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The Amazing Witness of Israel
Introduction: A Modern Miracle
Welcome to the Watchman Report, where we bring clarity to trending news stories from a biblical perspective, highlighting the scriptural principles relating to the moral, social, and prophetic issues breaking on the world stage. In this issue, we examine the amazing witness of God’s chosen people, Israel.
One of the greatest miracles in history took place just over 75 years ago. Consider this: the world’s most powerful ancient nations—the Philistines, Edomites, Assyrians, and Babylonians—have all lost their land and identity, disappearing into the pages of history. But not the Jews. Despite centuries of conquest, oppression, and persecution, they stand today amongst modern nations as a remarkable phenomenon and a living witness, just as God promised in the Bible.
The Ancient Promise to Abraham
Israel is a small country in the Middle East, located on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria—nations historically hostile towards the Jewish people. The complex history of the Jews can be traced back to Abraham, the father of the Jews through his son Isaac (and of the Arabs through his son Ishmael). Abraham originally lived in Ur but was called by God to journey to a land He would show him. In faith and obedience, Abraham travelled to the land of Canaan, known today as Israel.
As a reward, God promised Abraham and his son Isaac that the land they travelled through would be the inheritance of his family for future generations, forever. It was God who gave the name Israel to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob. However, Abraham’s descendants became enslaved in Egypt for hundreds of years before God freed them through miraculous events and brought them back to Canaan, where they settled and established themselves as a nation.
The Warning of Scattering
For almost a thousand years, under kings like David and Solomon, Israel became a wealthy and mighty regional power, its people enjoying peace and prosperity. Yet God had cautioned the Israelites when they left Egypt: if they did not keep His commandments, obey His laws, and trust and serve Him, He would allow them to be scattered throughout the earth.
This warning is recorded in Deuteronomy 28:64-66, where God told Israel through Moses: “the Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other… And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life.”
Disobedience and Exile
Sadly, despite this warning, the children of Israel forgot the God who had delivered them. They disobeyed His laws and behaved wickedly. Just as forewarned, other nations—the Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, and Romans—conquered them, destroyed their cities, took them captive, and scattered them across their empires. The nation of Israel ceased to exist, wiped from the map, its people dispersed and oppressed.
Persecution and Survival Through History
Yet the Jewish people were not integrated or absorbed into the nations where they were scattered. Instead, they thrived, stood out, and consequently became hated and tormented. This persecution began in ancient Egypt when a pharaoh, fearing their growing power, ordered all Jewish baby boys to be thrown into the River Nile.
This hostility continued throughout their dispersion. Nation after nation attempted to exterminate them: a plot was formed during the Persian Empire to murder the entire Jewish race and seize their property—an ambition taken up in recent history by Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. During World War Two, over six million Jews were massacred in the Holocaust. The Jewish people have been despised in every century, but during and after World War Two, hatred escalated, and their very survival was threatened.
The Holocaust and National Rebirth
Incredibly, just three years after the Holocaust, Israel arose from the ashes. The Jewish people were drawn back together and re-established as a sovereign nation in their ancient homeland. Even more astounding is that they faced another serious threat of annihilation immediately upon their rebirth. When they declared independence on 14 May 1948, they were instantly attacked by five invading Arab armies, surrounded by enemies determined to “drive the Jews into the sea.” The Secretary-General of the Arab League declared it would be “a war of extermination and a momentous massacre.”
The War for Independence
Standing against the superior, well-armed Arab forces was the fledgling Israeli military. Many defenders were penniless, broken Holocaust survivors, recently arrived from Europe and thrown straight into battle—some without shoes, training, or even a common language. Israel had only recently accomplished the unprecedented feat of reviving the Hebrew language after 2,000 years of disuse. Furthermore, an international arms embargo left the new state ill-equipped and overwhelmingly vulnerable. Commentators and experts declared Israel’s survival would be short-lived.
A Miraculous Victory
Yet, within ten months, Israel had not only convincingly resisted the aggressors but expanded its borders, forcing the Arab nations to seek an armistice. At the time of their greatest weakness, perilously close to extinction, the Jewish people emerged stronger, united, and reborn as the nation of Israel in their own land, with their language restored.
Modern Conflicts and Survival
In more recent times, Israel has again been under attack, fighting for stability and security as animosity grows. Its survival is unquestionably miraculous. But it is more than an improbable phenomenon; the existence of Israel today is Bible prophecy fulfilled and a witness to the reality and presence of God.
Bible Prophecy Fulfilled
Through the prophet Jeremiah, some 2,600 years ago, God declared: “Fear thou not, O my servant Jacob… neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid” (Jeremiah 30:10). It is no coincidence that Israel was saved from the brink of destruction and regathered. God is in control of their destiny. Their survival is not because they are greater, wiser, or stronger, but because they have been chosen by God as His people and as proof of His existence: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God” (Isaiah 43:12).
