Where is God When it Comes to Israel?
By Alex Murashko
Upon hearing of the horrific attack by terrorists on Israel that took place on October 7, 2023, people worldwide went immediately to prayer and searched for reason in the midst of the insanity. Believers or not, many asked, “Where is God when it comes to Israel?”
Many still do ask.
Two months later, confusion and mixed reactions to the ongoing war continue to run rampant. There seems to be little relief from the lies and the propaganda.
Several hundred pro-Israel supporters gathered in Huntington Beach, California for a Stand With Israel Rally event organized by the Orange County chapter of the Israeli-American Council (IAC), Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. Partnering organizations included Eagles’ Wings, Israel Christian Nexus, and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. PHOTO: John Fredricks
“What is happening isn’t just a conflict between countries. It’s a spiritual conflict pitting good against evil,” Pastor Joe Pedick, who is the lead pastor for Calvary Chapel of the Harbour in Huntington Beach, California, told Think Eternity Monday (Dec. 4). It’s a spiritual battle that’s been waged since the beginning of mankind and it’s described in the Bible. “God still watches over Israel. God’s not through with the nation of Israel. You can’t stop God’s plan.”
At a “Stand with Israel” rally held close to the Huntington Beach Pier on Sunday (Dec. 3.), Pastor Joe was one of the guest speakers. Several hundred supporters of Israel gathered for the event organized by the Orange County chapter of the Israeli-American Council (IAC).
Pastor Joe said it was heart wrenching to know that someone he loves, the people of Israel, were desperately hurting. After receiving the terrible news coming out of Israel, he quickly prayed to better understand God’s plan.
Christians are called to love Israel and the Jewish people, Pastor Joe said. He, like other followers of Jesus Christ, call the actions of Hamas and other Islamic terrorists, satanic. He said he has seen the faces of the murderers in the videos he has been shown through official sources. “This is evil. It’s like you’re looking at demons. However, when you look at it from the spiritual aspect, God is there. God’s going to defend Israel. He’s going to deal with the enemies of Israel.”
God’s judgment will be upon how people treated the Jews, he said. “When some people are talking about a two-state solution and dividing up the land, that’s not right. God says He is going to come to judgment. That’s going to be one of the main things. He’s going to judge the nations on how they treated Israel.”
I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. (Joel 3:2)
“Right now (as referenced and prophesized in scripture), God’s face is toward the Church, but it will turn toward Israel,” Pastor Joe said.
And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 39:29)
Pastor Joe said that followers of Jesus Christ should understand that they can engage in spiritual warfare, knowing that they have “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.”
“God says in Ezekiel 39, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon the nation of Israel.”
Stand with Israel Rally Mostly Peaceful
Pastor Joe Pedick shares his love for Jews at a rally in support of Israel, a nation still reeling from the terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. The minimal opposition that was present was mostly vocal at the Stand with Israel event held close to the Huntington Beach Pier and on PCH Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.
Other speakers at the rally were Pastor Joe Green (Eagles’ Wings and Israel Christian Nexus), Reverend Simon Moon (Onnuri Church in Irvine), Geeta Sikand (Americans for Hindus), Rabbi Reuven Mintz (Jewish Center for Life in Newport Beach), Neeraj Kashalkar (California Chapter of Americans for Hindus), and Enrique Dreisis (Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific SouthWest).
PHOTO by John Fredricks.
VIDEO: ‘Not ashamed that we love the people of Israel’
Pastor Joe Pedick rallies crowd at Stand with Israel event in Huntington Beach, Dec 3, 2023
Alex Murashko is lead writer for the Thinke writing team. His site Media on Mission features stories written by journalists who have a biblical world view.
Connect: @AlexMurashko