“I will not bless Israel”…

We are not promised tomorrow. If you died today, are you certain where you would go? Please read this, very important!

A sad day for me to hear those words spoken from a dear friend I love. Has she forgotten that she is to even bless her enemy? The Lord is not pleased with that attitude and what He thinks is of the utmost importance.

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant.
For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,
Israel for His special treasure.   Psalm 135:3-4

I add a little formatting to this passage, so that you can see His reasons clearly why He chose and loves Israel.

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. 

The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but 

• • because the Lord loves you,
  • and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

                Deuteronomy 7:6-8

For blessing Israel, see also: Gen 12:2-3; 27:29; Num 24:9; Zeph 2:8-9; Zech 2:8; Ps 122:6; Zech 12:9

So God loves Israel, and He will keep His promise sworn to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Somehow people take away God’s promises to His remnant (Israel) by saying they did not obey. Or they have done bad things. This is true (of all of us), and those remaining are children of disobedience now, (as they have often been throughout their history). I have news for you, since it seems you have forgotten.

So were we disobedient and still are in many ways. Are we now judging non-believers? Judging the world? (1 Cor 5:12-13)

God is not done with Israel. He is not done with His land (Jer 31:31-37). You should be thankful He keeps His promises, not because of how good we are, but because of how good He is. Jesus will judge people at the sheep and goat judgment (Matt 25) by how they treated His brethren in the Tribulation (I believe He’s speaking of Israel, potentially the 144k). But there are many places that show futuristically He still desires we bless them.

Is Your Heart’s Desire That Israel Be Saved?

Paul’s heart’s desire for Israel was that they might be saved (Romans 10:1). He recognized their zeal for God but with a lack of knowledge and ignorance of God’s righteousness as they sought to establish their own righteousness vs. submitting to His (Rom 10:2-4). Sound familiar?

Israel has not ‘obeyed the gospel’ yet (believed it – Romans 10:16-17).  He asks, ‘did Israel not know? And he repeats what Moses said in Deut. 32:21b (“I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation;
I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.”). That is us. We have been partakers of their spiritual blessings (Romans 15:26). And Paul also brings up what Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 65:1. That He would be found by those who did not seek Him and made known to those who didn’t ask for Him.

And for the Calvinists who love to dabble in Romans 9-11, misusing Scripture to make their case for individual unconditional election, and irresistible grace? God says, “All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” (citing Isaiah again in 65:2). He continues in Romans 11 and asks, “has God has cast away His people?” In KJV the answer is, ‘God forbid’. It’s an idiom that is expressed in other translations as ‘may it never be’. But it is an absolute negative. It will never happen.

Then Paul brings up another prophet, Elijah in 1 Kings 19, when he pleads with God against Israel. Elijah tells God they’ve killed His prophets, torn down their altars, and are seeking to kill Elijah. This reminds me of people today that say that Israel is involved with genocide. I won’t really address that propaganda in this article — we know ungodly men in every nation (including our own) are involved in ungodly things. But the point is, regardless of what they have done, are doing, or will do in the future, they are still His people. And God will keep them. How did God respond to Elijah?

God answers Elijah that He has reserved a remnant according to grace. And it has nothing to do with whether they do good – 11:6 (for those of you who insist on making your case by how bad you think Israel is). It is by Grace. Those in Israel at that time who believed became part of the body of Christ, but the rest were blinded (11:7-8), yet He still asks us to pray for them and bless them. And they are beloved for the patriarch’s sake, the promises God made to them (Romans 11:28).

And then Paul quotes David who prophesied in Psalm 69 of the unbelieving ones in Israel, about the stumbling block, and how their eyes will be darkened so they do not see. But Paul answers again speaking to the Gentiles, about whether Israel’s stumble is permanent (11:11-15) and he says,

I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! (or again, the double negative). But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! (bless them Lord)

For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,  if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem (Jesus said as He wept over them)

Who is Israel? 

