God’s People Must Pray!
For days now the television and radio have been flooded with news of Egypt. The streets in Cairo have been filled with protesters calling for the ouster of their President, Hosni Mubarak. Should we be concerned? I think the clear answer to this is, yes.
Regardless of what ultimately happens in Egypt, Israel will be affected. And that should be a major concern of every believer in Jesus. This tiny nation—the size of New Jersey, the only true democracy in the Middle East, and a staunch supporter of the West—will however be in greater danger if Egypt is turned to radical Islam. And that is a clear possibility. Already the Muslim Brotherhood, Hizb al-Ikhwan al-Muslimun, is moving to take a position in any new government that would replace Mubarak, to establish a political form of Islam which supports the use of Islamic law known as Sharia—radical and oppressive Islamic religious law, such as took hold in Iran and Afghanistan.
Israel herself is saying that now in question is the consistency of stability that has existed between these two countries for thirty years. Radical Islam has made its goal not only to destroy the “great satan,” which is the United States, but to push into the sea the “little satan” as well. That, my friends, is Israel. Here is what you can do.
First, understand God’s view of Israel. God has said that Israel’s capital, the city of Jerusalem, is “the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8) He has also said, “I will bless those who bless you, And the ones who curse you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3) God has tied biblical history to Israel—from beginning to end, and He loves this nation dearly—with “an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Second, pray for Israel. We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122), and we should. Shame on us if we do not believe that prayer works and that God answers. Certainly there will be turmoil ahead, both for Egypt and Israel, but God has a plan for both and your intercessory prayer will play a role.
In the natural, the potential negatives of this moment in history are weighty. Open for discussion are Egypt’s present support of the Western agenda, her protection of free and unimpeded transit of the Suez Canal (A stranglehold on the Canal would cause the price of oil, food, and goods to skyrocket.), her stand against the radical Islamic agenda, and her thirty-year long cooperative relationship with Israel.
Yet, as critical as the above concerns are, support of Israel should be every Christian’s key concern at this moment. A change in the Egyptian government may put Israel in a very perilous position. Yes, support of the Western agenda, protection of the Canal, a stand against terrorism—all are important, but Egypt’s relations with Israel must for believers top the list.
So, pray for Israel—the Land, its People, their future. Pray also for the people of Egypt as the Lord may lead you. God does have a plan for both countries. That plan is in the process of playing itself out in His schedule of end time events. Let’s be a part of it...and …Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you. —Psalm 122:6
Regardless of what ultimately happens in Egypt, Israel will be affected. And that should be a major concern of every believer in Jesus. This tiny nation—the size of New Jersey, the only true democracy in the Middle East, and a staunch supporter of the West—will however be in greater danger if Egypt is turned to radical Islam. And that is a clear possibility. Already the Muslim Brotherhood, Hizb al-Ikhwan al-Muslimun, is moving to take a position in any new government that would replace Mubarak, to establish a political form of Islam which supports the use of Islamic law known as Sharia—radical and oppressive Islamic religious law, such as took hold in Iran and Afghanistan.
Israel herself is saying that now in question is the consistency of stability that has existed between these two countries for thirty years. Radical Islam has made its goal not only to destroy the “great satan,” which is the United States, but to push into the sea the “little satan” as well. That, my friends, is Israel. Here is what you can do.
First, understand God’s view of Israel. God has said that Israel’s capital, the city of Jerusalem, is “the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8) He has also said, “I will bless those who bless you, And the ones who curse you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3) God has tied biblical history to Israel—from beginning to end, and He loves this nation dearly—with “an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Second, pray for Israel. We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122), and we should. Shame on us if we do not believe that prayer works and that God answers. Certainly there will be turmoil ahead, both for Egypt and Israel, but God has a plan for both and your intercessory prayer will play a role.
In the natural, the potential negatives of this moment in history are weighty. Open for discussion are Egypt’s present support of the Western agenda, her protection of free and unimpeded transit of the Suez Canal (A stranglehold on the Canal would cause the price of oil, food, and goods to skyrocket.), her stand against the radical Islamic agenda, and her thirty-year long cooperative relationship with Israel.
Yet, as critical as the above concerns are, support of Israel should be every Christian’s key concern at this moment. A change in the Egyptian government may put Israel in a very perilous position. Yes, support of the Western agenda, protection of the Canal, a stand against terrorism—all are important, but Egypt’s relations with Israel must for believers top the list.
So, pray for Israel—the Land, its People, their future. Pray also for the people of Egypt as the Lord may lead you. God does have a plan for both countries. That plan is in the process of playing itself out in His schedule of end time events. Let’s be a part of it...and …Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you. —Psalm 122:6
For Zion’s Sake
Michael and Sarah Lynn
1.31.11