Why We Need the Jewish State

The Jewish State is no coincidence, nor is it the product of the whim of the nations. The Jewish State is the work of God, who is pulling the strings behind the scenes and using the nations for His affairs. This State is necessary for the Lord’s return: Only in this way can biblical prophecy be completely fulfilled. Israel’s current existence is like a guarantee of Jesus’ return. It is a reality, and is inexorably approaching.

The final fulfillment of God’s history with Israel is announced in Revelation, and it again is related to the coming Kingdom, which will be realized in the Jewish land (cf. Matt 24:14; Rev 11:15; 12:10; 19:6). Revelation addresses Jerusalem (cf. Rev 11:8; 20:9) as well as Zion (cf. Rev 14:1). The Ark of the Covenant is addressed (Rev 11:19). The Jewish people are brought back to the forefront (cf. Rev 7:11-12; the 144,000, the two witnesses, the woman). The land (State) is mentioned prophetically (cf. Rev 13:1, 11). Revelation also speaks of a temple, and makes it clear that Israel plays a major role in the last days.

At Jesus’ Ascension, the angels predicted that circumstances at His return would be as they were when He left Israel (Acts 1:11). At that time, there was a Jewish State with Jerusalem as its capital, the Mount of Olives, a Jewish people, a devout Judaism, a Judaism that believed in Jesus, and more.

God is in the process of physically rebuilding David’s fallen Tabernacle, so that He can also do so spiritually after the Rapture of the Church. “In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old… And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God” (Amos 9:11, 14-15). This can only refer to the last days, since Israel was uprooted once again at the time of Jesus’ first coming.

This fact is clarified by a statement during the Council of Jerusalem, which took place after Jesus’ Ascension. “And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up” (Acts 15:15-16). A crumbling house is rarely rebuilt; it’s usually completely demolished, and a new one built in its place. However, in cases where a dilapidated building is restored, the house often has historical value. People want to emphasize its history, connect with it, and make it worth visiting again. That is what God will do with Israel. The two passages quoted are among the most powerful New Testament references to Israel’s future in the Messianic Kingdom.

James was the Lord’s half brother, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and a recognized authority (cf. Gal 1:19; 2:9). He declares, in agreement with Peter, that the Gentiles have now been officially adopted into the Jewish Church. Before God once more took up the thread with Israel as a nation, He “first” adopted a people for His name—the Church—from among the Gentiles. James cites this as the reason why Israel no longer has precedence as a nation but has receded. James draws on the prophet Amos’ statement, quoting it in verse 16. Only “after this”—that is, after the conclusion of the Church Age—will the Lord Jesus Christ return in glory, to turn His attention back to Israel again and rebuild the fallen Tabernacle of David. This is proof that Israel’s history has not been canceled but merely postponed.

After these events, those who remain will seek the Lord (cf. v. 17), both Jews and Gentiles. These are the people who come to faith during the Tribulation, following the Church Age. After Israel is restored to the Messianic Kingdom, the remaining nations will also be reached by the Israelites who now believe.

The Chronology:

1. Israel under the Law

2. Calling of the Gentiles to the Church

3. Conclusion of the Church Age: Jesus comes for His Church at the Rapture

4. Jesus’ return and the restoration of Israel

5. Reaching the remaining nations in the Messianic Kingdom.

God’s works have been known to Him from eternity. Everything springs from the Lord’s plan of salvation, and is subject to the Almighty’s glorious counsel. We cannot give enough praise and thanks that we, as members of the Church, are part of this glorious plan. For this reason, we are not subject to the Law, the Sinai Covenant that God made with Israel (cf. vv. 19-20). We are called to a higher, more perfect law: the law of Christ.

God’s hand is clearly evident in the story behind the miracle of the State of Israel. Thinking of God’s dealings with Israel, it has been said that the hope of a nation can also be the anchor for a person’s soul. Everyone needs perspective for the future…