Obviously, Israel are those who are Israel ‘according to the flesh’. People question that (with their specious knowledge most often gleaned from a biased internet or the leftist media). God knows who the remnant will be, you do not. But yes, it is the ‘real’ Israel who is in their land, gathered there in unbelief.

We are partakers with them of the promises, grafted in (the Gentile nations) because of God’s Grace. Are all Gentiles saved? No, any Gentile who never believes will be cut off from the promises (for unbelief), as anyone in Israel will be too. Paul is clear, Do not boast against the branches. He is also clear, that those in Israel who come to believe will be grafted back into the promises. He desires they shouldn’t be ignorant regarding this mystery, being wise in their own eyes/opinion. And I see this daily regarding people in the church that are unfamiliar with the totality of Scripture, and listen instead to the world’s bias regarding the nation of Israel. Peace be upon the Israel of God (the end blessing in Gal 6:16). More on that, under subheading, ‘Is it really Israel gathered back to their land?’

Israel is partially blinded

This partial blindness will last for a time (fullness of the Gentiles-11:25) until God turns His attention back to His chosen people, and then the entire remnant will be saved (all Israel or the Israel of God). He quotes David in Psalm 14, and Isaiah in Isaiah 59, regarding the Deliverer coming from out of Zion. He speaks plainly about His covenant with Israel (Jacob) and how He will take away their sins (just as He did with those of us who believed – John 1:29). Remember, the partial blindness is due to God.

He rightly identifies them currently as enemies of the gospel, but however, once again, do not miss this. They are still beloved (by God) for sake of the fathers.

Will you still curse God’s beloved?

Refuse to bless them?

Verse 29 tells us that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. He continues to remind us that we were once disobedient to God but have obtained mercy through Israel’s disobedience, but he explains they have been disobedient, but…

…that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.  For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. (31-32)

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
“Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

Do you deserve something from Him? Do you know His mind? He has chosen these people, and He has not cast away His people. And the blessing and cursing given to Abraham has not ceased. God will still bless those who bless Israel and curse them who curse them.

Is it really Israel gathered back to their land?

I’ve heard several exclaim that it is not Israel in the Land. Sorry, you’re wrong. God knows who Israel is and has brought them back to their land in unbelief (for now). It is Israel (physical descendants), in the flesh, in their land. They are currently in actually less than 3% of the 300,000 square miles of land that God has promised to them. And this tiny amount of land and the people therein are being blamed for genocide? When they are the ones surrounded by huge, hostile Arab nations? If they are genocidal, they have done a terrible job, as according to the Palestinian authority, they have grown quite large.

I’ve been asked how do I know they’re not this fake Jew, or that evil Rockfeller, or so watered down by Gentiles they are not a ‘real Jew’, etc.? These who say this have forgotten that they cannot know, even though they’ve read and listened to plenty of propaganda videos. They need to remember that it is God who looks on the heart, you cannot. So stop judging by the appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). 

Listen to this one simple precept.

God has gathered the Jews to Israel. God knows who they are and which ones will believe. It’s not our place to know exactly who each individual is. But God has already regathered them to their land in unbelief (dry bones-Ex 37:7-8). They have yet to have the Spirit in them (they have not believed), but many will. This gathering to their land of Israelites has to happen before the last seven years of Daniel’s 70 weeks (seven’s) prophecy commences. It must happen within the land of Israel. Elsewise, who is it that the Antichrist will make a peace treaty with (Dan 9:24)? Who will flee at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week? Who will Satan chase out into the wilderness. Who is it God will be keeping supernaturally there? (Rev 12). Who will look upon the one they pierced and mourn? (Zech 12:10)

THAT my friend is the proof that is Israel is in their land. From out of widespread  persecution in Europe, the Jews have desired (and also had an expedient need) to go back to their land. Oddly the British Government agreed initially (the Balfour Declaration). But it was the Holocaust, which was the catalyst for the need to have a Jewish State once again. The cruel persecution that only a small amount were able to survive. The inhumane murders of over 6 million Jewish children, women and men, strictly because of their race. So those of you who take the word genocide in your mouth? Why have I not heard you do the same regarding these past terrible times? And why don’t I hear you crying about the incessant bombings and attacks on Israel?

