spotlight on: ISRAEL

by David Thompson

GEOGRAPHY

Israel is now experiencing Aliyah, the immigration of Jews from other nations returning to Israel . Jerusalem , the nation's capital, is also a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Israel was founded in 1948 after 1,900 years of Jewish exile, directly in accordance with biblical prophecy.

PRAY...

• The intense half-century conflict between Arabs and Israelis urgently needs resolution. Both sides lay claim to the land and are willing to fight for it. Pray for a just, lasting, God-inspired solution to this dilemma.

• The number of Jewish and Arab believers in Christ is growing, but they are very ostracized. Pray for the safety of both people groups, the strengthening of their faith, and unity and healing between Christian Jews and Christian Arabs.

• Animosity against Christianity is a barrier to be overcome in Jewish minds. Throughout the centuries, Jews have been persecuted in the name of Christ as exemplified by the Crusades and the Holocaust. "Christian" nations are seen to be destroyers of the Jewish nation. Pray that Jews will understand the gospel as a fulfillment of their Jewish heritage and that a widespread turning to the Messiah (Jesus Christ) might come.

• Jerusalem has been a hotbed of spiritual, political and social upheaval for generations. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

• God has veiled the spiritual eyes of the Jewish people to the gospel of Jesus Christ until the fullness of the Gentiles comes to salvation. Pray for the full harvest of souls to come to salvation and that God would remove the veil He has sovereignly placed upon Jewish hearts concerning the gospel.