Friends, there is a troubling issue I have kept on the back burner for weeks as I waited and watched to see how details would shake out. The issue is rising antisemitism on the right, and I want to approach it carefully and accurately over the next few days. These truths will be my guide:

• The issue crosses theological and political lines, making it extremely controversial, so my intent is to be as Biblically accurate at possible, while carefully addressing the political angles. Backlash from those who view the issue more predominately through a political lens is expected.
• I am a Christian unashamed of God’s Word and its admonition to stand with Israel.
• My perspective is staunchly conservative and, though my first love and allegiance is to my home country (America), I also love Israel and support Israel’s right to exist, Israel’s right to the land promised by God, and Israel’s right to defend herself. Based on those parameters (and no others), I accept the label “Christian Zionist.”
• Despite my love for Israel, I do not agree with everything the Israeli government says or does. (I also do not agree with everything my own government says or does!)  Disagreement with Israeli policy is not antisemitism.
• Saying and/or doing things contrary to Israel’s God-given land rights, right to exist, and right to defend are antisemitic and unbiblical. Lies, hate speech, unfounded accusations and/or unprovoked violence directed toward Israelis or Jewish people anywhere are antisemitic. In fact, such actions toward any human are equally sinful.

With those key points as foundation, we will focus on rising antisemitism on the right. Some may ask the important question, “Why are we talking about this, and why is this such a big deal?”  It is an appropriate question.

Some may disagree, but I believe Israel may be one of the last (if not THE last) major wedges driven between conservatives, and more specifically, between evangelical Christians. Over the years, the church has had to take a stand on things such as prayer in schools, abortion, gay marriage, immigration and healthcare.  For the most part, the church (in general) has failed to take the lead in those issues. Instead, the church buckled to the whim of politics and allowed those ills to infiltrate and damage the church. We didn’t stand strong against powers who told us prayer has no place in school. We allowed abortion and gay marriage to become mainstream, and some churches even embraced those social evils. Some churches went so far as to label Jesus a Palestinian with “immigration rights,” and the church totally buckled during the COVID pandemic. 

Where the church stands on the issue of Israel could well be the defining moment in determining who will stand Biblically with God’s uniquely-called land and people, and who will abandon them.

The split seems to be happening and in the next few days we will examine specific examples in an effort to seek out and apply Biblical principles.  In general, there are at least two very pointed Scriptural admonitions regarding how God intends for us to treat Israel:

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

I will also gather all nations,
And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
And I will enter into judgment with them there
On account of My people, My heritage Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
They have also divided up My land.
~Joel 3:2

These are not simply suggestions, but rather God’s instruction to bless Israel and to treat her as His uniquely-call nation.  Consequences of disobedience are harsh and we are wise to obey!

Stick with it, my friends.  It is important to know how to navigate the coming storm. We will identify the storm and provide Biblical insight to navigate safely.

See you tomorrow!