The recent terror attacks in Israel are painful episodes that we will never forget. In just a few days, 11 lives have been claimed, including Arab-Christian Police Officer Amir Khouri. Sadly, it does not look like we’re through the worst of it. There is talk that more attacks will follow.
Regardless of what happens, we must hold onto God’s promise that He will never leave nor forsake His people (Deuteronomy 31:6-8). I am thankful He is faithful to His word. Aren’t you?
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
We judge God faithful to keep His promises. One of the Messianic prophecies in Isaiah 40:1 says, “’Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ Says your God.” Even in these trying times, Israel can find relief and rest in her Redeemer. In that spirit, let’s see if we can draw a few lessons from the Bible in regards to these attacks upon Israel. First off, are there any links between the attacks and the prophetic scripture? What should be our response to the attacks as believers? We trust God will grant you understanding as you pray and read His Word.
Are the Attacks a Fulfillment of the Scripture?
Globally, wars and insurrections are nothing new. But, terrorist attacks are becoming too frequent these days to ignore. It appears that they point to something other than a power struggle. The facts seem to converge with the biblical predictions about the end of the world. Are we living in the last days? I believe so!
Yeshua gave us one of the most explicit prophecies about the last days. So, let’s check one of them.
“But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Luke 21:9-10)
Yeshua mentioned four things in this passage: wars, commotions, nation rising against nation, and kingdoms standing against themselves. Are there any links between these predictions and current events? Mark’s rendition of the same conversation adds an extra detail: rumors of wars.
Lately, the Prime Minister of Israel indirectly confirmed the possibility of more attacks. He said, “Keep an eye open. Whoever has a gun license, it’s time to carry the gun.” Obviously, the power face-offs in Israel tick this checklist. There are wars and commotions. Nations and kingdoms are at odds with each other. And there are rumors of more attacks.
What Should Christians Do In a Time Like This?
Moving forward, what is the proper response to global issues like these? Let’s check the Messianic prophecies in Isaiah and in other scriptures.
1.Rest in God’s Promise of Comfort
If there is a time for us to keep our grip fixed on God’s promise of comfort, it is now. The psalmist says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Isaiah’s words in chapter 49, verse 13, are timely counsel for Israel today.
“Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted.” (Isaiah 49:13)
2.Let Go of Fear
As we rest in God’s promise of comfort, we should also be deliberate to let go of fear. In situations like these, people are under pressure, and fear looms large in their minds. But, here’s God’s word to His people: “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day” (Psalms 91:5).
Here’s another word of hope for Israel:
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?” (Isaiah 51:12)
3.Be Prayerful
As believers, there’s never a time that we are stronger than when we fervently pour our hearts out before God in prayer. Thankfully, His ears are always open to hear us. Psalms 65:2 says, “O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come.”
Paul emphasized the same truth when he wrote to the believers at Philippi.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
4.Deepen Your Convictions
Finally, in times like these it will benefit you to feed more on God’s Word, the Messianic prophecies found in Isaiah and prophecies about the end times found in other books of the Bible. Repeated terrorist attacks are a reminder that there are many people who are still lost, unsaved. We should spend time studying how Yeshua fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah of Israel, especially the “controversial” ones. You may want to explore our evangelical content and those from other international media ministries to do just that!
Final Thoughts
It’s time to rest in God’s promise of comfort, let go of fear, be prayerful, and deepen your conviction that Yeshua fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. Beloved, be comforted and remember that the Keeper of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Shalom!