The week-long Feast of Tabernacles in Israel is winding down. The joyous celebration reminds the Jewish people of God’s faithfulness to provide for them in the wilderness during the Exodus.

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) hosts the largest gathering of Christians from around the world. God’s Word tells us that one day (Millennial Kingdom), the nations will gather to worship in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles:

¹⁶ And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 

~Zechariah 14:16

Christians today gather for that very feast in gleeful expectation of what is to come when Jesus returns to rule and reign!

However, Christians are being met with resistance by orthodox Jews. In fact, it has turned ugly at times. (Read more about it here.) But why would Jewish people chant, “Missionaries, go home” and actually spit toward Christians?

The most obvious reason is a difference in theology, particularly regarding Jesus Christ. But is that enough to prompt such adversarial action against Christians?

Perhaps. But there is history to be understood.

For centuries, Jews have endured antagonism and hatred in the name of Christianity. For example, during the Crusades of the 11th-12th centuries, religious wars were fought across Europe and Jews (among others) were caught in the fray. The intent of the First Crusade was for Christians to drive Muslims from the Holy sights in Israel. However, once they arrived in Jerusalem, Jews were rounded up and locked in the central synagogue, which was then set on fire.

During the Spanish Inquisition (15th century) Jews in Spain were forced to either convert to Christianity, pay fines, rat on their Jewish friends or even be tortured. This, too, was done in the name of Christianity.

Perhaps the most atrocious example of all is the Holocaust. Germany was known as a Christian nation. Made up of both Catholics and Protestants, the church was often in cahoots with the Nazis. Thus, when an enigmatic Fehrer (Hitler) came to power, the wolves in sheep’s clothing followed right along. Hitler himself even claimed to be a Christian.

Imagine the horror in the minds of Jewish people when they thought of Christianity. They endured, despite Christianity. So it is a modern-day miracle that true Christians now enjoy a special friendship with the Jewish people. In large part, Israel considers Christians their most faithful friends, and Christians have enjoyed religious freedom in Israel.

But, is the tide turning? Has secularism and far-right orthodoxy created a chasm between Jews and Christians? There are certainly signs of it. The protests by Orthodox Jews in front of the arena hosting ICEJ’s Feast of Tabernacles is one sign, as was a recent attack on a group of worshippers. As in America, society is changing quickly and dramatically in Israel.

However, I agree 100% with ICEJ’s President, Jurgen Buhler: “We will not be deterred from loving Israel!” In fact, we must not. Blessings and curses are at stake!

“I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

~Genesis 12:3

Anyone who tells you Israel doesn’t matter should take a step back and determine which side of the scale they wish to stand on: blessings or curses. God pours out His blessings to all the families of the earth through His people! Choose wisely with whom you stand!

PS: Bonus thought: The Feast of Tabernacles is the only feast Gentiles were invited to take part. In prophetic fulfillment, there will be no Jew and no Gentile, but rather one new man, when Jesus rules and reigns during the Millennial Kingdom on earth!