As a child, I always found it difficult to sleep the night before Christmas. The sense of anticipation was excruciating! That’s why I loved Christmas mornings. The dawn of the new day brought a sense of relief, joy, and promises fulfilled.

Except on one occasion.

That particular Christmas the waiting had finally gotten to me. Prior to Christmas day, when no one was looking, I had crept to the Christmas tree and secretly examined all of the presents. And there I found one with my name on it. I picked it up. It was heavy, so I knew it was something fun, and not clothing. I noticed the wrapping was thin. I could see through it. I peered through the paper, and that’s when I saw what was written on the box, revealing its contents. I now knew what I was getting for Christmas. As with all forbidden fruit, there was a momentary taste of satisfaction, and then an overwhelming feeling of shame and disgust.

Christmas day that year wasn’t as special as all the previous ones had been. Somehow my Christmas had been spoiled. Why? Because I just couldn’t wait for the blessing. 

Why Wait?

We live in a culture that doesn’t like to wait. Our technologically super-charged world is designed to be quick, instant, and convenient. While there’s nothing wrong with convenience, perhaps in the midst of all the hubbub we should ask ourselves an important question: “Must everything be designed to keep us from waiting? Is there no value at all to delayed gratification?”

Must everything be designed to keep us from waiting? Is there no value at all to delayed gratification?

The Word of God tells us there is. “The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). In the New Testament, the Greek word for patience (makrothymia) means “the state of remaining tranquil while awaiting an outcome” (BDAG, s.v. “μακροθυμία,” 612d).

The Jewish patriarch Abraham was a good example of this. He waited 25 years before God gave him a promised son. “And so, after he had patiently endured, [Abraham] obtained the promise” (Hebrews 6:15). There are other biblical examples besides Abraham. Putting them all together, one could conclude that the test of faith almost always requires waiting.

This was especially true for Abraham’s descendants who were waiting nearly 2,000 years for the promised Messiah, “the Consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). When Jesus did come on the scene, the Bible tells us there were thousands of Jewish people who believed in Him. However, the majority, sadly, did not. And ever since, observant Jews have continued to wait for the arrival of the Messiah. Indeed, in the 15th century, an unknown Jewish author wrote a brief, 13-point Jewish creed, called Ani Ma’amin (I Believe). Point 12 declares: 

“I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and, though he tarry, I will wait daily for his coming.”

Observant Jews memorized this statement of faith. Moreover, some Jewish victims during the Holocaust chanted it as they marched toward the gas chambers (Encyclopedic Dictionary of Judaica, 32).

Today, most Jewish people do not identify with the Orthodox branch of Judaism. Subsequently, most Jewish people no longer look for the coming of a messiah. They have become disillusioned. First, from their perspective, it’s taken too long for the Messiah to arrive. Second, they’ve often had their hopes dashed. Over the past 20 centuries more than two dozen false messiahs have emerged. As a result of these disappointments, many Jewish people have just given up on the whole idea of waiting for the Messiah.

Don’t Jump the Gun

If we’re not careful, Christians can make the same mistake. Even though we’re not waiting for the First Coming of the Messiah, but rather the Second, we can still become impatient with God. We can begin to lose heart and hope, especially as we see the increasing degeneration and corruption of the world around us. Frustrated, we might question and challenge God, “What’s taking so long? Why doesn’t Jesus return?” And if we’re not careful, we may then fall into the trap of giving up, of no longer waiting for the blessing.

If we’re not careful, we may then fall into the trap of giving up, of no longer waiting for the blessing.

That’s what happened to Abraham. Although he is an example of enduring faith, Abraham was not perfect. In fact, Genesis 16 tells us of a time when Abram (his previous name) jumped ahead of God, and, as a result, Ishmael, Abram’s son “according to the flesh” (Galatians 4:23), was born. Abram’s impatience brought devastating consequences. Ishmael’s descendants, the Ishmaelites, had a long history of being a thorn in the flesh of the children of Israel (Psalm 83:1–6). Additionally, many of today’s Arab-speaking and Muslim people claim they are descendants of Ishmael. If that is true, then Israel is still suffering the consequences of Abram’s decision made almost 4,000 years ago. All because of not waiting for the blessing. 

