The depravity in Tel Aviv was quite astonishing. Here, G-d’s chosen are mostly secular, lost without a clue. While in Jerusalem, G-d’s chosen are overtly religious and zealous but lacking Messiah.

When we went out on New Year’s Eve (a holiday that really has no bearing in Israel) we witnessed much sin from alcohol to marijuana to homosexuality. At one point, a dear brother of mine spoke to one young Jewish lady who didn’t believe Moses ever even existed in any context whether religious or historical. A point that haunts him to this day. “They don’t even believe in Moses, man!” he would shout as I cowered in horror.

In Jerusalem, you couldn’t sneeze without spraying a religious Jewish man complete with Yarmulke and beardiness (it’s a word). Dozens (sometimes hundreds) would pray at the Western Wall almost to the point of worship. This reminded me of a few verses in Romans 10 where Paul says: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. ² For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.” (10:1-2 NASB)

They are indeed dedicated and have a great zeal for G-d but they still lack the most important piece, Messiah Himself. It really is painful to know that the sons of promise, whom the Messiah came from, are so lost. The Messiah who died to save His people from their sins, they miss completely. Matthew 1:21: She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means `ADONAI saves,'] because he will save his people from their sins.” (CJB) (Emphasis mine)

If they are this zealous while they lack Messiah, imagine if they recognized Him, and pledged their life to Him! What warriors for Yeshua they could be!

So what do we do? I believe we need to do three things (at least).

1. Remember that G-d has not forgotten Israel and that they are still chosen. G-d has not forgotten nor forsaken Israel, nor has He replaced them (replacement theology subscribers need not apply). We should thank G-d that through Messiah, the wall was broken down and that He has grafted the gentiles in (Romans 11:17). It is the root that supports us though (Romans 11:18)! So, let’s remember Israel’s place, lest we boast in ourselves! And, indeed, all of Israel will be saved when Messiah returns (Romans 11:26; Zechariah 12:10; Jeremiah 23:6; Isa 45:17, 59:20; Ezek 36:26-27; Romans 9:1-5, 10:14)
2. Pray for the lostness of not only Israel, but the world. We need to remember to pray every day that the eyes of Israel will be open so they can recognize the Messiah and share in the promise that is theirs. We should desire a broken heart for lost Israel and lost people everywhere. G-d break us and let us have a heart like Paul in Romans 9:1-3; “ I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, ² that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,” (NASB)
3. Lastly, let’s remember Jerusalem and not forsake nor abandon G-d’s chosen. Let’s educate our congregations to not be ignorant about Israel and their promises or their need for Messiah. Let our heart and prayer reflect the Psalmist in the 137^th Psalm:

“If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill.
⁶ May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!” (HCSB)

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