Have the Odds Changed?

Amos 9: 11-15

Often, it seems we have the tendencies to pick winners and losers on the knowledge we have on the subject.  Let me ask you a question, what are the odds that a country that is long and narrow in shape, about 290 miles (470 km.) in length, 85 miles (135 km.) in width at its widest point, and is bordered by a very large nation whose goal is to destroy it, has it a chance to survive?   If you went to Vegas and took odds on this, I believe you would not be betting on its survival.   This is where we find the little nation of Israel today, surrounded by nations all over the world who would help in its destruction. 
Israel is located in the Middle East along the eastern coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. It lies at the junction of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.  When we think of Israel our mind should think of Abraham, Isaac, and Moses: also of how God’s people were freed from Egypt and after 40 years of desert time went into the land God chose for them in Canaan.  So Israel is more than land, it is God’s chosen people who spans over 35 centuries of history of the Jewish people.    Many of the Jewish people were forced into exile, but with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, they were restored after being lost for over a thousand years.
Today, Israel has very few friends in the nations of the world, but they do have many enemies.  Iran, a very large nation, has publicly stated they will destroy Israel and have many friends who will not take a stance publicly but are pouring millions of dollars into the enemies of Israel, and for one reason, to see its destruction.  Now, if you are a friend of Israel, as I am, you may need to see what God said to Amos in chapter nine.

 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes.  New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills, and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.  They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.  I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.”  (Amos 9:13-15)

Now when placing your bet, has the odds changed for you?  God is a promise keeper!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice