Spiritual Assessment of the Situation in Israel

News Jobst Bittner0

There is no doubt that the current situation in Israel is multi-layered and complex. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the Lord sees it from a different, clearer perspective. What we are currently experiencing in the Middle East represents a historic and profound reorganization of the previous structures. Israel, up to now surrounded by enemies on several fronts, has fought – sometimes heroically – against organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas and is now in open conflict with Iran.

In my view, a crucial mandate to pray is that Israel does not only achieve partial successes but achieves a complete and lasting victory. Because: A first success is one thing – but spiritually speaking, it is not enough to just drive the snake away, but its head must be crushed. (cf. Genesis 3:15) This applies figuratively to Hamas, Hezbollah and also to Iran.

I am talking here primarily about spiritual realities, but at the same time I see the need for a clear victory over militant Islamism that underlies these structures. Israel is currently taking steps that neither the Arab world nor the West have been willing or able to take – and it is possible that this very Arab world is waiting for Israel to move forward.

I have been corresponding these days with Igal Even Ziv, March of Life Director in Israel, expressing to him my deep appreciation for the Israeli army. I am grateful that we can stand in friendship at the side of Israel and that as Christians we can be a part of this spiritual reality.

For us, this is a clear call to stand unwaveringly with Israel as Christians. Any form of criticism of Israel, the call for supposed "proportionality" or any downplaying of the events is not appropriate in this context. It is our duty to stand firmly with Israel – with prayer, attitude and spiritual clarity.
(cf. Isaiah 62:6–7)

We know that it is ultimately a spiritual battle. The biblical description of the battle between the principalities – for example the principality over Persia – and the angelic prince Michael makes it clear what is at stake on the invisible level.
(cf. Daniel 10:13.20–21)

A possible victory for Israel would therefore be not only a regional, but a worldwide breakthrough in the fight against Israel's enemies.

We are in the midst of an enormous spiritual struggle. Even if Iranian missiles are fired at Israel, this should not discourage us, but rather intensify our prayer and strengthen our position.
(cf. Ephesians 6:12–13)

I hope these thoughts can provide some orientation.

 

Jobst Bittner
Founder and President of the March of Life Movement