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Israel Today and God’s Eternal Plan

SDA Journal Sermon Jun 16, 2026

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Scripture Reading: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” – Matthew 24:6-8

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today many people are looking at Israel and asking serious questions: What is happening? Why is it happening? And what is God’s plan?

When we see the news about Israel, Gaza, Palestine, the West Bank, and the wider Middle East, our hearts are troubled. We see war. We see fear. We see families displaced. We see children suffering. We see people crying for safety, justice, peace, and survival.

And as Christians, we cannot look at suffering with cold hearts.

Jesus did not teach us to rejoice when people suffer. He did not teach us to hate one nation and love another. He died for all humanity. He died for Jews. He died for Palestinians. He died for Arabs. He died for Filipinos. He died for every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.

So when we speak about Israel today, we must speak with humility, compassion, and Bible truth.

I. WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY?

Today, Israel and the surrounding areas continue to experience conflict, fear, and instability. There are wars and rumors of wars. There are political disputes, military actions, questions of land, questions of security, questions of justice, and deep wounds from the past.

Many people are afraid. Many are angry. Many are confused. Many are asking, “Where is God in all of this?”

But Jesus already told us that before His coming, the world would be troubled. He said there would be wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and distress among nations.

But notice the words of Jesus: “See that you are not troubled.”

Jesus did not say these things would be easy. He did not say we would understand everything immediately. But He told us not to allow world events to destroy our faith.

The world may be troubled, but God is still on the throne.

II. WHY IS IT HAPPENING?

There are historical and political reasons why conflict continues in the Middle East. There are long struggles over land, security, identity, leadership, justice, and national survival. These issues are complicated, and we should not explain them carelessly.

But behind the political reasons, the Bible shows us a deeper spiritual reason: sin.

War is the fruit of sin. Hatred is the fruit of sin. Revenge is the fruit of sin. Pride, oppression, cruelty, and selfishness are all fruits of sin.

From the time sin entered the world, humanity has been divided. Cain killed Abel. Nations rose against nations. Kingdoms fought kingdoms. And until today, the heart of man still needs the transforming power of God.

This is why the problem of the world cannot be solved only by politics, weapons, treaties, or human power. These may help for a time, but the deepest need of humanity is a new heart.

Only Jesus can change the heart.

III. IS MODERN ISRAEL THE CENTER OF GOD’S FINAL PLAN?

Many people believe that everything happening in the modern nation of Israel is the main center of Bible prophecy. But as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we must be careful to study prophecy through Christ and the whole Bible.

In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen by God for a mission. God called Israel to be a light to the nations. Through Israel came the Scriptures, the prophets, the sanctuary message, and most of all, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

But Israel’s calling was never meant to be selfish. God said to Abraham, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

God’s plan was always worldwide.

In the New Testament, the focus becomes clearer. The true people of God are not identified merely by race, bloodline, or nationality, but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:29 says, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

This means that God’s final people are those who belong to Christ. They are people who follow the Lamb. They keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.

So we must not turn Bible prophecy into political favoritism. We must not say, “God loves this people and hates that people.” No. God loves the world. Jesus died for all.

God’s final plan is not centered on earthly nationalism. God’s final plan is centered on Jesus Christ.

IV. WHAT IS GOD’S PLAN?

God’s plan is salvation.

God’s plan is to save Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, Filipinos, and people from every nation. God’s plan is to call people out of sin and into Christ. God’s plan is to prepare a people who will reflect His character in the last days.

Revelation 14 gives us the message for this time. The first angel says, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come.”

This is the message the world needs today. Not hatred. Not pride. Not revenge. Not blind political loyalty. The world needs the everlasting gospel.

The gospel tells us that Jesus is the only Savior. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the Lamb of God. Jesus is the coming King.

One day, all earthly kingdoms will pass away. All wars will end. All suffering will cease. There will be no more crying, no more death, no more pain, and no more division. God will make all things new.

That is God’s plan.

V. HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND AS ADVENTISTS?

First, we must respond with prayer.

Let us pray for Israel. Let us pray for Palestine. Let us pray for Gaza. Let us pray for the innocent, the grieving, the wounded, the hungry, and the displaced. Let us pray for leaders to seek peace and justice. Let us pray for hearts to be changed by God.

