Why we pray for Israel

For many in the church the subject of Israel remains a mystery. We know that Israel served a purpose in the Old Testament and in bringing Jesus, the Son of God, through their lineage to the earth. However some don’t understand God’s purposes for the people of Israel for the future. Many have missed that Israel still serves a very pivotal role for the future of the nations of the earth. Here are a few biblical points to help us connect with God’s heart concerning Israel and why we should pray for them.

The first passage that moves me to pray for Israel is in Isaiah 62. In verse 6 the Lord directs His attention specifically to those who are believers in Jesus and who “make mention of the Lord.” God says to those of us who pray and mention His name to “not keep silent” and “give Him no rest” until He makes Jerusalem, the city of David, the city of Israel, a praise in all the earth. This is a command.

The Bible commands us to not keep silent in our speech concerning the promises of God over the city of Jerusalem and the people of Israel. We are to use our speech to stir up people to stand with God’s purposes for Israel. And we are to use our speech as we give God no rest in the place of prayer. God has great things in His heart for this people and for this city (Jeremiah 3:17)! So much that He promises Israel in Isaiah 62 that He will raise up ones that will not keep silent concerning them as a people and the promises of God over their nation.

We’re believing for God to raise up 100 million intercessors that will pray weekly for the promises of God in Israel and the city of Jerusalem.

The second passage I turn to is Matthew 23:39. Jesus looks over the city of Jerusalem and says that they will not see Him again in their city until they say “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” So this second reason why I pray for Israel is an easy one. I want Jesus to return. Jesus won’t come back until there is a reception of Him as King of kings and Lord of lords in the city of Jerusalem. He will hold to His word and He will not come until the leadership of Israel believes that those who come in the name of the Lord Jesus are truly blessed of God.

In light of this passage it is no mystery of why world history has endured such anti-Israel sentiment. Satan knows this passage. He knows God will honor His Word. So we see his scheme of attempting to wipe out the Jewish race altogether. If there is no Israel, then this passage cannot be fulfilled. However there is no man, no demon, not even Satan himself that can stop the Word of God. Nero couldn’t do it in the Roman Empire, Hitler couldn’t do it in Nazi Germany, the radical Islamic world will too be unsuccessful. God will save all of Israel and they will receive Jesus as their true Redeemer and Messiah.

So a quick recap of why we pray for Israel.

Point 1: the Bible commands us in Isaiah 62:5 to not keep silent and give Him no rest concerning His purposes for them

Point 2: Jesus will not return until the nation of Israel receives Him at His own claims of being their King and Savior

Hope this helps. To hear this more I have an audio message on the Resources Page.

Wes