Messianic View of The Land of Israel

[Pray4Isrel]

With all that's constantly going on in Israel, what is your view on the political situation and how does it pertain to Messianic Judaism?  This may be a stretch but I wanted to get everyone's opinions on this.  We know that the Land of Israel belongs to God's Chosen - the Jewish people.  What do you think the role of a Messianic Jew is in relation to Israel?  Should more Messianic Jews return to Israel to be a witness?  What about the politcal climate? 

One thing is for certain - we need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

[Pray4Isrel]

http://www.infoclick.org/conflict.html

Also, here's a brief (but very cool) history presentation of Israel, FYI. Enjoy!

[Hoonbaba]

Originally posted by Pray4Isrel
With all that's constantly going on in Israel, what is your view on the political situation and how does it pertain to Messianic Judaism?  This may be a stretch but I wanted to get everyone's opinions on this.  We know that the Land of Israel belongs to God's Chosen - the Jewish people.  What do you think the role of a Messianic Jew is in relation to Israel?  Should more Messianic Jews return to Israel to be a witness?  What about the politcal climate? 

One thing is for certain - we need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

I'm not a Messianic Jew, but I just thought I'd share a few opinions:

I don't believe the land of Israel has any significance to God anymore.  I know that may sound heretical, but Gal 4:21-31 describes two different 'Jerusalem'.  One is the physical city of Jerusalem (Gal 4:25) which was destroyed in 70AD marking the end of Biblical Judaism) and the other is the Jerusalem from above (Gal 4:26), which is likely the heavenly Jerusalem where believers have already come upon (Heb 12:22-24)

Also, Jesus was once talking to a Samaritan woman who said:

"Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." (John 4:20)

And Jesus responds by saying:

"Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." (John 4:21)

In this particular passage, I think both Jesus and the woman were referring to the physical city of Jerusalem.  So I'm contending that the physical location of Jerusalem is of no more importance since the heavenly Jerusalem is of greater significance.  But that's just my opinion.

I also don't believe that the Jewish people as a people group are God's chosen, but rather those who accept Christ in their lives (Gal 3:28, Col 3:11), which of course includes Jews (who follow Jesus).  Also, Romans 11 describes the 'grafting in' and 'cutting off' of believers which includes Jews.

With all this in mind, I think Jews should not go to Israel.  It's just too dangerous there.  Now I'm not saying we should just sit around and let Israel get beat up, but rather we ought to really be praying for God's peace to come upon the mid-east.  The war has to stop.

Well those are my thoughts :)

God bless!

-Jason

[dignitized]

On January 2, 2003 our community will be dedicating a house of prayer near the Dead Sea in Israel for the specific purpose or praying for the safety and peace of Israel and Jerusalem.

I think that sums up how we view Israel :)

[Pray4Isrel]

That's a really awesome thing, Br.Max!
We need more people willing to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

[dignitized]

pray4: starting after the consecration of the site, two people will be stationed there to pray 24/7 :)

[arab4christ]

Nice question Pray...

I believe the Lord will start cleaning out the leaders of Israel soon...Even though their actions are justified whether they apear good or bad to the world, there is still blasphemy in the land. God will call more power into the leaders and all I can see if the land flourishing from then. More Jews returning, including many Messianic Jews as you mentioned. And the Lords plans will show more. But right now, Israel is suffering from a low economical status. Still lots of killings. Hard to trust anyone there. To get someone in there who cares about the unity of the Jews and its precious lands more than political strength, weapons and money would be great!

We need to pray for Israel as much as possible. Gods everlasting covanant is still with the people of Israel. And the city in the middle of the map, Jerusalem is the only city he calls his own. You can bet he hasnt turned his head away from them and never will ;)

a4c

[Pray4Isrel]

Amen to that!

[dignitized]

QUESTION: has Israel changed their stance which prohibits Messinic Jews from being citizens and owning land?

[Pray4Isrel]

When I was there in 97' & 99' there were restrictions, but I am am unaware if these restrictions still stand. Anyone know the answer? I suppose we could look it up somewhere... good question.

[dignitized]

pray4: I would be interesed in knowing since one of the members or "my" order is a full blooded Jew who checked into purchasing property there and was told she could not because she is "Messianic."