May 14, 1948. In a thirty-two minute
proclamation Ben Gurion established modern Israel. Dancing, singing and
cheering followed. Less than twenty-four hours later, enemies numerous and more
experienced, attacked. In an Old Testament display of power God took the side
of the Jews, fought for them and won.
God fulfilled His ancient promise to Israel: Listen to me, you nations nearby or
across the sea. I scattered the people of Israel,
but I will gather them again . . . I will rescue them from
enemies who could overpower them. My people will come to Mount Zion and celebrate; their
faces will glow because of my blessings. I’ll give them grain, grapes, and olive oil,
as well as sheep and cattle. Israel
will be prosperous and grow like
a garden with plenty of water. Jeremiah 31:10-12
May 14, 2018. An
historic day. Israel celebrated its seventieth birthday. Seventy years since
the fledgling nation danced in the streets. On this day, the United States
officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. A brave step. Until
now, all the nations of the world have refused to recognize Jerusalem as
Israel’s capital. The U.S. promised many times to move its embassy, but all those promises were broken.
As in 1948, most
peoples of the world watched unable to grasp the significance of this event. Many
sneered. Some attacked. This time mainly with words.
David established
Jerusalem as Israel’s capital 3000 years ago. Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke
19:41) 2,000 years ago. Now, against all odds, a people disconnected from their
homeland for almost twenty centuries have returned. Impossible. Except that God
decreed it. Israel began with 650,000 citizens in 1948. Today, there are more
than six million. And more arriving.
God’s promises are
always fulfilled! Always! You can take the promises of God and build a lifetime
on them. They won’t collapse, wear out or disintegrate. No world leader, no
matter how lauded and admired, can stand against His promises. God is an
immoveable rock. Those who oppose Him fight a losing battle (Matthew 21:44).
He that keeps Israel
neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). God blesses those who bless Israel
(Genesis 12:3).
“What a glorious day! Remember this
moment!” Benjamin Netanyahu, May 14, 2018
Praise you Lord God! Time
may pass. People may forget. But, You never forget Your promises.
* * *
Rose McCormick Brandon is the author of
four books - Promises of Home – Stories
of Canada’s British Home Children, One Good Word Makes all the Difference, He
Loves Me Not He Loves Me (with Sandra Nunn) and Vanished (with Shirley Brown) –
plus dozens of personal experience pieces, devotionals, short stories and
essays. Rose’s work has won awards in the personal experience and short essay
categories. Her story, Manitoulin
Connections, was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, O Canada. A member
of The Word Guild and The Manitoulin Writers Circle, Rose publishes two blogs: Listening to my Hair Grow (faith
writings) and Promises of Home
(stories of child immigrants). Rose and husband, Doug, summer on Manitoulin
Island where her pioneer ancestors settled and the home of his favourite
fishing holes. The rest of the year, they live in Caledonia, Ontario, near
their three children and three grandchildren.
1 comment:
Thanks Rose, for this affirmation of the promises of God and fulfilled biblical prophecy, especially in regard to the restoration of Israel to nationhood. One would hope and pray that such events as have unfolded over the millennia and especially during the past century should be sufficient to cause people and governments to take note. But . . .
Audrey Meier's song of 1952 speaks to this (First three lines):
"Kingdoms may rise, kingdoms may fall,
Nations refuse to hear God's call,
But the Word of the Lord endureth forevermore . . ." ~~+~~
Post a Comment