Welcome back, dear friends!  We have seen that, in recent history, God has chosen to allow Israel to stand against incredible odds…and come out victorious.  This week’s excursion takes us back in history to examine God’s promises and God’s ways with His favored nation.  Boatloads of evidence exist, pointing to His intervention on their behalf in the past, and plenty more evidence is prophesied in the future!  So, with our boat loaded, let’s cruise through history past and future, and eventually consider the question, “Will Israel stand alone?”

God has made it clear, and we have already learned that the Jews are His favored people!  It is not healthy for anyone or any nation to touch the apple of His eye!  However, as we see, read and hear every day, much of the world is against Israel and seeks to destroy her, but the Lord is faithful to His people.

As you study this week, please heed the command to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  Prayer emphasis each week is designed to give you direction, based on the insight the Lord gives you in that particular week’s Individual Study.  Make it an ongoing part of your study; done not as an afterthought, but as of primary importance!

This week’s prayer emphasis comes from Zechariah 2:8:

For thus says the Lord of hosts, “After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.”

What is the latest news you have heard?  Who is the latest country to antagonize God’s people?  Will you pray this week for the peace of Jerusalem, and for the power of the Holy Spirit to work on her behalf against those enemies?  Pray that the Lord’s sustaining, mighty hand will be the evidence that causes God’s chosen people to recognize their Messiah.

Enjoy your week!