Israel – don’t go there. When it comes to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, nearly everyone will have an opinion and solution. Is it wise to interfere in Israel’s political affairs? Zech 12:3 and Zech 14:3 should echo strongly in everyone’s ears.
I recall having a vigorous conversation with someone regarding the conflict. He assumed that a great place to begin resolving it would be to stop the “settlements.” In his way of thinking, Israel is rubbing them into the Palestinian face.
My friend hadn’t followed the history of the Arab conflicts following Israel’s return to the land as a nation. Neither was he aware of the Camp David Summit and Gaza withdrawal fiascos. It didn’t prevent him from having an opinion.
The land-for-peace “solution” has a history of failure. Why? Just read the Hamas Charter. Furthermore, anyone carefully reading the writings of activist Palestinian Christian leaders would also note the assiduous avoidance of mentioning Jesus’ Jewish identity. Christ is invariably portrayed as a Palestinian. His Jewish identity is anathema.
Even so, the delusion that the solution to the Middle-East conflict is somehow connected to correcting Israel’s behavior is hardwired into many brains. It’s difficult to come to terms with the reality that no square inch of Israeli-occupied “Palestine” is acceptable to its Muslim neighbors.
Having an opinion about the Arab-Israeli conflict is fine. Having an informed on-the-ground one is even better. Journalist Hunter Stuart’s opinion-changing-experience should be read by everyone. Here’s an excerpt:
…even the kindest, most educated, upper-class Palestinians reject 100 percent of Israel ‒ not just the occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank. They simply will not be content with a two-state solution ‒ what they want is to return to their ancestral homes in Ramle and Jaffa and Haifa and other places in 1948 Israel, within the Green Line. And they want the Israelis who live there now to leave. They almost never speak of coexistence; they speak of expulsion, of taking back “their” land.
So now Mr. Trump has arrived on the scene. After eight years of being treated as a pariah by an Islamist-appeasing White House, Mr. Netanyahu has been welcomed back. People are getting excited and we’ve heard the “One State or Two State solution” chatter.
Let’s not kid ourselves. Mr. Trump’s best intentions of brokering peace will collide with an immovable wall of anti-Jewish resistance. Israel is only tolerated in the region when it’s politically expedient. The current concern over Iran has seen Israel enjoy concessions from some of its neighbors. But ultimately the only acceptable long-term solution to the “conflict” is a Palestinian State, sans Israel.
Despite the appeasement fantasies, some people do get it. Timon Dias argues that Israel’s and Europe’s fates are intertwined. I think he’s right. He writes:
If Israel falls, the road to Europe would not physically be open for “The army of Mohammed” as was the case with Vienna. But in the Islamist experience, which is relevant, Europe is a soft target compared to Sparta-like Israel. In their line of thought applies: ‘If Israel can fall, Europe will fall’.
God had a lot to say about Israel and its future. Unfortunately, even among Bible believing Christians, prophecy has been dumbed down by Replacement Theology. For example, the Blessing and Cursing of Gen 12:3 is often re-interpreted in order to move the attention off national Israel and onto the church.
Such a position leads to the denial of God’s involvement in the reestablishment of Israel. Blame the Zionists for creating the Middle East Conflict. It may also deny the satanic origins of anti-Semitism. Blame the Jews for their own miseries.
Yet if we allow Scripture to speak plainly, Israel’s fate is not only intertwined with Europe, it’s also inexorably connected to the world.
Alva McClain (The Greatness of the Kingdom
McClain notes that true and lasting peace will only come about with the inauguration of God’s Millennial Kingdom on this earth. Here are two scriptural examples:
It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong. Zech 8:13
Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Zech 8:23
Isaiah 61:9-11 informs us that Israel will perform a ministerial function and that it will eat the wealth of the nations. See also Exod 19:6; Isaiah 60:18 and Zeph 3:20. But before this occurs, Israel will be refined in the fire by God (see Hos 5:15; Zech13:9).
The fact that Israel’s future is in God’s hands should be a sober warning to take Gen 12:3 seriously. The best way to bless Israel is with prayer and the gospel of salvation. Israel’s allies may also bless it through military and political support.
Note: This is not to say that it should be above honest criticism. However, when it comes to political meddling with Israel – don’t go there (Zech 2:8).
Finally, many are rejoicing in the Trump administration’s enthusiasm to help Israel. It’s a welcome change. But remember that it will one day pay the price for trusting man rather than God (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:14-15, 21; 2 Thess 2:4).
For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ Matt 23:39
Could we be nearing a time when Israel will put its trust in a peace-broker?
Lord, Come Quickly!
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