Opinion Blog / Guest Columnist
Even as many countries turn against Israel, the Jewish state continues to bless the nations
Accusations fly around the world against Israel, but on the ground, Israel continues working to be a blessing to the nations.
Recently, we have seen earthquakes strike countries around the world. Venezuela, Colombia, Spain and Indonesia are among those recently affected.
When disaster strikes, Israel stands ready to respond to the difficult challenges that follow. ALL ISRAEL NEWS has recently reported on several examples of Israel reaching out to help nations in their time of need.
An Israeli delegation of 80 rescue and emergency experts landed in Cali, Colombia, to assist local authorities with recovery efforts following a massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country's western region.
Israel also prepared to send aid delegations to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes there.
Despite Venezuela having severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009, Israel's Foreign Ministry said it was "evaluating the possibilities of providing assistance to the Venezuelan people." Despite the lack of diplomatic relations, an Israeli team was sent to Venezuela.
Israeli technology has also been helping international rescue efforts, with Israeli drone technology assisting Mexican rescue teams following the earthquakes in Venezuela.
At a nation's weakest moment, Israelis are there, sometimes putting their own lives at risk to help with rescue operations.
Amid the confusion, pain, worry and shock, you will find Israelis hard at work, trying to save lives and rescue people trapped beneath the rubble.
Israel is accustomed to responding to such disasters. Israeli teams have assisted following numerous earthquakes around the world, developing the ability to mobilize quickly and get rescue personnel on the ground when they are needed most.
These earthquakes also remind me of the truth of the Bible and what Yeshua (Jesus) said about earthquakes and the end times.
In Matthew 24:7-8, Yeshua says:
"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."
Luke speaks of "great earthquakes," while Mark also describes such events as the beginning of sorrows.
Yeshua is coming soon. The signs are there.
Israel itself must also be prepared for a major earthquake. We know that significant earthquakes have struck the region throughout its history, including the devastating earthquake of 1927. That means Israel must remain prepared for another major earthquake in the future.
With the rise in global antisemitism, I sometimes wonder: If such a devastating earthquake struck Israel, how many nations would come to Israel's aid in its hour of need?
According to Israel's Home Front Command, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the Gulf of Eilat in 1995.
Earthquakes also feature prominently in biblical prophecy.
When Yeshua returns, Zechariah describes the Mount of Olives splitting in two. Biblical prophecy also speaks of life-giving waters flowing from Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea, bringing life to its waters.
And, of course, when Yeshua died on the cross for our sins and the sins of the world, an earthquake occurred. Three days later came the miracle of the resurrection, when Matthew's Gospel again records a great earthquake.
So, as we look around the world and heed the words of Jesus, we see what I believe are signs pointing toward the end of the age.
And amid the disasters, suffering and uncertainty, Israel continues to be there – reaching out, saving lives and being a blessing to the nations.
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