God had promised it to be so and to the very day it took place. If you wonder how it all came together …TO THE VERY DAY… check out the message I will preach this Sunday on the Real Promise Keeper to see how God did it. (You can catch all of my messages on the Bethany Church web-site www.bethanywykoff.org
But when I think about how a people could be scattered to the nations for over 2500 years and God could protect them and sustain them and bring them back into the land he promised! Well it gives me personal hope that God has not forgot where you and I live. The same God who promised Abraham is the God who walks with me. How cool is that?
So once again – Happy Birthday Israel.