Israel as God's Witness
Israel is a miracle in the true sense of the word. Its existence is inexplicable and extraordinary, possible only because God ensures it. He has watched over and directed world events to ensure that, unlike other nations condemned to history, His people Israel—His witness—will continue.
The Promise of Future Fulfilment
The Bible, written long before Israel’s rebirth, consistently prophesied both their scattering and regathering. As Ezekiel 37:21-22 states: “Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen… and will bring them into their own land: And I will make them one nation in the land… and one king shall be king to them all.” The complete fulfilment of this prophecy requires Israel to be ruled over by one king. That future king is referred to throughout the Bible—a topic for another discussion.
Conclusion
For now, that king is yet to appear. Yet, who could question the certainty of his coming in the face of the unprecedented and amazing witness of the nation of Israel?
Watch the video here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/studyvideo/watchman-report-the-amazing-witness-of-israel-1215-min-caleb-mansfield/[We are a Christadelphian team dedicated to providing outstanding, scriptural content to encourage and build up your faith. If you found this presentation insightful, please share it with others.]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/watchman-report-the-amazing-witness-of-israel/?feed_id=109369&_unique_id=696102c402cfd
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css="" css_animation="none"]In this Series, we aim to bring perspective to matters of current news items from a Biblical viewpoint. Whether Prophecy or Moral and Social issues, we highlight Biblical instruction relating to those breaking stories on the world stage.
**Inspiring**
We present an outstanding and thought-provoking expositional study from the Watchman Report. In this insightful presentation, Brother Don Pearce provides a wonderful and revealing analysis of current geopolitical shifts in light of the remarkable prophecy of Ezekiel 38. Join us as we explore what the scriptures reveal about the "mountains of Israel," contemporary movements towards peace, and the intriguing role of Russia in the latter days.
**Chapters:**
00:00 - Introduction: Clarity on Trending News from a Biblical Perspective
00:16 - Examining the Mountains of Israel, Peace, Russia, and Ezekiel 38
00:30 - The Importance of Ezekiel 38: Russia's Tactics and the Peace Dividend
00:42 - Analysing the Prophetic Coalition: Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, and More
02:14 - The Topography of Prophecy: The Mountains of Israel Today
02:43 - The Prince of Russia's Plans: A Northern Assault
03:15 - Gog and His Companions: Changing Tactics Against a Secure Israel
03:50 - A Time of Preparation and Coming Global Trouble
04:31 - The Christadelphian Response: Faith, Our Position, and Our Hope
05:52 - Our True Weapons and Immortal Victory
06:29 - Conclusion and Encouragement to Study God’s Word
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78wX3mH4vVo[/embedyt]
**Key Bible Verses:**
📖 Ezekiel 38 📖 Ezekiel 38:8-11 📖 1 Thessalonians 5:3 📖 Joel 3:10 📖 Hebrews 11:3 📖 Zechariah
**Tags:**
Bible prophecy, Ezekiel 38, end times, mountains of Israel, Russia prophecy, Gog and Magog, Middle East peace, biblical analysis, Christadelphian, Watchman Report, Don Pearce, scripture study, end times news, biblical perspective, eschatology
We are a Christadelphian team, Brothers and sisters of Christ, and we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css="" css_animation="none"]A @Christadelphians Video:Description: Christian prayer is communicating with God through praise, confession, thanksgiving and requests, grounded in the scriptures and our faith. Its practice is vital for spiritual growth and can become a way of life. This presentation suggests some practical tips that might help. Always pray.
Inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply insightful, this expositional talk delves into the Apostle Paul's powerful imagery of the spiritual warrior in Ephesians 6, revealing that our true strength is found on our knees in prayer. Join us as we explore the necessity of "praying always" to stand firm in the relentless battle against the forces of darkness and our own selfish nature.
**Chapters:**
00:00 - Introduction: The Living Word & The Call to Be Strong
00:39 - The Spiritual Battle: A Soldier Under Pressure
05:46 - Prayer as Our Essential Communication
09:10 - How to Pray: Four Vital Principles
14:52 - 1. Praying "In the Spirit" (In the Name of Christ)
23:02 - 2. Watching and Being Alert in Prayer
27:07 - 3. Persevering and Not Giving Up in Prayer
34:26 - 4. Making Supplication for All Saints
38:51 - The Ultimate Example: Christ's Victory in Gethsemane
45:36 - Conclusion: The Promise of Eternal Peace
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYSgtNNuA50[/embedyt]
**Key Bible Verses:**
📖 Ephesians 6:10-18
📖 Romans 8:5-9, 26-27
📖 Mark 13:32-37
📖 Luke 18:1-8
📖 Matthew 26:36-45
📖 John 14:13-14, 16:23-24
Tags: Christadelphian, Bible study, Prayer, Spiritual warfare, Ephesians 6, Praying always, Faith, Devotional, Christian living, Scripture, Exegesis, Biblical teaching, Spiritual growth, Perseverance, Supplication.
We are a Christadelphian team, Brothers and sisters of Christ, and we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today!
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