There are others in Scripture who suffered loss because they could not wait. Esau was willing to give up his birthright for a bowl of stew just because he was unwilling to wait for the blessing (Genesis 25:31–34). The prodigal son insisted on receiving his inheritance right then from his father instead of waiting for the blessing to come later (Luke 15:12).

Patience Pays Off

How about you? How’s your patience with God? He’s promised that Jesus is coming back. Do you believe Him? Or have you given up waiting? The Bible predicted there would be mockers concerning Jesus’ return, “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’” (2 Peter 3:3–4). Scoffers don’t understand that God does not measure time the way we do. He exists outside of time, so “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (v. 8). Just because we have to wait what seems to be a long time for Jesus’ return does not mean God is going to break His promise or is slow about keeping it: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (v. 9).

Just because we have to wait what seems to be a long time for Jesus’ return does not mean God is going to break His promise or is slow about keeping it.

So how should we respond to God’s timetable regarding the coming of Christ? Perhaps as Christians we might respectfully adapt the Ani Ma’amin (I Believe) creed to reflect our own beliefs: 

“I believe with perfect faith that the Messiah has already come, and, though He tarry, I will wait daily for His return.”

Isn’t this what the Bible enjoins us to do? “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7–8). 

My friend, don’t “spoil your Christmas” by not waiting. Instead, “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12).

The Lord is coming back. Wait for the blessing. It’ll be worth it.

About the Author

Everyone seems to have a view on Israel and, by implication, the Jewish people. Generally speaking, voiced opinions are either for or against this fledgling nation with few in a neutral category. With the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, it seems this dichotomy has been strengthened with old animosities and ancient hatreds spewing onto the streets of Israel and in major cities around the world. And, as if just waiting for such an event, the prejudice of the Western media and some in left-leaning and Islamic governments ramped up their strong condemnation (only of Israel) within the first 24 hours.

Everyone has a view! But, what about you and me? As Christians, where do we stand, not just in times of open conflict and pain for Arabs and Jews, but as worshipers of the God of Israel? 

While men hold personal opinions, the church must be careful not to miss the most important view of all—what God says about the Jewish people.

Some folks (even some Christians it seems) view Jewish people by what they are told in the media, both “professional” and social. Some are influenced by stories of an “ancient Palestinian people” driven out of their ancestral lands by “occupying” hordes of Jews who are trying to “destroy” Arab and Islamic culture. Some have simply accepted flawed doctrine which teaches that God is finished with the Jews who have been replaced in God’s purposes by what they call “Spiritual Israel” or “New Israel” (aka the church). While men hold personal opinions, the church must be careful not to miss the most important view of all—what God says about the Jewish people.

God’s Plans for Israel

When one takes a literal hermeneutic (system of interpretation) rather than an allegorical or spiritualised hermeneutic, God’s purposes and plans for Israel are abundantly clear. Take for example God’s promise of a coming day, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (in other words, all of the nation of the Jews) and, “I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (Jeremiah 31:31–34). This accords with His promises in other Scriptures as well, but in this very passage the next thing God says is a powerful reminder that He has certainly not finished with the Jews. Just read verses 35–37. In these verses, against the background of God having provided “the sun for a light by day,” and “the moon and the stars for a light by night,” the Lord promises that if they stop doing what He set them in the heavens to do, only then would “the seed of Israel…also cease from being a nation before (Him) forever.” And, as if to drive the message home, God uses hyperbolic language saying, “If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel.” In other words, it’s not going to happen!

Someone might counter that this is prophecy from the Old Testament, and therefore, for some oblique reason, is not to be taken at face value. While I would strenuously disagree with such a sentiment, this same determination of God towards Israel’s preservation is clearly spelled out in the New Testament by the apostle Paul. Some 25 years after the crucifixion of Christ and with more than ample time to consider the implications of the Jews’ rejection of Jesus, Paul preemptively asks the question that many a theologian would ask down through the ages, “Has God cast away His people?” (Romans 11:1) His answer is not just negative, but in the Greek language of the day it was a very strong negative. In modern day English, we might say, “No way!” or “Absolutely not!” He reiterates this idea in verse 11, asking again, “Have they stumbled [erred or failed] that they should fall?” Again, his answer is the same: No way! Absolutely not!

