Our Jewish friends around the world are about to enter into back-to-back commemorations that could not be more contrasting. Sundown tonight will mark the beginning of Yom HaZikaron. Then, as the sun sets tomorrow, Yom HaZikaron will fade to Yom HaAtzmu’at, making a perfect reflection of Psalm 30:5:

Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

In the midst of the ongoing battle to root out Hamas terrorists in Gaza, Israel has lost over 600 soldiers. Add that to previous war and terrorism casualties since their rebirth in 1948 and Israel mourns the loss of over 25,000 soldiers. (For perspective, the US population is ~34X that of Israel, making an American equivalent of ~850,000.) It is those losses that Israeli’s will mourn on Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day.

Twice on Yom HaZikaron (8pm tonight and 11am tomorrow, Israeli time) sirens will sound throughout the land of Israel and, just as on the recently commemorated Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), everything in Israel will come to a complete stand still while Israelis spend two moments of complete reverence to their fallen.

Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning! One of the most joyous days on the Israeli calendar commences as the most somber Yom HaZikaron gives way to Yom HaAtzma’ut at sundown on Monday. (Remember, days on the Hebrew calendar begin at sundown.)

Tuesday, the parks and beaches will be filled with Israeli families celebrating Israel’s Independence Day (Yom HaAtzma’ut). May 14, 1948, Bible prophecy was fulfilled when the nation of Israel was reborn in a day! (Isaiah 66:8-9, NLT) So, it is a day of joy and celebration throughout the land and around the world as Jews recall the wonderful miracle of God returning the title deed to the land He promised to the Jewish people.

Indeed, joy often follows the greatest mourning. It is not coincidental that Israel commemorates these two occasions on back-to-back days, as it is just like God to provide confirmation of His promises.

We should mourn and celebrate with our Jewish friends, but there is a principle in it for us all. Dear Christian friends, never forget that God will forever be faithful to His promises. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning! Our ultimate joy is sealed and, one day, we will see its ultimate fulfillment when King Jesus comes to take us to be in His eternal presence.

What indescribably joyful day that will be!