Biblical Foundations
Prayer for the nations with regard to Israel
A biblical introduction from Harald Eckert
With the Scripture in Exodus 19:6 as a backdrop, 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we as the Christian church participate in the “gifts and callings” of Israel (Rom. 11:28f). We are called to partner with Israel to be a “light to the nations” (Is. 49:6; Acts 13:47). Together with Israel, we form a “royal priesthood”, proclaiming the great wonders of God! We share a priestly calling – as well as a prophetic one – to the nations!
Our access to this calling as the Christian church is Jesus himself! In Jesus, our priestly calling is based upon His calling as a priest in the “order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 7,1ff). In Jesus, our prophetic calling is based upon His prophetic calling, which is connected to and even surpasses the calling of Moses and Elijah (Lk. 9:28-36; Acts 3:22, see Deut. 18:18). Jesus, our “head”, is Priest, King and Prophet. We as his “body” should participate in and reflect that fact by being a priestly, kingly and prophetic people.