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.

The attention given to Israeli nation state and its geopolitical existence has a biblical origin. Its people and specifically the city of Jerusalem have a place in both spiritual and historical narratives. The neighboring nations are very hostile and constantly threaten to eliminate Jews from the region. Christians await the rebuilding of the Jewish temple which signifies the reign of Christianity.

The spiritual implications of prophecies regarding Israel is the point of concern. There are a lot of prophecies about end times with no clarity whether they should be taken literary or figuratively. The conflict between the geographical nation and spiritual community is the point of concern.

Jesus is central in the prophesies and promises made to Israelis. They expected that he would establish a real kingdom on earth that would be characterized by fairness and justice. His coming coincided with prophesies made about the savior. He however said that salvation would come during his return. The nation is still waiting for this return.

A seventy week period was given to Israelis by God during the time of Prophet Daniel. It should be clear that each week represented a year as indicated by Ezekiel. They were to experience salvation at the end of this repentance period. However, this did not happen and even today, they are still suffering in the hands of hostile neighbors.

The first time Jesus appeared gave the Israelis hope that their salvation was finally at hand. The appearance of Jesus coincided with the dates indicated in numerous prophesies. This was also witnessed in events that characterized his work at the time including the voice from the clouds during baptism. However, his death and promise to return left most of them disappointed to the point of giving up.

The Old Testament foretold the coming of Jesus in the exact way the New Testament records. For instance, Jesus enters the synagogue and reads a scripture that applied directly to him. The similarities in his birth, mission and death make the case of prophesies more plausible. However, Israelis are still stranded as they await the coming of their savior who will help them escape misery.

The reference to Israeli as a nation shifts to the community of Christians because they failed to obey. When Christ was with them, they failed to believe him. This made God to regard Israel as the larger group of Christians as opposed to the nation state of Jews. It means that the prophesies will apply to the community of Christians as a validation of their believe in Jesus Christ. The promise of eternal life will only be enjoyed by those who believe.




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