Israel and the End Times

Not only is God not finished with Israel, but He is actively positioning the Jews for the events of the last days. It is imperative for the Jews to be in the Land of Israel so that numerous prophecies can be fulfilled. Among them, for example, the building of a third temple (to fulfill Daniel 9:27; 12:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Matthew 24:15), attack from the armies of Gog of Magog (Ezekiel 38) and of the armies gathered at Armageddon (Revelation 16:14–16; Zechariah 9—10, 14:2), and the Second Coming of Messiah (Matthew 24:29–30; Zechariah 12:10; 14:3–5).

Not only is God not finished with Israel, but He is actively positioning the Jews for the events of the last days.

As part of God’s great plan, even at a time of judgment and the exile to Babylon, God revealed His long-term plans covering about two and a half millennia. Ezekiel 36:19 tells us that God Himself would eventually scatter the Jews “among the nations,” and that His subsequent plans for their future were not for their sake but for His “holy name’s sake” (v. 20). This is because God’s covenant promises were never based on Israel’s performance but on His unconditional promises to the patriarchs. (See Romans 11:28–29.) He then goes on to tell them exactly what He would do. “I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land” (Ezekiel 36:24). What an incredible promise and how amazing that this has been, and is being, fulfilled in the last several decades… in our day! Eventually it is God’s plan to bring spiritual regeneration to the Jews and to restore them to a right relationship with Himself (vv. 25–27). We look forward to that time. But, as a nation, Israel is not there yet! 

The Gentile Response

So, how should Bible-believing Christians view the Jewish people theologically and personally right now? Let’s consider a number of points:

• We are NOT called to necessarily agree with all the decisions made by a secular government in Israel. Their right to be in the land biblically does not equate to unconsidered acceptance of every aspect of Israeli government or society. 

• This being said, theologically, they are still the Chosen People of God whom He loves for the sake of the patriarchs. This is God’s sovereign choice, and He has plans for the Jewish people, which will lead to a regenerated holy nation in the Millennial Kingdom (Zechariah 8:22–23; Ezekiel 36:25–28).

We need to be careful to be among those who “bless Israel,” caring for them as a people because God cares for them.

• The unconditional covenant made with Abraham stands forever, including the promise to “bless those who bless you and… curse those who curse you” (Genesis 12:3). We need to be careful to be among those who “bless Israel,” caring for them as a people because God cares for them.

• Paul tells us that salvation has come “to the Gentiles [non-Jews] in order to provoke them to jealousy” (Romans 11:11). We have been greatly blessed by the God of Israel and we have accepted Israel’s Messiah as our Saviour and come into the blessing of the New Covenant. In turn, as we live by the Spirit and reflect the life of Christ, Jewish people who observe our genuine relationship with God will be “provoked to jealousy” that we have the type of relationship with the God of Israel that they have always longed for. As a result, they will be challenged to accept Yeshua as their own Messiah and Savior.

• Paul also reminds us not to be boastful or prideful against Jews because the blessings we have in Messiah did not originate with us but with the Jews as the Chosen People of God (Romans 11:18). The only difference between them and us at this time, is that we “stand by faith,” not by anything we have achieved in ourselves (v. 20). Paul adds, “Do not be haughty, but fear” (v. 20), reminding us we are certainly not to see ourselves as superior in any sense.

Everyone seems to have a view on Israel or Jewish people, but only those views which accord with God’s declared Word stand up to scrutiny. We are to draw nearer to Him, and as we do, we will love what He loves and pray for the redemption of the Jewish people, both now and in that future time when “all Israel will be saved” (v. 26).

About the Author

America doesn’t feel much like a nation under God. It seems like we’re seeing and hearing new forms of sin promoted every day from every angle—music, TV, politics, you name it. The past year seemed to bring out the worst in many people. Unbridled anger has caused a lot of hurt and division that has yet to heal, and it has affected the way many people interact (or refuse to interact) with each other. As is true of every nation, the United States needs the Lord.

One verse I’ve heard a lot over the past year is 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” I hear it used most often in response to tragedy or immorality. Many people make it sound like such an easy fix to spiritually revolutionize America.

In theory, they’re right. The best course of action the people of our nation can take is to repent, humble ourselves, and seek the Lord. And this verse does provide that blueprint for a nation to find healing. But to best understand the depth of that promise, let’s examine the verse’s intended recipient: Israel.

