When God has a plan, He always uses people to fulfil them. People handpicked by Him. The first of God’s chosen people was Abraham, whom he called out of an old heathen city Ur centuries ago. In each generation after Abraham, God continued to choose one man for the fulfilment of His plan. After Abraham he chose Abraham’s son Isaac and after that Isaac’s son Jacob.

God’s choice for these men meant that others were not chosen as such. In particular, Abraham’s other son Ishmael and Jacob’s twin brother Esau. Does this mean that they were cast aside? Most certainly not. They too were promised amazing things by God and the fulfilment of these promises still continues. This is apparent in the incredible riches in for example land and oil amongst the Arabs who are Esau’s and Ishmael’s descendants. However, as the Almighty One, who has the authority and ability to choose who he pleases, God chose Jacob’s descendants, the Jews, Israel, for His plan. The prophet Isaiah summarises God’s choice as follows:

'But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the end of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God...' (Isaiah 41:8-10).

This verse teaches us several interesting things. Firstly, it confirms that of all nations, all belonging to God, He chose Israel to be his special servant. More specifically, He chose the lineage of Abraham and Jacob. Secondly, it shows us that God’s choice is not some out-dated issue from centuries ago. It is about today’s Israel. It calls the Jewish people of this day from all corners of the earth to return to the Promised Land ending 18 centuries of exile. And finally, in this verse God tells the Israelites not to fear or be dismayed. In the midst of all of the problems and the amazing pressure on Israel, God is preparing them for His redemption.

Israel’s role in history

Since the time God chose Israel, He has worked for and through them in amazing ways. In the book of Exodus, we read about the powerful way in which God rescued his people from the oppression of the Egyptians some 3350 years ago.

Soon after that God Himself spoke to his people presenting them His law through Moses on Mount Sinai. Therefore it was through Israel that God gave us the Ten Commandments or rather the moral code applicable to the whole world.

In the following centuries, God made Himself known to the entire world through the prophets. As yet nothing has ever happened that contradicts even one of these God-given prophecies. Many of the prophecies were about the coming of the Redeemer. 2000 years ago, these prophecies were fulfilled when Jesus Christ was born of a Jewish mother. God’s son came to earth and became a travelling Jewish rabbi living according to the Jewish laws that God had given to Israel.

The laws, the prophecies, the story and teaching of Jesus and all other parts of the Word that God wanted to give to the world have been recorded in the Bible. Both the Old and New Testament are Jewish books, mostly written by Jews.

Therefore through Israel God gave his Word and his Son, our Redeemer, to the world. As such, he is often called ‘The God of Israel’. And even though most nations have made up their own gods, there is no other God and there is none like Him. The only true God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of Israel.

Today’s Resistance

God’s task for Israel is however not limited to the past. God is still using Israel for His plan. The fact that Israel been forced to fight seven wars (including two Palestine intifada’s) to safeguard its existence since the United Nations decided to recognise Israel as an independent state in 1948 and the continuing commotion around this tiny country is a result of that fact.

It is as if the whole world is against Israel and this in fact boils down to resistance against the Almighty’s servant. Still, God has not changed His mind about choosing Israel and he certainly has no regrets about it. According to Paul, God has chosen Zion as the place from which the Redeemer will come. He came from Zion 2000 years ago and He will return through Zion.

Fighting for the land that belongs to the God of Israel, the Islamic Arabs are giving rise to anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic sentiment through their lies about Israel. Being against Zion also means being against the return of our Redeemer, as He will come out of Zion.

Before Jesus came to earth the first time, the Jewish people returned from their exile to Babylon. This was round 500 B.C. When he came the first time, the Son only completed half of His work. The Bible says: ‘After He (Jesus) had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven’ (Hebrews 1:3).

The other half of His work is to bring the kingdom of God to earth. Jesus’ disciples all expected Him to do that the first time and just before He went up to heaven, they asked Him: ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ (Acts 1:6). However, it is in this day and age that we are witnessing ‘Israel’s restoration’. And in preparation of His second coming, the Jewish people are once again returning from their exile, which this time is under all nations.

Soon the whole world will witness that God stands by His choice and His chosen people. The people of Israel, the land that is Israel and the God of Israel are irrevocably joined together. The Redeemer will come from Zion and He will come soon, because He is not going to let the world be lost!