May 27, 2026

Michigan is roughly 97,000 square miles in size. Israel is less than a 10th of that at around 8,500 square miles. Both Israel and Michigan share a similar amount of people at just over 10 million. Rarely does a day go by when Israel is not in national news. Not nearly as much for Michigan. Why does such an out-sized nation occupy so much attention? Why is this nation the focal point of so much conflict? Why are Jewish people regularly targeted with violence and ridicule?

There are plenty of historical, geographical, ethnic and racial angles on that, but ultimately, what is on the surface (seen) is evidence of the real war (unseen).

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? Romans 11:13-15

Paul, a Jew, regularly attempted to reach other Jews with the gospel and was met with limited success. When he was opposed by Jews, then he would attempt to reach the Gentiles, which was much more fruitful. But even while Paul’s ministry influenced many more Gentiles than Jews, he always had his eye on the Jews because he knew that the enfolding of the Gentiles into the chosen race of God’s people would be leveraged by God to bring about at some point, a large conversion of Jews to Christ. I think Paul is saying that when this happens, we are at the end point of this stage of history.

This Sunday, we are focusing on the event where Jesus entered the Temple on Palm Sunday, started cleaning house and called it, “My House.” Everything Christ plans, Satan seeks to thwart. Everything that Christ claims, Satan seeks to deny. Everything that Christ promises, Satan seeks to undermine. The Kingdom of Christ is opposed by the anti-kingdom(s). The people of God are opposed by the people of this world’s order. The church is the people of God, and one of the results of our gospel faithfulness and fruitfulness will be the conversion of many Jews at some point. Wow!

Yesterday Mojtaba Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader of Iran said, “Israel will not live to see another 15 years.” Ignorance of God’s Word, God’s plan and history never has a good look.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s text: Luke 1:45-48