What the Bible Says About Israel

Recently, we shared a special edition of our FirstWord Daily Devotional with families that focused on the need to pray fervently for Israel. You can read the special edition below, and learn more about how you can be involved in relief efforts.

This past summer, 28 of our Upper School students had the privilege of visiting Israel on a spiritual and educational journey. No one could anticipate how meaningful this trip would become. We planned months ago for them to share about their experience in chapel today. What a special moment it was as they spoke from their hearts in light of all that has transpired. One of the tour guides our students got to know was a young man named Anton. He is a military reservist and has been called up to active duty with the Israeli Defense Service. We are asking God to keep him safe.

Prior to the students arriving in Israel, Tricia and I were touring the Holy Land as well. One afternoon, we visited the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. Walking through the quiet corridors, we read a quote from Martin Neimoller. He was a German Pastor who had a radical change of heart that nearly cost him his life. “They came for the communists and I did not object because I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialists and I did not object because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not object because I was not a Jew. When they came for me there was no one left to object.” Because of his eventual outspoken opposition to the Nazi regime, he was sent to the concentration camp called Sachsenhausen in 1937.

In Genesis 12, God promised Abraham, “I will make you a great nation (Israel), and I will bless you and make your name great. I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you. In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” I don’t know about you, but I want to stand with God’s people. Let’s continue praying for our brothers and sisters in Israel who are facing unspeakable tragedies. We pray for peace, safety, and justice.

 How Can You Help?

We are partnered with First Orlando and their initiatives to provide support and resources. In their most recent services, First Orlando urged members of their congregation who were interested in supporting relief efforts to give through the North American Mission Board. 

There are also several other agencies offering relief assistance:

One For Israel

The Joshua Fund

Operation Blessing

Samaritan’s Purse

World Vision

You can subscribe to FirstWord and receive all of our Daily Devotionals HERE.

Steve Whitaker