Everything that happened to Israel happened as an example – often, of what NOT to do.
And these things were written down in a book (the Bible) so we could read them and be warned (that’s what “admonition” means).
And Israel’s example, and the warnings written down for us, are especially important because upon us the “ends of the ages” have come.
That’s right, the Last Days.
The times we’re living in right now.
Yes, events that happened thousands of years ago were recorded to teach us something.
So take all that and consider what it means.
People from our past wrote a book that provides a social, political, and spiritual history of a nation all the way from birth to death.
Then someone hands you this book and says, “Let their example be a warning to you who are living in the Last Days.”
Would you pay attention?
Not enough do.
But it’s right there, hidden in plain sight.
Here’s the bottom line:
Our future is written in Israel’s history.
Why?
Because history repeats itself. We’re making the same mistakes Israel made, and we’re going to suffer the same fate Israel suffered.
So yes, Israel is important.
But most people don’t understand why.
Whatever you do, do not make the mistake of thinking that this isn’t relevant, doesn’t apply to you, or isn’t worth looking at.
If you do, you’re going to fall into the same trap that they fell into.
Israel is important because God’s dealings with Israel help us to understand His dealings with All.
If we can understand God’s purpose concerning Israel then we can understand God’s purpose concerning the Ekklesia.
We can fulfill our purpose.
We can help Israel fulfill its purpose.
And we can better understand how God is going to use Israel and use the Ekklesia in the fulfillment of His purpose to liberate all creation.
Yes, the story of Israel is a warning to us all, but their story also fills us with hope that in the end, “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).
