Is it important to stand with Israel and why should we do so? In a series of 10 blogs, Benjamin Kroese who lives in Israel, will share about the importance of developing a love for God’s people Israel. This week part 3: ‘God sanctifies His Name’.
In Ezekiel 36 the prophet Ezekiel describes in an obvious way how God will restore the land and people of Israel in the last days. When he sees them return from the nations and filled with God’s Spirit, he gives a clear reason why God does this:
“I had concern for My holy Name, which the people of Israel profaned among the nations where they had gone. Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of My holy Name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of My great Name, which has been profaned among the nations, the Name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes. “ ‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:21-24)
God fulfills His promises
It’s quite astonishing that even after nearly 75 years since Israel’s founding, the media is still so preoccupied with Israel. As the Swiss theologian Karl Barth said in 1967: “Now you can read it in the papers; God fulfills His promises.” Or as Ezekiel put it, God sanctifies His Name for all the world to see.
By looking at Israel, the world can see that God is still alive and that He is a God who keeps His promise! We can also demonstrate our love for Israel with our prayers. Therefore, whenever you pray the Lord’s prayer, “Hallowed be your name,” pray also for Israel and God’s faithfulness to them.
This blog is written by Benjamin Kroese. Benjamin is married to Rebecca and together with their three sons they live in Israel. They have their own video production company ‘Frontline Media’ and are founders of ‘Until He Returns Ministries’. Benjamin and Rebecca have a passion for revival in Israel and have a desire to reach other nations to stand with Israel.