Twitter/X is simultaneously wonderful and terrible and if you've spent any time on that app, you know what I'm talking about. What has been bewildering to me over the several days, however, is how many Western Christians I see who are either openly antisemitic or who are espousing supercessionist theology...that either God has given up on the Jewish people or that somehow the Church has replaced Israel...and that because of that, what happens to Israel is just simply the fruit of their disobedience or "just another conflict".
Here is the verse that's been on my mind this morning:
"As far as the gospel is concerned, they [non-believing Jews] are enemies for your sake; but in relation to God's choice they are beloved/dearly loved because of the solemn promises made to the patriarchs [Abraham, Isaac and Jacob]. Indeed, God's gracious gifts and his choice are irrevocable. Just as you Gentiles at one time were disobedient to God, but at the present time have been shown mercy as a result of their disobedience, so these Jews, too, at the present time, have become disobedient as a result of the mercy extended to yo, so that in the end they, too, may themselves be shown mercy." Romans 11:28-31
It is easy to miss the significance of what is happening in Israel right now...and I'm not talking about eschatology or anything like that. I don't believe these are end-times events. What I am talking about is that what is happening now is quickly becoming a type of litmus test. It is revealing what is in the hearts of men. Do we acknowledge that Israel REMAINS BELOVED of God, and that we, the Gentile church, has been grafted in to the promises and calling made to the Patriarchs of Israel, or are we ignorant of this mystery and arrogant about our position with God? Do not forget the sobering words of the covenant made with Abraham:
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse." (Genesis 12:3)
Jerusalem and Israel are at the center of God's work in the world. What happens there matters. Let us continue to pray for the people who are suffering - who have lost family members and friends, and who are living in fear.
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