Day 12: Aliyah is the key to the Messiah’s return

In this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” – Romans 11:26–27 ESV

Peg Byars, with Return Ministries, shares:

Aliyah is the key to the Messiah’s return. Ezekiel 36 says that when God returns them to their land, He will cause them to understand that He is Lord. World evangelism depends on the Jews hallowing God’s name. They are being called to come back. The mercy we were given, now we need to show to them so they can be God’s light to the nations. Ezekiel 36 is key to the whole story. Aliyah is God’s dream, but it is also evidence of His faithfulness to keep His covenant. Romans 11:26–27 summarizes Ezekiel 36.

Romans 11:26–27 (ESV): “In this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob’; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

• In the last blog we studied Romans 11:25–26. What does verse 27 say to you, “This will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
• “The Deliverer will come from Zion” is a quote from Isaiah 59:20 (NKJV): “The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” says the Lord.
• Ask God what He wants to say to you through this passage today.

Debbie Kellogg with CyrusFoundation.org shares:

The Jews returning to Israel is really important; it’s the salvation of Israel. It’s in our hands because He’s calling the church to be a part of that at this time to help them to return, to encourage them, to comfort them and to walk alongside them as they are being restored and return to meet their Messiah.

The term “Zionism” is the acknowledgment that the land of Israel belongs to and is the covenant home of the Jewish people (Genesis 15:18, 17:8). This has, in history, been the motive for many Jews to settle there and to build up the nation. Christians have come alongside to help with this. However, the ultimate purpose the Lord has for this restoration is not just for them to move to Israel but that all Israel would be saved (Romans 11:25–26) and the Messiah would come to establish His Kingdom on earth.

Read Ezekiel 36:22–38.

• Read this whole passage before you begin your study. What was your first overall impression? What stood out to you?
• Read through it again, noticing every time it says what God “will” do. How many things did you find? Which ones stood out to you and why?
• Why will God bring them back to the land He promised them?
• The word “profane” in Hebrew has many meanings, including to wound, to prostitute and defile.
• Imagine how God must have felt when He chose the Israelites, and made covenants with them, yet they chose to disobey their part. Then when He sent them out of their land into the nations, they harmed His holy name by how they acted so wickedly.
• Three times in this passage, it says that people will know that He is the Lord. Who is He saying will know Him and why?
• How do you see God bringing His people back and restoring them as part of His worldwide spiritual awakening?

A prayer to pray

Covenant-keeping God, You promised that all Israel will be saved, and that the Deliverer will come from Zion. I confess that I don’t understand how You will do this, but I choose to trust that what You say is true. Thank You that when You come as a Deliverer, You will banish ungodliness from Jacob. I also need You to cleanse me from all ungodliness so I can live in greater intimacy with You. Thank You for the incredible covenant You will make with Your people, taking away their sins. Thank You for grafting me into Israel so I also will receive Your redemption.

Prayer points for today

• Ask God to bring His people back to their land, so they can be saved.
• Pray that God will raise up people who can and will share their faith with Jews in ways they can understand and accept. Pray God will give them great wisdom to know what to say and what not to say, so they know exactly what each person needs to hear. Pray that you will be one of those people.
• Pray for protection over Israel and the Jews wherever they are in the world.

An action to take

Consider starting a prayer group for Israel, even if it is just with one other person. This could be in person, by phone or a video call. Or commit to pray on your own for a specified amount of time each day. Ask God how much time He wants you to pray for Israel and who you can invite to partner with you.