“They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.”
Romans 9:4
October 2, 2026
Once again Israel is a headline in the news. We have learned that the copilot of a Flydubi flight, destined for Tel Aviv, attempted to hijack and crash a plane filled with Jewish men, women, and children. What is important at this point is to understand Israel’s place in the world as we know it and why the Jews are hated. Great sorrow for Israel’s spiritual condition weighs heavily on the converted Jew, the apostle Paul. Israel possesses great treasures of God’s grace and mercy. She is an elect people (adoption), has enjoyed the splendor of God’s special presence in the Temple of Solomon (glory), has received special arrangements between God and Israel (the covenants) for the future, possesses the privilege of receiving the law of God (the Ten Commandments), has been given laws governing various sacrifices and holy days, and has the promises which focus on the Messiah and the Messianic age. Islam, among a host of others, has a vested interest in hatred of Jewish nationalism.
Our responsibility as believers in the Messiah and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is to be deeply moved in our grief for the unbelievers everywhere.
H
Reflection:
Does my church carry the burden of reaching Jew and Gentile for Christ (“to the Jew first” Rom. 1:16)?
What are some of the ways I can pray for Jews and Muslims?