"Why is Israel so important?"
Perhaps this is a question you have been asking yourself after seeing what's going on in the news. This article isn't about the situation, I will write about that in the next article which will discuss, The significance of Israel in the End Times.
This is the birthplace of the Christian faith, where the scriptures were written, preserved and spread to the ends of the Earth. The place where God's promises were made throughout the generations that have been and yet to be fulfilled.
God has made a way for Israel throughout the generations, we have seen ancient prophecies come to pass in our days, right before our very eyes.
God made a covenant with his people — Israel — to make them a great nation.
Genesis 12:1-3
Now the LORD had said to Abram:
"Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father's house,
To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Exodus 19:5-6
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
He would also send a Savior to rescue Israel from oppression. That Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, ushered in a new religion: Christianity.
Isaiah 9:6–7
For a child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. And the dominion will be on his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His dominion will grow continually, and to peace there will be no end on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and sustain it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will do this.
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Israel is special to Christians because it is the historical region of Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. It is also the birthplace of the church, the place where most of the Bible was written, and the location of many events in the Old and New Testaments.
Israel is also a representation between God's mercy and the body of Christ. (View 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
In numerous events, Israel has disobeyed God, made many mistakes and sinned against the one who has saved them countless times.
That parallels to exactly what we have done.
We have disobeyed God after seeing how good he is to us, we have made mistakes and sinned even after tasting great salvation.
Nevertheless, when you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, God gives us a new identity in Christ, just as God has chosen Israel as his holy people.
Be sure to walk in that identity moving forward, no longer partaking in the things God has saved and delivered you from. Rather, walking in the newness of life, with faith, obedience and reverence to God. (View Ephesians 5:7-21)
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
John 1:12
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Here are some articles that go much more in depth about Israel and understanding it's importance. I wanted to take the time to make this article to give an idea about Israel's importance especially in the time like this, to direct you towards more resources, fueled by grace and all for his glory.
Sources:
3 Reasons Christians Should Care about Israel
What Is the Meaning of Israel in the Bible?
Why is Israel called the Holy Land?
Psalm 122:6-9
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls,
Prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brethren and companions,
I will now say, “Peace be within you.”
Because of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.