Why is Israel not currently the apple of God's eye?
Israel is not currently the apple of God's eye because the nation is in unbelief. They have been set aside and spiritually blinded for the most part, operating as a secular government under the god of this world, yet God's covenant promises remain and He is not through with them.
Les teaches that this little nation in the east is still Israel, and it is the nation that will one day yet be the apple of God's eye. They are not tonight because they are in unbelief. He warns not to expect the government in Jerusalem to be godly or more righteous than any other government; they are secular, ordinary human beings doing what they think is right, and they are just as much under the control of the God of this world as Washington D.C. is. Israel is still God's covenant people, but right now they have been set aside and are spiritually blinded for the most part as a nation. God is not through with them; He will yet pick up where He left off. His mercy shall not depart away from Him. The Jeremiah 31 covenant is the final covenant given to Israel, as yet future; it is not appropriate to put Israel under that covenant promise tonight, but they will one day enjoy it.
Will Israel be the apple of God's eye again in the future?
Yes, the nation of Israel will one day be the apple of God's eye again. Although currently in unbelief and set aside, they remain God's covenant people. God is not through with them; He will resume His dealings and they will enjoy the covenant promise.
Is Israel still God's nation and will it one day be the apple of God's eye?
Yes. The nation in the east is still Israel, still God's covenant people, though presently in unbelief, set aside, and spiritually blinded as a nation. God is not through with them; He will pick up where He left off, and one day they will be the apple of God's eye and enjoy the future covenant promise.