Two anniversaries of great importance are observed at this time of year.  These dates mark two of the most significant events of the modern era.  They are Israel's Independence Day (5th day of the second month) and Jerusalem Day (28th day of the second month).  This year Israel's Independence Day fell on April 26th on the Christian calendar.  Jerusalem Day fell on May 19th. 

The ingathering of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel started in the late 19th century.  A steady growth of population occurred throughout the early parts of the 20th century.  During and after WWII, thousands of refugees came to the land.  There was sufficient population (~750,000) and infrastructure by 1948 to declare independence.  The surrounding Arab, Moslem states attempted to exterminate the budding state but were unable to do so. 

Following the War of Independence, Jews from Moslem countries were forced to emigrate and so the population of Israel grew.  At the same time, immigration from the West continued.  Eventually the population was strong enough, with the help of God, to take and hold Jerusalem.  This happened during the Six-Day war in 1967. 

Messiah Jesus prophesied about Jerusalem just before His crucifixion.  He said: “And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled (Luke 21:24)”.

Jesus recognized that the true mark of the ingathering would be realized when Israel was strong enough to take and hold Jerusalem.  This, indeed, would mark the "end" of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the period when God's purpose was focused outward toward the nations. With the ingathering, the focus of God’s purpose would return to the Kingdom of God centered around His people in His land.

Those who value Bible prophecy should acknowledge these anniversaries.   They are important mile markers of the road to redemption.  They let us know that very soon the word of John will be fulfilled:

”The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15b).