Why Support Israel?

Shortly after I came to Christ, I joined a Bible study. What a wonderful thing it is for a new believer to get with a bunch of folks who have studied the Bible for years. Their insights, explanations, and guidance (not to mention enthusiasm) are immeasurable for one's understanding. Of course, the Bible tells us that without the Holy Spirit, the natural man cannot understand scripture, but even with the Holy Spirit, an experienced man of Faith can accelerate a fresh believer's learning.
Somewhere along the line, I came to realize that much of the Old Testament was "over my head," since I had next to no understanding of Hebrew/Jewish history, customs, language, etc. I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me to take an interest in things Jewish, to better understand the Bible.
Over the last two years, I've found a few sources that help me gain an understanding of the Hebrew roots of my faith. Television ministry's like those of Zola Levitt and Perry Stone, authors like Ariel Fruchtenbaum, and the ministries of Friends of Israel or Jews for Jesus are a few of my "Rabbis."
With current world events pointing more and more to the tiny nation of Israel, it makes me wonder if even secular news-readers ever wonder why that nation gets so much news coverage? If anyone doubts this, just click on your news-page of choice. Can two days go by without Israel in one of the top-five headlines? Ariel Sharon's coma, Hamas winning the Palestinian election, the leader of Iran threatening to "wipe Israel off the map," etc., etc.
Now I'm no prophet, but I have read the Bible, and I feel it's safe to say this: Israel will remain in the news for the foreseeable future, and will likely become even more of the entire world's focus. Yeah, I know, hardly a profound insight, right?
For non-believer's sake, I kind of wish Israel's current visibility would fade back, for that would suggest that world events are NOT currently lining up like dominoes for Christ's soon return (which would mean there would be more time for non-believers to come to Jesus). Only God the Father knows His timetable, but regardless of when He acts, Israel will be center stage in the end of this age.
Are you a believer? Read your Bible, watch Israel, and marvel at God.
Not a believer? Dust off your Bible, watch Israel, and you too, will marvel at God.
Here is one of the best short Biblical explanations I've found for why Israel is important to followers of Christ: http://www.jhm.org/support-israel.asp
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Why? Because it will not happen without the Lord's help.

Maranatha (come Lord Jesus)