Why I Love Israel

May 1, 2015 Save Article

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Revelation 12 (Program: 2349, Air date: 5.3.2015)

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. Bible-believing Christians cannot deny or ignore the significance of the nation of Israel.
   2. Israel is included in 100% of Bible prophecy.
   3. Israel is a God-ordained, God-protected and God-blessed nation; and Israel is God’s measuring rod, God’s blueprint for what He is doing in the world.

2. ISRAEL’S SPECIAL FAVOR (Revelation 12:1-2)
   1. The woman depicted in this passage represents the nation of Israel.
   2. Genesis 37:9
      1. Israel is described with these elements: twelve stars (Joseph was the 12th star), the sun and the moon.
   3. Isaiah 54:5-6
      1. In this passage, Israel is spoken of as the wife of Jehovah.
   4. Romans 9:4-5
      1. Paul states in this passage that Israel gave us the Messiah.
   5. Genesis 12:3
      1. God will bless those who bless Israel.
   6. Deuteronomy 7:6

3. ISRAEL’S SATANIC FOE (Revelation 12:3-5)
   1. The dragon represents Satan himself and his earthly power.
      1. The color red speaks to his thirst for blood: he’s a murderer.
      2. His seven heads (the number seven representing fullness or perfection) represent his diabolical power and wisdom.
      3. His ten horns (ten being the complete number) speak again to his power.
      4. The account in Revelation 12:4 of his tail sweeping away one-third of the stars refers to Satan’s rebellion and subsequent fall from Heaven as one-third of the angels fell with him.
         1. Matthew 25:41
         2. Isaiah 14:12-15
   2. Satan is both anti-Christ and anti-Semitic.

4. ISRAEL’S SPIRITUAL FIGHT (Revelation 12:6-12)
   1. The archangel Michael’s special job is to watch over Israel.
   2. Two distinct battles are depicted in this passage during the Great Tribulation:
      1. There is a war in Heaven.
         1. Revelation 12:9-12
         2. Though Satan was cast out of Heaven, he still has limited access to Heaven.
            1. Job 1:6
         3. The word “Satan” means “adversary.” The word “devil” means “accuser;” he is the accuser of the brethren. This war is Satan with these aliases vs. Michael and his angels.
            1. 1 John 2:1
         4. After this war, Satan will no longer have limited access to Heaven and will be cast down to the Earth.
      2. There is a war on Earth.
         1. Revelation 12:11
         2. Satan will have great wrath and will fight against the saints with intensity.
         3. There is a three-fold formula for victory that we can use even today:
            1. The believer’s conquest
               1. John 12:31
               2. 1 John 1:7
               3. Ephesians 4:27
            2. The believer’s confession
               1. Revelation 12:11, 17
            3. The believer’s courage
               1. Revelation 12:11

5. ISRAEL’S STRATEGIC FLIGHT (Revelation 12:13-16)
   1. During the Great Tribulation, Israel will be persecuted in a tremendous way. For three and a half years during this time, believing Jews will flee until the tribulation period comes to a close.
      1. Matthew 24:15-21
      2. Isaiah 59:19
   2. We need to remember that God knows the future, and He is still in control.

7. ISRAEL’S SAVING FAITH (REVELATION 12:17)
   1. God has not forsaken His people.
   2. Many will come to know Jesus Christ as their Messiah.
   3. God has blessed Israel that Israel might be a blessing to the world.
   4. Zechariah 12:10
   5. Zechariah 13:1
   6. Romans 11:25-26

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