New Year 2016 in Israel: Promise and Covenant over Fear and Threat

by Tom Brennan,

Israel sees two New Year’s celebrations annually: Rosh Hashanah and the secular New Year. Israel has a State religion: Orthodox Judaism but unlike other nations in the Middle East, guarantees freedom of religion to its citizens. Only Egypt seems to come anywhere close to this commitment, despite internal threats from Jihadists. 2016 will be a year of unpredictable challenge in Israel. As Russia continues to increase its presence in the region and the United States continues to support Iran and withdraw from influence, Israel’s position will undergo change. Turkey and its shaky relations with Russia has begun re-establishing positive relations with Israel so as to insure energy supplies. Israel has entered a time of close cooperation with Russia as The Caliphate threatens all its neighbors and Israel. Russia’s increasing relationship with Iran as a client state seems to be in Israel’s favor.

Despite these almost day by day changes in old relationships and new diplomatic contacts Israel alone can look forward to what comes in confidence and Covenant. God made His Covenant, an eternal one with Abraham; and eternal means just that, eternal. No other nation has received that relationship nor can it. That is Biblical.

Our relationship with Israel is a requirement for our being grafted in, no matter where we live or where our political allegiance resides. Our responsibility is Biblical. Our firmness in face of boycotts, slander against Israel and the church by news media and hostile organizations is part of our stewardship. The obligation to defend and stand with Israel is also a standard military strategy:” take and hold the high ground”. The Messiah returned in glory to the Father on the Mount of Olives, angels admonished the awestruck witnessing Disciples with “why do you stand here looking up to the skies. This Yeshua will return in like manner”. He will return to the Mount of Olives from which He left as a resurrected Messiah Who had been executed like a criminal. He will return as a conquering King on a white horse, leading the “Remnant” of those who have endured trial, tribulation and extreme circumstances. We as followers cannot allow the high ground of Olivet to fall into enemy hands.

It is easy in a day of instant messaging, 24/7 news and clever social media and outright hostility against the church and Israel to feel overwhelmed. But the foundation of Israel’s entry into 2016 with the confidence of a Covenant, an eternal Covenant, gives all a sense of justifiable hope and expectations. 2016 May be the year of the “high ground”. Only God knows.

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