History of Israel

QUESTION: Why is the history of Israel so important to our world today?

ANSWER:

The history of Israel, from Abraham to present time, is most important to the world today. To the secular world this may be a confusing statement, however, to those who understand biblical truths, this statement is fully understandable.

History of Israel - The Israel Controversy
To look at the state of Israel today one cannot avoid the issues that constantly arise around the nation and its people. Israel does not look to make itself a controversy to the world. In fact, Israel desires peace. However, its history will never allow peace. Israel is an historically rich nation. It is the home to the most controversial individual of all time, Jesus Christ. It is also the home of the world’s largest religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Abraham, an Ancient Israel patriarch is said to be the father of all three religions. These three religions have differing beliefs that bring very different opinions as to who is right and to which God Abraham actually served. The debate has been the source of wars and disputes throughout history including World War II, the deadliest and bloodiest war of all time.

Today, the Middle East and many other nations around the world continue to struggle over the issue of Israel. Traditionally, Israel is a Jewish nation, yet as the root of Christianity and the homeland of a major holy site for Islam (the Dome of the Rock which sits on the site of the biblical Jewish temple of God), Israel remains a major topic of controversy.

Where the Religions Stand
True Christians around the world look to protect Israel. According to the Old Testament (by which Judaism derives its beliefs) Israel is the beginning of Christian understanding. It is the beginning of Christianity; a time of preparation leading to Jesus Christ. To Christians, Israel is the homeland of their religion and the people of Israel are the chosen of God. To Christians, the Jewish people are their brothers and sisters who are missing the truth of Christ as their Messiah and Savior. Christians pray for Israel and support it in many ways, in the hope of bringing the nation of Israel and the Jewish people to see Jesus Christ as their Messiah.

Islam is another story. Years of violence has led to bitterness between Jews and Muslims. Much of the Islamic world would love to see the people of Israel destroyed and the land it occupies given back to the Islamic people, namely the Palestinians. Israel protects itself through a series of allied nations around the world, in addition to their own military strength. Israel is a Jewish nation, though largely secular in comparison to its early history, surrounded by traditionally Islamic nations; some of which are radical in their ways and highly aggressive in their actions toward Israel.

It is safe to say that without the existence of Israel today, there would be much less controversy in the world. However, as it stands, Israel remains important to the make up of our world and the overall history of its existence.