OCTOBER 29, Isaiah 11:11-14 

From the four corners of the earth, the Jews have returned to their homeland. In 1914, at the outbreak of World War 1, the Jewish community numbered 90,000. By 1921, there were 180,000. When Israel achieved Independence in May 1948, there were 650,000!

After Independence, immigration became a flood. The first ones to come were 25,000 survivors of the Nazi Holocaust. By 1985, Israel’s population hit the four million mark as 300,000 Russian Jews arrived in Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian Jews also arrived from Africa. Jews from all parts of the world were attracted to return, despite the difficulties and dangers.Today the population of Israel stands at more than seven million.

It is amazing that Israel even exists. As a small country situated among nations that are not friendly towards her, many believed that Israel will not survive. But what God prophesises, He brings it to pass.

Since her independence, Israel has had more than her fair share of wars. The armies of the surrounding nations attacked her when she was a new country. Time and again, the Israel Defence Forces, although poorly armed and vastly outnumbered, managed to repulse the enemies. After a temporary ceasefire, the Sinai War started in 1956 and Israel was able to defeat Egypt. In 1967, another war erupted when Egypt and other states moved their armies towards the Israeli border in Sinai. Fighting for their nation, the Israelis were able to destroy enemy forces.

Today, the nation of Israel is a powerful country but she is not blessed because of her own strength. She may not recognise it, but she is what she is only because of the promises of God.

Thought: The birth of modern Israel is a miracle that only God has brought to pass.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us receptive eyes and tender hearts to see Your hand at work around us. I pray that I will put my trust in the God who can move the world, so that I will not be afraid of anything, or what anyone can do to me or my family. Please accept and honour this simple faith of mine. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.