Second, we must respond with compassion.

A true Christian cannot ignore suffering. We must care about human life. We must not celebrate death. We must not spread hatred. We must speak with kindness and truth.

Third, we must respond with spiritual readiness.

Jesus said these things are signs that remind us we are living in a serious time. But signs are not given to make us proud. They are given to make us ready.

The question is not only, “What will happen to Israel?”
The greater question is, “Am I ready for Jesus to come?”

Are our hearts surrendered to Christ?
Are our homes filled with prayer?
Are we keeping God’s commandments with love?
Are we sharing the gospel?
Are we living as lights in this dark world?

Brothers and sisters, when nations shake, Christ remains. When leaders fail, Christ remains. When peace talks fail, Christ remains. When people are afraid, Christ remains.

Our hope is not in earthly power. Our hope is in Jesus.

APPEAL

Today, God is calling us to look beyond the headlines and look to Christ. Let us not be people of fear. Let us be people of faith. Let us not be people of hatred. Let us be people of compassion. Let us not be careless with prophecy. Let us be faithful students of the Word.

Israel today reminds us that this world needs Jesus. The suffering of nations reminds us that human solutions are not enough. The signs of the times remind us that Jesus is coming soon.

So let us surrender our hearts to God. Let us pray for peace. Let us love all people. Let us share the everlasting gospel. And let us be ready for the kingdom that will never fall.

PRAYER

Our loving Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts. We see the suffering in Israel, Palestine, Gaza, and many parts of the world. We pray for the innocent, the grieving, the wounded, the hungry, and the displaced. Lord, bring comfort where there is pain. Bring peace where there is hatred. Bring healing where there is brokenness.

Help us not to be careless, proud, or hateful. Teach us to understand prophecy through Jesus. Teach us to love all people as Christ loves them. Prepare our hearts for the soon return of our Savior.