A Message to Solomon

To set the scene, let’s turn the clock back 3,000 years to the reign of King Solomon. Now Solomon had a special relationship with God. He was granted a privilege few in history have ever had: witnessing the physical presence of God (2 Chronicles 1). Appearing to him at night, the Lord asked Solomon what he desired that He could give him. It appears Solomon was new to his position, as this interaction takes place immediately after his anointing to become king (1 Chronicles 29). 

The timing seemed perfect: The first verse of 2 Chronicles says he “was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lᴏʀᴅ his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly.” Put another way, he was in prime position to ask for anything he wanted. Yet rather than asking for riches or prosperity or selfish gain, his request was perfect: He asked for wisdom. God was happy to oblige, saying, “Wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like” (2 Chronicles 1:12).

Rather than asking for riches or prosperity or selfish gain, Solomon’s request was perfect: He asked for wisdom.

Skipping ahead to chapter 7, Solomon still walked with the Lord and ruled with a righteous heart like his father David did. He honored the Lord and was working to bring David’s dream to life: an immaculate temple for the Lord’s glory where the people of Israel could worship. At this particular moment, Solomon had just completed the construction of the Temple and dedicated it to the Lord. 

To seal his commitment to the Lord, Solomon did a number of notable things. First, he made an offering of staggering proportions—22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep! Next, he consecrated the middle of the Temple’s court for the Lord for burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then, he observed the dedication of the altar for seven days and the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days. His heart was set on obeying the Lord and bringing Him honor.

The chapter then moves immediately to the Lord’s second appearance to Solomon again at night. Just as in His first appearance to Solomon, God had good news for the king of Israel: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice” (7:12). In this passage, Solomon found favor with the Lord, who accepted his prayer and his building. 

But this satisfaction with Israel and its king would not last forever. God knew what would happen in the future, and He gave His people an outline to return to Himself: “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (vv. 13–14). God’s promises included a provision for one of Israel’s most valuable covenants as well: “As for you [Solomon], if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in Israel’” (vv. 17–18).

Sadly enough, these warnings from the Lord were mostly ignored. Solomon failed to follow God the way his father did. While David’s name graced the covenant God made to establish his family’s kingly line that would lead to Jesus, Solomon received no such honor. Israel also failed to humble itself, pray, and seek His face as a nation throughout history. After a few hundred more years of national disobedience to God, all 12 tribes of Israel were taken captive by Assyria and Babylon. 

An Eternal Promise for Israel

But God’s promises have no expiration date. What He promises is as good today as it was when He first promised it. This is certainly true of God’s covenant with David. That promise remains today because it found its meaning and fulfillment in the person and kingship of Jesus. In the case of 2 Chronicles 7:14, His promise to Israel holds true: If Israel will humble itself, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from sin, He will forgive them and heal their land.

Everything in Scripture is useful for us to learn from, but not everything is a promise whose stipulations apply uniquely to our country.

We can certainly trust that God will be pleased when we choose to humble ourselves and seek Him, but don’t forget to keep an eye on God’s intentions when He gave this charge to Solomon. Everything in Scripture is useful for us to learn from (2 Timothy 3:16), but not everything is a promise whose stipulations apply uniquely to our country. To that end, we should wholeheartedly follow the verse’s instructions, but we should understand that this provision for national restoration is meant specifically for Israel before any other nation.

An Appropriate Parallel for America

Though this potent promise was spoken specially to Israel, we can find a separate but similar application for our own nation. God showed a clear example of what happens when a pagan nation repents and turns away from its sin and toward Himself in the book of Jonah. The city of Nineveh, to which Jonah was sent to prophesy concerning its destruction, was terribly sinful. If it continued down its path of evil, it would be destroyed in 40 days (Jonah 3:4). But the Ninevites took this warning seriously. They didn’t trust in their own power to save themselves. Verse 5 states that they “believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.” In other words, they didn’t mess around or waste any time—they repented and chose to seek His face. For that, God spared them from certain desolation. He “saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it” (v. 10).

The humility and repentance of the Ninevites is a great reason for us to hope for God’s mercy on our nation if we adopt the same heart attitude. So while 2 Chronicles 7:14 may have been meant directly for Israel, we can draw this parallel from Jonah as our blueprint for repentance.

Even if the famous “If my people pray” verse is directed toward Israel specifically, it’s our duty to learn from it and see what it says about God’s character and His Chosen People. Remember the power this promise holds for Israel, and as with all of God’s Word, seek to understand this passage correctly in its proper context.

About the Author