I Support Israel…But Israel Needs Jesus

About the time you think the Obama administration could not act any more stupidly, they find a way to dispel that notion. Today, social media (and main stream media) has exploded over this administrations abstention at the U.N. Security Council meeting concerning settlements on the West Bank and the follow-up slap by Secretary of State John Kerry who ostensibly suggested that Israel give up it’s “Jewishness” to be at peace with its neighbors. Where to begin? What could be added to the onslaught of blog’s and articles eviscerating Obama and Kerry for pulling the proverbial diplomatic rug out from under a long time ally, Israel?

Perhaps simply this…

I support Israel…

But Israel still needs Jesus.

Several years ago I was invited to a National Day of prayer gathering. As is the custom of untold numbers of American communities, people of Christian Faith gathered at various spots to pray for America, revival, and a spiritual awakening. This gathering was no different in concept, but had a unique twist. Israel was being honored too. In fact, an Israeli flag was brought out on stage and a group in camouflaged fatigues danced around it for 15 minutes a special (redundant) Jewish dance. The point was, as America venerates Israel, God will bless America. Whether it was intended or not, the vibe that night was that Israel could do no wrong and we better not say or do anything that could be construed as hostility towards God’s chosen people. I am still processing to this day why that was necessary for a National Day of prayer gathering for America. But we shall leave that for another day…

Allow me to be clear lest the comment thread below explodes unnecessarily. I support Israel. I think the creation of a Jewish state was absolutely necessary and the only viable choice the Jewish people had after World War 2 and the Nazi Holocaust. European countries and even to some extent the United States, were not interested in facilitating Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe after the war. Their survival as a people group was most certainly in jeopardy and the moves by Zionists to create the Israeli state was, in my humble opinion, completely appropriate. I support Israel. They have been a friend and ally to the United States for over 60 years in a region where we have no friends. We would be foolish as a nation on numerous counts to destroy that friendship.

Having said that, my support of Israel is linked more to national interests and geo-political concerns than it is my theology. You see, Israel still needs Jesus and it’s political and diplomatic decisions and actions do not escape the scrutiny of the totality of Scripture. Israel does not get a “pass” because of it’s “Jewishness” any more than America gets a pass because of it’s Christian heritage. To suggest that any critique or disagreement with Israel is analogous to “cursing” them is simply not biblical. Heck, most the Old Testament prophets would have to retract their rebukes and chastisements. Even Paul himself becomes a prospective “curser” if that line is defined too narrowly. Israel certainly had a history with Yahweh and was ordained through Abraham to be a conduit of blessing to the world, of that there is no dispute, but it also is practicing things that is alienating it from God as well. For example:

* A case can be made that Israel has one of the most liberal abortion policies of any global democracy including America. These are the ancient altars of Moloch which are contended for here in America as well. The Old Testament called these “the high places” and God detested them and called them an abomination. Ancient Israel was judged for these very things. Modern day Israel is no less culpable.

* Israel has an incredibly liberal position with regards to homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

* Messianic Jews (Christian believers) which seek to relocate to Israel often find an incredibly hostile reception awaiting them despite their heritage connection to the land.

* Christian evangelization in Israel is not always well received and at times is as hostile as any other neighboring nation.

These are but four considerations one must process as we consider our support of Israel. To uncritically give them a pass on applying the totality of Scripture upon their national life would be hypocritically if we regularly (and rightly) critically examine Islamic nations. Remember…God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). The Lord has but one standard by which all men shall be measured and judged and there is but One way by which we are found righteous and that is faith in Christ Jesus.

Romans 9, 10 and 11 seem to be the best place to try to get our theological “arms” wrapped around Israel’s unique place in the plan of God through the millennia. I would recommend to every reader that you spend some time in these three chapters. Scholars have landed in different places, I will concede, but the point Paul keeps driving the discussion to is that Israel needs to be “saved” (Romans 10:1). They may be children of the flesh, but not necessarily children of God (Romans 9:8). As a Jew himself, Paul declares that his countrymen are not righteous because they they did not seek Christ by faith (Romans 9:31-32), nor are they submitted to Christ’s righteousness (Romans 10:3). Paul calls them “blind, cast always, and cut off”. I’m not sure how much stronger their alienation can be illustrated. I would also suggest that Paul was not “antisemitic”. This section of Romans, as well as Galatians, establishes clearly that salvation is no longer linked to one’s race, but rather received by faith through grace. Modern Israel has not done that.

Now having said all of that, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for the nation of Israel in Romans 11. There are indicators that perhaps when the end of the age is upon us, there may be a great revival which sweeps in Israel in a miraculous way (Romans 11:14-35). It is at this point, I have reconciled what I believe to be God’s seemingly favorable actions towards modern day Israel. Israel may yet have purpose as a “sign” from God to the world as to His dealings in the earth. Therefore, Israel becomes a type of “sign post” for the Lord and not necessarily the righteous conduit of blessing many people ascribe to them. It is difficult, I would think, to venerate Israel too greatly when the “high places” are still operating in the land.

I know this may open a theological “can of worms” that is as passionate a discussion as eternal security. In all sincerity, that wasn’t my intent (although it makes a great discussion for the mature). I simply want to add to the discussion concerning this administration’s incredibly inept and stupid handling of an ally and friend, that while Israel is indeed both of those important relationships, let’s be sure we measure that friendship rightly. Let’s be sure we don’t get sucked into the “Israel can do no wrong” philosophy that attaches itself to some theological constructs. Let’s be sure we aren’t dancing around an Israeli flag without appropriate biblical application and reflection. I support Israel, but I’m not dancing around the Israeli flag. I support Israel, but they still need Jesus. I support Israel, but they are not exempt from repentance and faith in Christ. Yes, let’s encourage the new administration to renew our long time ties to one another, but in that renewal, let’s be faithful witnesses to the truth of the Gospel which was given for all people and all nations.

And remember…

I support Israel.