Written by: Jentezen Franklin
Article source: stream.org
It’s no secret that these are challenging times for the Middle East: Jews, Christians, and other religious minorities face discrimination and extermination. While these challenges plague the other side of the planet, there are things we can do as Christians — things we must do — here and now.
One of the clearest instructions we find in Scripture is the call to bless the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. This is not just a suggestion or a passing remark — it is a divine command, woven throughout the Bible. It’s a spiritual calling and a plan of action.
Psalm 122:6 tells us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.’” This isn’t mere poetry; it’s prophetic instruction. God invites His people to align their hearts with His purposes. When we pray for Jerusalem, we stand with the people through whom God gave us the patriarchs, the prophets, and ultimately, Jesus Christ.
Genesis 12:3 makes this even clearer when God speaks to Abraham, saying, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.” This promise is not confined to Abraham’s lifetime. It extends to his descendants, the Jewish people. When we choose to bless Israel — whether through prayer, financial support, or boldly standing against antisemitism — we bring blessing into our own lives.
God takes this personally. When we bless His people, we invite His blessing into our homes, churches, and communities.
Offshoots of the Root
Why is this so significant?
Jerusalem holds a unique place in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The city is not just a time capsule of ancient life and a hub for today’s devotees of Abrahamic tradition; it is the spiritual epicenter of our world. Jesus walked its streets, healed its people, and wept over its condition. It is the city to which He will one day return. Isaiah 62:6-7 calls us to be “watchmen on the walls,” continually lifting up the city before the Lord until He establishes her in peace and righteousness.
While it’s true that we are called to serve and love all people, God has established Israel as a spiritual signpost for the entire world. Romans 11 reminds us that as Christians, we have been “grafted in” to the olive tree of God’s people. Our spiritual heritage is intertwined with theirs. The Bible warns us against arrogance, reminding us that we do not support the root — the root supports us (Romans 11:18).
Jesus Himself modeled this love for Israel. He spent His earthly ministry among the Jewish people, declaring the fulfillment of God’s promises and extending His hand of salvation. When we bless Israel, we are following in His footsteps. We demonstrate our gratitude for the rich spiritual heritage we have inherited through God’s covenant with Abraham.
But blessing Israel is not just about what we receive in return — it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s. When we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are praying for God’s redemptive plan to unfold in the world. We are praying for families to be restored, for communities to be healed, and for His Kingdom to come on Earth as it is in Heaven. As the last few years have tragically shown, the peace of Jerusalem is deeply connected to the peace of the world. As the spiritual heartbeat of the earth, Jerusalem’s destiny shapes global events in ways we cannot always see.
How?
We can bless Israel in several ways. First, we can commit to consistent, intentional prayer for the peace of Jerusalem. Let this be more than a fleeting thought — make it a discipline. Pray for the leaders of Israel, for the safety of its people, and for God’s protection over the land.
Second, we can actively support ministries that serve the Jewish people and strengthen their communities. Whether through humanitarian aid, outreach programs or financial contributions, our investment in God’s chosen people echoes throughout eternity. Our congregation and our global partners have chosen to support the people of Israel by investing in the Northern Galilee Emergency Hospital, and by donating for the construction of 800 safe houses throughout the Eshkol region as well.
Finally, we can — we must — stand firmly against antisemitism. Jew-hatred in all its forms continues to rise worldwide, and as believers, we are called to be voices of truth and love. Refuse to be silent. We must defend our Jewish brothers and sisters, recognizing this hour of great need for their peace and their safety. Earlier this year, we were blessed to host family members of some of the remaining Jewish hostages in Gaza, allowing them time to share their stories, to pray with them, and to plead for their release. By God’s grace, their family members, Keith Siegel and Romi Gonen, are now safely home.
These are just a few examples of the myriad ways to let your faith lead you to respond. However you choose to live out your faith and bless Israel, back your blessings with actions.
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Date published: 11/04/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork from www.freepik.com
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