Should You Stand With Israel?
In times of conflict or war involving Israel, there are usually two common reactions among Christians. On one hand, some Christians, particularly those who adhere to the dispensationalist belief system, turn to biblical prophecies and passages to support their stance on standing with Israel. On the other hand, people are divided, with Israel being pitted against groups such as Palestinians, Hamas, and even Iran. My goal here is to explore a different perspective into whether standing with Israel is the right course of action for Christians.
The Old Testament Perspective
In the Old Testament, Israel was often portrayed as being at odds with the rest of the world. The conflicts were primarily between Israel and other nations, and God's protection and intervention were emphasized. However, it is essential to note that these conflicts also involved God's battle against rebellious supernatural beings who led people astray from worshipping Him. The focus was not solely on Israel, but on God's supremacy over all nations.
Israel was chosen by God as His people, separating them from other nations and pitting them against the world. This is evident in passages like Deuteronomy 32:8-9, where the distinction between God's chosen people, Israel, and the rest of the world is made clear. “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. But the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage” (Deut. 32:8-9 ESV).
Many theologians see this passage as what happened at the Tower of Babel when God dispersed humanity throughout the world. According to this passage (and others not listed here) God allowed the “sons of God,” widely understood to be angels who would later rebel against God, a certain jurisdiction over the humanity. He, however, chose Jacob (Israel) as his own people. The biblical narrative confirms this throughout the OT. The Jews against the rest of the world. God against “the gods.”
The Shift in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the dynamics change. With the arrival of Jesus, the emphasis shifts from an ethnic group to all people who believe in Him. The distinction is no longer between Jews and the world; instead, it is between believers in Jesus and those who do not believe. The New Testament calls for believers to love and honor everyone, not just the Jewish people. The message extends to Gentiles and emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ.
There are two primary groups in God's eyes: those who belong to the household of faith and those who do not. This change is seen in various passages, such as Mark 2 showing Jesus redefining who the family of God is, not based on ethnicity, but on faith. Similarly, in Ephesians 3, Paul reveals the great mystery of God's plan that Gentiles are now included in salvation. This shift in focus from ethnic Israel to a broader, more inclusive definition of God's people transforms the biblical stance on Israel.
A Biblical Perspective on Standing with Israel
Contrary to popular belief, there are no biblical verses that explicitly state that Christians must unconditionally stand with Israel. Instead, the Bible encourages believers to do good to everyone and honor all people. The focus is on loving the brotherhood, which refers to fellow believers in Jesus, and honoring God. Christians are called to love their neighbors, including those who may not share the same faith.
The Danger of Favoritism
Elevating Israel above all other nations and showing favoritism solely because Jesus was Jewish is not in line with biblical teachings. God does not show favoritism and expects His followers to do the same. The Bible cautions against favoritism and calls for Christians to treat everyone with love and respect.
Extending Compassion to All
While it is important to acknowledge and condemn violence and hatred wherever they occur, Christians should extend compassion to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or religious background. This means caring for Palestinians, Israelis, and people from all walks of life who may be affected by conflict.
Conclusion
In conclusion, standing with Israel should not be an automatic response for Christians. The biblical perspective calls for believers to love and honor everyone, especially fellow believers. It is essential not to fall into the traps of favoritism or demonizing others. Instead, Christians should strive to be peacemakers and show compassion to all those affected by conflicts, seeking to spread love and grace as followers of Jesus.
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