After so much violence and many arguments from the Muslim factions, the British turned their backs on Israel and withdrew their involvement. So the UN came up with a plan (Partition Plan), to divide the land between the Jews and Muslims. The Jews accepted but the Muslims would not.

With Israel’s Declaration of Independence (May 14, 1948), this small, tiny land, with much fewer people, were instantly invaded by the neighboring Arab countries. Armistice agreements were made in 1949 between Israel and four of their neighbors (Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon). Jordan and Egypt has had a guarded relationship with Israel (diplomacy established later in the 80s and 90s), but Syria has constantly been at war with them, ever since Israel was established as a state. This because of Hezbollah which is a Militant group backed by the Lebanese (as well as Iran). Lebanon is but one of the Arab nations very hostile to Israel.

The church is proof that Israel still is. Because we are here, we haven’t been raptured, the fullness of the Gentiles has not come in. And so Israel is still partially blinded. Sadly, most in the church haven’t done the Biblical job to provoke them to jealousy.
We have been blessed through them (Gen 12:3), but you can’t bless them????

When the church is raptured, the 70^th week of Daniel’s prophecy will begin after (at some point). Which is again, when ISRAEL will make a peace treaty with the Antichrist/Beast (besides Dan 9:24, see also Isa 28:16-22). This is Biblical prophecy.

It is Israel who will build a temple. This is Israel who Biblical Prophecy tells us will make this agreement with this man. Your argument fails.

Those who deny it’s Israel in the land often cite, ‘not all Israel is Israel’. (Romans 9:7). People, PLEASE, use Scriptures carefully and rightly. In context, this is speaking of the line of descendancy (through Isaac and then Jacob), it has nothing to do with what you’re trying to say. The majority of Romans chapter 9, explains God’s choice of election (not to salvation), through Abraham, Isaac, then Jacob. Neither the promises, nor the descendancy came through Esau, but through Isaac. That is how I know it is his descendants who are in the land. The remaining believing Israelites who are still dispersed, will be brought back to possess the entirety of their land at the end of the seven years. That remnant is Israel. Israel will flee in the Great Tribulation, likely to Petra. They will have much to go through in the 7-year period known as Daniel’s 70th week. But God will purge out the rebels – and bring His people back to Himself, and they will then say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” (as Jesus said in Matthew 23:37-39).

God will do all this for His own sake, for His Name’s sake

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;
And I will not remember your sins.  Isaiah 43:25, see also Ezekiel 36:23-38

Israel (Jacob) is God’s chosen servant (Lev 25:55; Ps 136:22; Isa 41:8; 44:1, 21; 45:4; 49:3; Jer 30:10; 49:26; Luk 1:54; Rom 9:4). Not all children of Abraham will be considered His children even though they are called sons of Abraham in His Word. Only those who have believed (children by faith) will be allowed in the Kingdom.

Israel are the sons of the promised Kingdom (Millennial Kingdom – 2 Sam 7; 1 Chr 17). They have been promised a Kingdom, a House and a Throne. Not all physical sons of the Kingdom will receive these promises. These Davidic Covenant promises will all be fulfilled to believing Jews in the Millennial Kingdom. Right now, their house has been left to them desolate (Matthew 23:37-39). Their King was there, and they rejected Him, and did not want Him to rule over them (Luke 19:14).

He means it when He says, He will bless those who bless them and curse those who curse them. Over and over they have been disobedient. He will not fulfill His promises because of their obedience, but because of His name(Ez 36:22-23), and because of His character and His promises which are irrevocable.

He means it when He tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and those that love them will prosper.

And He means it when He tells us to seek their good (Ps 122:6-9).

