“Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.” Isaiah 66:8
May 14, 1948 was a day that marked a major change in the history of the world. It was a day that a country was indeed born, and a nation was brought forth in a moment. It was an historic moment – a miracle. It was a miracle that, once again, proved God’s faithfulness to keep His promises, which He gave through His prophets.
Yet, as miraculous as that day was, the reality is that Israel is still fighting for its survival. And as much as we long for the day when Israel will live securely in her borders, Israel will never know physical peace until she knows her Prince of Peace, Yeshua.
This season here in Israel is a very unique one. Sorrow is mixed with much joy as we solemnly remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country and then less than 24 hours later, we celebrate Israel’s Independence.
This year, as every year, I went to visit and encourage some of the families that have lost their dear ones due to the reality of war here in Israel. In Israel, Memorial Day is a very special day – most of the restaurants, stores, and malls are closed, and the TV and radio have programming that commemorates the fallen.
This is truly a time of reflection about the special gift of life. My son, Oriah, is now six and a half years old, and is starting to understand things. He also asks many questions. As I tell him stories about my friends who died defending Israel, I find myself needing to explain the reality of war, yet trying to be careful to not plant seeds of hatred in his heart towards Israel’s enemies.
I am now starting to think about the cycle of life here in Israel in a deeper way. I finished my military service about 16 years ago, and in 12 years or so, I am going to be sending my son to his compulsory army service. While defending one’s country holds a great sense of pride, for parents in Israel, we are essentially sending our children to war. It’s not a natural thing for any parent to knowingly put his child in danger. Yet here in Israel, it is our reality since we are surrounded by an enemy that eagerly seeks to destroy us.
The future here in Israel is not so promising…everyone knows that the next war will start sooner or later; it’s inevitable. This is not pessimism – it’s the truth. For me, all I can do is keep my eyes on God and look forward to the day that He has promised us:
“I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.” Isaiah 65:19
May we live to see this day in our lifetime.
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3 Comments on “Israel’s Fight for Survival.”
CONGRATULATION. My heart desire is to see Israel live in peace and that the next war will be the one that Jesus will be conducted. When I pray I often time pray for the children by only thinking about traumas that they have to live with growing up it really hurt me. And I ask God to please stop the war for the sake of the children because I know He loves them I trust that He is going to do something. I pray also that God will give Israel full control of their territory (Gaza/West bank). I am sad that the Prime minister in his speech did not even mention that Israel’s uniqueness is because of God. It let me thinking may be this is one of the reasons apart from not recognizing Yeshua that God is not taking away wars tention. Anyway I love Israel and the nation of Israel is daily in my heart. I trust God that He will keep His promises this lift my spirit up again. Keep trusting Him may God give the body of Messiah power of the Holy Spirit to do His work. God bless. Shalom.
I am with you as I pray for peace in our time.the us has a lot of fighting in are history.but none has hade it as tougherthan u! It’s hard to count sufferings as for Christ.I’m going through my own all my life! Yet I must know that it pleased god to bruze his son for his glory.and the worlds redemption.god is doing a good work in me,and it hurts so,I wish I was there with u.Gods fovour.Tom..
Yes, I agree and deeply empathize with you and to the rest of your people. How harrowing it is to live day by day as the horror of tragedy can struck any minute… and it did for the nth time even long before your country became a nation in the eyes of the world. (But for G_d, you are a nation for Him and priviledgely, His chosen, His original chosen ones). Your sorrows and hardship sure and will have an end. But praise _d, in the meanwhile, the world sees all along, you have blest the lives of the families of the world as HaShem said. So much human accomplishments you, Folks, have rendered to the world in all of history.
Worship the L_rd, the more we know adversity, the more we can value the saving grace of Yeshua. Be blest, brother, in His mighty Name. For as the great All Mighty loves you with an everlasting love, I know, He gave me this love for you and your people as well. I praise Him always and ever, your nation’s overflowing peace will come, soon, I pray. SHALOM !