God cares for Israel - Join the Isaiah 62 Fast

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of joining God's heart for Israel, a nation that has been dear to His heart throughout history. As believers, we are called to care about this place and its people, just as God does. We're invited to join in a 21-day fast from May 7th to 28th, not just to pray for the salvation of Israel, but to pour our hearts out to God, asking Him to bring many people in that nation into a deep, intimate relationship with Himself.

Key Scripture References

• Isaiah 62:1 - This passage declares that Jerusalem will be called "Hephzibah" (my delight is in her), and God's people will rejoice over her. We see here the depths of God's affection for His chosen people, a love that cannot be shaken or diminished.
• Isaiah 62:6-7 - The prophet writes, "I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give thanks to him." Here, we see God's desire for His people to be vigilant in prayer and thanksgiving, always aware of His presence and power.
• Matthew 22:37-40 - Jesus teaches us that loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is the greatest commandment. When we love God, we begin to see the world through His eyes, including His love for Israel.
• Romans 11:25-26 - The apostle Paul writes, "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in." Here, we see God's plan for both Jew and Gentile, and how He is working all things together for His glory.
• Psalm 37:4 - The psalmist writes, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." When we take pleasure in God's presence and purposes, we begin to see our own desires align with His.
• 1 John 3:16 - This verse reminds us that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. As we join God's heart for Israel, we're reminded of His love for all people, including those in this nation.
• Zechariah 2:8-11 - The prophet writes, "He who is the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his people on that day, and they will be lifted up. And I will clothe the priests with their apparel, and they shall lift up their hands." Here, we see God's promise to restore His people and bring them into a place of honor and worship.

Key Takeaways

• We are called to care about Israel, just as God does. This means praying for the salvation of its people, but also being aware of God's presence in their midst. As we pray, we must remember that God is not just a distant observer, but an active participant in the lives of His people.
• Joining God's heart for Israel requires us to take delight in Him and His purposes. When we do, our desires begin to align with His, and we become more effective in prayer and service.
• God's plan is not just for Israel, but for all nations. As we pray for the salvation of this nation, we're reminded that God's love extends far beyond its borders, embracing all people everywhere.
• The 21-day fast is not just about praying for Israel, but about pouring our hearts out to God in prayer and thanksgiving. We must be vigilant in prayer, always aware of His presence and power in our lives.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take two specific steps to join God's heart for Israel:

1. Set aside time each day to pray specifically for the salvation of Israel. Use scripture references like Isaiah 62:1-7 as a guide, and ask God to bring many people in this nation into a deep, intimate relationship with Himself.

2. Share your concerns about Israel with a friend or family member, and ask them to join you in prayer. This can be a powerful way to build relationships and encourage one another in the faith.

Reflection Questions

• What are some specific ways God has shown me His love for Israel in my life? How can I respond to this love with greater commitment and passion?
• How can I take delight in the Lord, and ask Him to give me the desires of my heart regarding Israel? What scripture references will guide my prayer?
• As I pray for the salvation of Israel, how can I be more effective in my service to God's kingdom? What are some practical steps I can take this week to join God's heart for this nation?