He also means it when He tells us not to hold our peace concerning them. He says for Zion’s sake, we should not hold our peace nor rest until her righteousness goes forth brightly and her salvation as a burning lamp (Isaiah 62).

Listen my dear friend who refuses to bless Israel (when God instructs us in His Word to), God has loved Israel and established them forever (2 Chr 9:8).  He has brought us, (the church), forth from out of the promises He made to their forefathers. We are to love who God loves too.

How many of you who name the name of Christ seem to hate them? Lie and bear false witness against them? Which one of you are busy provoking them to jealousy? Do you love Israel enough that you have great sorrow and grief in your heart for them? That you would give your own life for them??? (Read Romans 9:2-3). God has not forgotten them, He has not forsaken them, and He has not cast them away.

“Remember these, O Jacob,
And Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you, you are My servant;
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!
I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it!
Shout, you lower parts of the earth;
Break forth into singing, you mountains,
O forest, and every tree in it!
For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
And glorified Himself in Israel.

Isaiah 44:21-23

Do you remember the story of Balaam (Numbers 22-23)?

For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. Zechariah 2:8

Like Balaak, the world tells us we should curse Israel. And some of you are listening to the god of this age. Balaam at least rightly said this below (after the donkey saw the angel of the Lord and Balaam didn’t).

“How shall I curse whom God has not cursed?
And how shall I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?
Numbers 23:8

You should really think and pray about that when you denounce Israel as some sort of genocidal maniacs.

I love God’s Word, it is treasure (Ps 119:140,162). And I love to study it throughout the day when my mind is clear. But at night-time, when I’m tired (in lieu of TV), I like to read things that won’t have me pulling out my computer, highlighters and notes. I enjoy mostly historical fiction. Sometimes when desperate, I’ll read whatever my hands can find, and lately it was some old Zane Grey books my husband had trekked with us when we moved. I surprisingly enjoyed some of the style of speech and the charm of that particular time period. But I quickly ran out of the few we had, and found the last book entitled, “The Scarlet Cord”, by Frank G. Slaughter. Oh, I was very excited to see how it would retell the story of Rahab.

I was not far into the book when I was sickened by this supposed “absorbing fiction from the beloved stories of the Bible.”  It was praised as, “the most powerful Biblical novel that Frank Slaughter had ever written.”

I forced myself to continue because now I was curious how far this doctor and author would take the slander against God’s people. I admit to wondering how many more historical events he would outright change or distort.

In his book, there was Rachel, pregnant by an uncaring and promiscuous Joshua. Sold into a prostitute ring, purchased by the King of Jericho. Caleb and Joshua always were portrayed as proud, egotistical, swearing by other gods, and considering THE God to be just one of the gods. He described them as men who did not respect each other, arguing about whether they would keep the promise to let Rachel live. Joshua denying his own son and not caring if he lived. This writer changed the account of Jericho, making it about their faith in an earthquake which destroyed the walls instead of God. There was so much twisting of truth, the pages should have smelled like sulfur.

I was so angry because this was not just artistic license — but, ‘nothing new under the sun.’ My point in segueing here, is that it reminded me of how the enemy hates and slanders Israel and constantly works to turn people against them everywhere you turn. The enemy also hates the church, so it pleases him to get both to be disobedient to God’s Word. The enemy hates the truth, and God’s Word is truth. Believers who do not have a solid grasp of the whole counsel of God are making a mistake in their condemnation of God’s Chosen people that we are to bless, not curse.

God calls Israel a disobedient and gainsaying (obstinate) people (Romans 10:21). But God loves them, has an unconditional covenant with them, and has His arm outstretched to them still. And He asks us to love them, pray for them, and bless them. He asks it and if you will not, there is a stipulation with it.

If you refuse to bless them, remember, He doesn’t have to bless you.

If you have a problem with that, you must realize your problem is with God and His Word.

Please pray about it my friend. And know this. I tell you these things out of love (Prov 27:6).

See Part 1 “On the Lies told about Jews”