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Sunday 26 April 2015

Tracing The Spiritual Israel In Prophecy

By Toni Vang


The geopolitical positioning of Israel makes it an important reference point in global issues. Its history as a nation is as interesting as its political emergence. It also has a significant spiritual identity role especially among Christians. The futuristic perspective of Israel in prophecy is of interest to Christians allover the world. This history permeates beyond the spiritual ream to intertwine with global politics.

Biblical prophesies have caused a lot of attention to be focused on the entire Israeli nation, its people and Jerusalem as a city. Its positioning in the Middle East, bordered by very hostile nations makes it a point of interest. The focus for Christians is the rebuilding of the Jewish nation as well as the temple that was destroyed in war.

Interpretation of prophesies about Israel is the main cause and source of confusion. The tussle is on whether to interpret it directly or indirectly. The salvation that is promised to Israelis will come after the destruction of their enemies. Whether this is to happen physically or spiritually remains the question. It calls for careful consideration of the spiritual and biblical boundaries as understood from the historical context.

The coming of Jesus was viewed as a moment of salvation where he would establish an earthly rule. This kingdom would rule with justice and fairness. Unfortunately, he did not establish such a kingdom which left Israelis very disappointed. As they await the second coming they are not sure whether to hope or give up to their fate.

In the Old Testament, Daniel prophesied salvation when Israelis were in captivity. The description of seventy weeks of repentance has been computed such that the day of salvation falls in the current generation. Each week has been interpreted to mean a year when that scripture is read alongside others. The events happening today signify a near fulfillment of the promised salvation.

The coming of Jesus reignited hope that the salvation of Israelis was at hand. It had been prophesied that a savior would come at the exact time that Jesus appeared. During his baptism, a voice was heard declaring that he was the anointed of God. However, his coming did not provide a solution to the troubles of the Israeli people. He died with a promise that he will come again.

When the events of the New Testament are read alongside prophesies of the Old Testament, Jesus becomes the fulfillment of this prophesy. At one point, he enters the synagogue, opens a scripture and reads the verse that would make the people identify him. The manner of his death and failure to establish an earthly kingdom that would bring salvation to Israelis has left them stranded.

The failures of Israelis to follow the commandments of God seem to have caused abandonment and shift of focus to the larger Christian society. The triumphs of Jesus Christ heralded the creation of a new nation which would take the tag of Israel. This implies that the nation transforms from a geographical entity into a spiritual one. This is a validation of the promises of eternal life to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.




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