When you’re sailing the high seas and encounter a storm, it is good to sail with a seasoned captain who knows how to navigate them!  Well, mates, if end time events are not stormy, I don’t know what is!  Aren’t you glad we have a Captain with all knowledge and wisdom!  He rules the stormy seas that lie ahead and He instructs us how to navigate them.

 

One of our objectives is to “do something,” and God’s Word is very specific about two things He wants us to do on behalf of His chosen nation: bless Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  We are well-served to heed these instructions, thus we will focus on them, making one a regular part of our study, and discussing ways to accomplish the other.  Doing these two things will actually be up to you!

 

Read Genesis 12:1-3.  You will likely recognize this passage as God’s covenant with Abraham.  We’ll study this passage in greater depth later, but notice God’s promise in verse 3.  God promises blessings and curses, depending upon how one responds toward the nation God promised to Abraham.  We know that nation is Israel.  Thus, what is God’s promise regarding our response to Israel?

 

God’s covenant with Abraham, which was ratified and passed down through his sons, Isaac and Jacob, was repeated in Genesis 27:26-29.  Later, even Balaam, a pagan who obeyed God strictly for profit, recognized the value of God’s promise.  Read Numbers 24:1-9.  What was Balaam’s realization in verse 1?

 

Verse 2 tells us that the Spirit of God came upon this wayward man and opened his eyes (though not permanently!), and Balaam launched into an oracle describing the blessings of Israel.  What is his final statement in verse 9?

 

Indeed, my friends, whether believers, non-believers, pagans, faithful followers, Jews or Gentiles, God promises to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel.  Let’s stand on the side of God’s blessing!

 

But just how do we bless Israel?  Good question!  Let’s throw out a few ideas:

 

1. Fast for the nation of Israel.  The book of Esther is a great example for us!
2. Go to Israel!  If you can get there…don’t pass up the chance.  Not only will you be changed forever, but it will also bless Israel.
3. Build relationships with Jewish people.  It encourages them to know others support them.
4. Study and share what you know about end times.  Encouraging others to understand God’s plan for both Jews and Gentiles blesses both!
5. Join forces with ministries that have outreaches to Israel.  (One example is The Joshua Fund.)
6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  If you are unable to do anything else, you can definitely do this!

 

God promises to bless those who bless Israel (Genesis 12:3), so stand on the side of blessing!

 

We’ve completed our first week of study together!  I hope you are blessed, and that you will stick with us.  We’ve got many adventures ahead!