On July 20, 1969 astronaut Neil Armstrong made a first step onto the surface of the moon that reverberated throughout the world. As Armstrong famously commented;
“That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Armstrong’s step was the culmination of an incredible feat of human ingenuity, technology and bravery. It truly was a step of faith. But another more important step of faith into the great unknown predates Armstrong by thousands of years. This “footprint” has – and continues to reverberate through human history in ways far more profound than a step on the moon.
The “step” I’m referring to, is that of Abraham. Abraham not only stepped out of a world of idolatry in Ur and into a new land, but more importantly, he stepped out of the mortal and into a spiritual world of faith. His step of faith is what propelled him into the very land that God had promised him. The obedience of Abraham resulted in a “…giant leap for ALL mankind…” because God promised that in Abraham “…all families of the earth would be blessed.”
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: [3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. [Genesis 12:1-3]
As we know, the Jews were forced out of their God-given land about 2,000 years ago. With the return of the Jewish diaspora today, we are witnessing the fulfillment of remarkable prophecies. Millions of Jewish footprints of “possession” have – and are being made in the land they once possessed. But there are still large areas of God-given land that are completely off-limits to Jews. Big red signs stand at the entrances of area “A” warning Jews that it is “Dangerous for Jews to enter – Dangerous to your life”.
Returning back to the faith of their fathers for a moment, what would Joshua or Abraham have done had they encountered such a sign? Turned back? Considered God a liar or somehow unable to fulfill His promise? Or pressed on in apparent foolishness…regardless of the perceived risks?
Were Armstrong and his crew any less foolish to discount the immense risks and challenges in making their astronomical – and life endangering step - than Abraham, Joshua or the millions that are returning today? The fact remains that Abraham and his descendants were called by God to possess a certain geographic location. This was where the Word of God was to be lived out in a tangible, life-transforming power that bore evidence of the living God of creation. Israel was - and will ever be - the land of faith for the seed of Abraham as they bear witness of the One true living God.
So the challenge facing the returning Diaspora - is actually one of faith. Legally and more importantly – Biblically, the Jewish people have every right to their God-given land. This is in spite of the fact that much of the world opinion is anti-Semitic. Sadly, many Jews within Israel even lack the faith to possess what is rightfully theirs and have been deceived into believing that dividing and giving away their land will result in “peace”.
As Israel’s restoration fulfills the redemption of both Jews and Christians, it is this spiritual battle of Jewish possession that we as Christians can actually step into and support. There are Jews who do have faith – but are outnumbered. They need the support and encouragement of Christians in all of its variety of forms as they struggle against the larger number of Jews who are not interested in Israel’s full and sovereign restoration.
This is a great hour for Christians to support the unfolding of redemption in Israel. Join Return O’ Israel – Christians in support of Jewish Sovereignty and become part of the move that is strengthening and supporting the Jewish restoration today.
Rev Anthony Abma;
CEO - Return O’ Israel: