ISRAEL – GOD’S PLUMBLINE FOR THE CHURCH
“For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.” Joel 3: 1-2
I have long been convinced that, in the end, Israel will be one of the factors that divides the Church. The spirit of anti-Christ is virulently anti-Semitic and that spirit is afoot in today’s church. We have much Christian “theology” that replaces Israel, downgrades her physical significance, and totally appropriates or negates the covenants and promises of God towards her. Many Christian theologians have tragically fallen into this anti-Christ spirit.
It is interesting to see the Hebrew word used for “divided” in this scripture. It is “chalaq” which is a root word which means “to be smooth”. The implication a deal done by flattery – to take away a portion; to smoothly divide and part. This certainly describes the world’s attitude towards Israel and the Lord’s judgment for this duplicity will be terrible. The Lord could have used many other words for divide or part but He chose this one.
We have been warned.
“Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame.” Zephaniah 3:19
The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the heavens and earth will shake; but the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3: 16