May we be faithful in these last days. May we proclaim the everlasting gospel. May our lives point others to Jesus, the Prince of Peace and the coming King.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture Reading: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” - Matthew 24:6-8
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today many people are looking at Israel and asking serious questions: What is happening? Why is it happening? And what is God’s plan?
When we see the news about Israel, Gaza, Palestine, the West Bank, and the wider Middle East, our hearts are troubled. We see war. We see fear. We see families displaced. We see children suffering. We see people crying for safety, justice, peace, and survival.
And as Christians, we cannot look at suffering with cold hearts.
Jesus did not teach us to rejoice when people suffer. He did not teach us to hate one nation and love another. He died for all humanity. He died for Jews. He died for Palestinians. He died for Arabs. He died for Filipinos. He died for every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.
So when we speak about Israel today, we must speak with humility, compassion, and Bible truth.
<h2>I. WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY?</h2>
Today, Israel and the surrounding areas continue to experience conflict, fear, and instability. There are wars and rumors of wars. There are political disputes, military actions, questions of land, questions of security, questions of justice, and deep wounds from the past.
Many people are afraid. Many are angry. Many are confused. Many are asking, “Where is God in all of this?”
But Jesus already told us that before His coming, the world would be troubled. He said there would be wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and distress among nations.
But notice the words of Jesus: “See that you are not troubled.”
Jesus did not say these things would be easy. He did not say we would understand everything immediately. But He told us not to allow world events to destroy our faith.
The world may be troubled, but God is still on the throne.
<h2>II. WHY IS IT HAPPENING?</h2>
There are historical and political reasons why conflict continues in the Middle East. There are long struggles over land, security, identity, leadership, justice, and national survival. These issues are complicated, and we should not explain them carelessly.
But behind the political reasons, the Bible shows us a deeper spiritual reason: sin.
War is the fruit of sin. Hatred is the fruit of sin. Revenge is the fruit of sin. Pride, oppression, cruelty, and selfishness are all fruits of sin.
From the time sin entered the world, humanity has been divided. Cain killed Abel. Nations rose against nations. Kingdoms fought kingdoms. And until today, the heart of man still needs the transforming power of God.
This is why the problem of the world cannot be solved only by politics, weapons, treaties, or human power. These may help for a time, but the deepest need of humanity is a new heart.
Only Jesus can change the heart.
<h2>III. IS MODERN ISRAEL THE CENTER OF GOD’S FINAL PLAN?</h2>
Many people believe that everything happening in the modern nation of Israel is the main center of Bible prophecy. But as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we must be careful to study prophecy through Christ and the whole Bible.
In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen by God for a mission. God called Israel to be a light to the nations. Through Israel came the Scriptures, the prophets, the sanctuary message, and most of all, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
But Israel’s calling was never meant to be selfish. God said to Abraham, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
God’s plan was always worldwide.
In the New Testament, the focus becomes clearer. The true people of God are not identified merely by race, bloodline, or nationality, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:29 says, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
This means that God’s final people are those who belong to Christ. They are people who follow the Lamb. They keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.
So we must not turn Bible prophecy into political favoritism. We must not say, “God loves this people and hates that people.” No. God loves the world. Jesus died for all.
God’s final plan is not centered on earthly nationalism. God’s final plan is centered on Jesus Christ.
<h2>IV. WHAT IS GOD’S PLAN?</h2>
God’s plan is salvation.
God’s plan is to save Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, Filipinos, and people from every nation. God’s plan is to call people out of sin and into Christ. God’s plan is to prepare a people who will reflect His character in the last days.
Revelation 14 gives us the message for this time. The first angel says, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come.”
This is the message the world needs today. Not hatred. Not pride. Not revenge. Not blind political loyalty. The world needs the everlasting gospel.
The gospel tells us that Jesus is the only Savior. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the Lamb of God. Jesus is the coming King.
One day, all earthly kingdoms will pass away. All wars will end. All suffering will cease. There will be no more crying, no more death, no more pain, and no more division. God will make all things new.
That is God’s plan.
<h2>V. HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND AS ADVENTISTS?</h2>
First, we must respond with prayer.
Let us pray for Israel. Let us pray for Palestine. Let us pray for Gaza. Let us pray for the innocent, the grieving, the wounded, the hungry, and the displaced. Let us pray for leaders to seek peace and justice. Let us pray for hearts to be changed by God.
Second, we must respond with compassion.
A true Christian cannot ignore suffering. We must care about human life. We must not celebrate death. We must not spread hatred. We must speak with kindness and truth.
Third, we must respond with spiritual readiness.
Jesus said these things are signs that remind us we are living in a serious time. But signs are not given to make us proud. They are given to make us ready.
The question is not only, “What will happen to Israel?” 
The greater question is, “Am I ready for Jesus to come?”
Are our hearts surrendered to Christ? 
Are our homes filled with prayer? 
Are we keeping God’s commandments with love? 
Are we sharing the gospel? 
Are we living as lights in this dark world?
Brothers and sisters, when nations shake, Christ remains. When leaders fail, Christ remains. When peace talks fail, Christ remains. When people are afraid, Christ remains.
Our hope is not in earthly power. Our hope is in Jesus.
<h2>APPEAL</h2>
Today, God is calling us to look beyond the headlines and look to Christ. Let us not be people of fear. Let us be people of faith. Let us not be people of hatred. Let us be people of compassion. Let us not be careless with prophecy. Let us be faithful students of the Word.
Israel today reminds us that this world needs Jesus. The suffering of nations reminds us that human solutions are not enough. The signs of the times remind us that Jesus is coming soon.
So let us surrender our hearts to God. Let us pray for peace. Let us love all people. Let us share the everlasting gospel. And let us be ready for the kingdom that will never fall.
<h2>PRAYER</h2>
Our loving Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts. We see the suffering in Israel, Palestine, Gaza, and many parts of the world. We pray for the innocent, the grieving, the wounded, the hungry, and the displaced. Lord, bring comfort where there is pain. Bring peace where there is hatred. Bring healing where there is brokenness.
Help us not to be careless, proud, or hateful. Teach us to understand prophecy through Jesus. Teach us to love all people as Christ loves them. Prepare our hearts for the soon return of our Savior.
May we be faithful in these last days. May we proclaim the everlasting gospel. May our lives point others to Jesus, the Prince of Peace and the coming King.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.