Israel’s Salvation: God’s Plan and Our Calling
Shalom, dear friends! It’s a joy to greet you once again from Jerusalem and share a word of encouragement. Thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “The law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3). Today, we understand clearly that this “word” is Yeshua (Jesus Christ) Himself, who brought to us the perfect law of freedom and grace.
When speaking about the salvation of Israel, someone might ask, “Why does this matter to me?” Friends, our personal salvation is intrinsically tied to Scripture and God’s promises. We are saved because God promised and fulfilled His word—not because we deserved it, but purely through His mercy. Likewise, the Lord has made promises concerning His people, Israel.
The apostle Paul emphasized to the believers in Rome that in terms of salvation, Jews and Gentiles stand equal—each individual must personally call upon the Lord. Scripture declares, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). It is also written, “The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). This underscores why it is crucial that the good news is proclaimed in Israel—but always with love, gently sharing the truth we live by, without force or coercion.
At the same time, Israel is a unique nation with a divine purpose. God declared, “I have made you a light for the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). When the infant Yeshua was brought to the Temple for circumcision, righteous Simeon held Him and proclaimed, “He is a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:32). Yet, today we do not see Israel fully living out this spiritual calling. While Israel excels in science and technology, the nation has yet to embrace its full spiritual destiny.
If humans were to choose a nation, they likely wouldn’t select slaves—but God did precisely that. He delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, gave them the Torah at Sinai, and called them His people. The Torah was given not for pride, but to lead people to seek God’s face. Indeed, all the Torah, prophets, and Scriptures point to Yeshua, who Himself declared, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39).
There will come a day when all Israel proclaims, “Baruch haba b’shem Adonai!” (Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!) (Matthew 23:39). Israel is uniquely positioned to recognize their Messiah and mourn for Him, much like Joseph’s brothers mourned when they recognized him. Joseph is a foreshadowing of Yeshua—betrayed and sold, yet ultimately becoming the savior of his brethren. In the same way, Yeshua, whom Israel once rejected, will reveal Himself to His people in the end times.
We believe the restoration of Israel in 1948 fulfills God’s promises. Yet God also used believers’ prayers in this process. Although He doesn’t require human assistance to fulfill His plans, He invites us to participate through prayer and practical support. Our calling is to intercede for Israel and support those ministering God’s love to the Jewish people.
As the return of the Lord draws near, so does Israel’s salvation. Therefore, no believer should say, “Why should Israel concern me? I have enough problems of my own.” No, friends! We are called to pray for Israel, to seek peace for Jerusalem, and to fulfill God’s calling.
Paul writes to the Romans, “A partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). This refers not merely to numbers but to purpose. We have received not only salvation but a calling—to walk in God’s grace so profoundly that the Jewish people see and desire it.
Paul further explains, “If their transgression means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!” (Romans 11:12). Imagine how powerful God’s work will be when Israel turns fully to the Lord! This process has already begun, as more Israelis are coming to faith in Yeshua. This is entirely God’s grace, not our own achievement.
Paul so deeply loved his people that he wrote, “I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race” (Romans 9:3). Although he was an apostle to the Gentiles, Paul firmly believed in God’s plan for Israel. As the Lord declares, “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). Just as God promised David an enduring house, He will not revoke His mercy toward Israel.
Today, friends, I urge you: pray for Israel. The prophet Zechariah foretold, “They will look on Me whom they have pierced, and mourn for Him” (Zechariah 12:10). Israel will meet its Messiah, and it will be a day of profound sorrow and great joy.
Yet until this happens, we must exercise wisdom. Many today preach the Law of Moses instead of Yeshua, overlooking that Messiah Himself is the central focus. As Paul taught, “Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision” (Romans 2:25). “A person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit” (Romans 2:28-29).
Friends, preach the Kingdom of God. Share the truth about Israel gently and wisely. Love Yeshua and walk in His grace.
Pastor Oren Lev Ari