Why Every Christian Should Stand with Israel: Trusting God’s Unwavering Promises

Introduction:

For too long, the narrative surrounding Israel has been clouded by political complexities and often biased perspectives. But for Christians, our connection to this land and its people runs far deeper than short-lived headlines. It is woven into the fabric of our faith. It is echoed through history. It is demanded by our ethical core. It is strategically vital in a turbulent world. And at its heart lies a fundamental question of God’s character and the trustworthiness of His promises. It’s time for every Christian to stand with Israel, for the very integrity of our own election hinges upon it.

The Unbreakable Promises and the Question of Election

Our faith is rooted in God’s promises to Abraham, an everlasting covenant extending to his descendants and the land He promised them (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:7-8). To suggest that God, having chosen Israel as His elect and bestowed upon them an eternal promise, has now abandoned them is to undermine our trust in Him. It questions the very foundation of our faith. If the election of Israel, a cornerstone of the Old Testament narrative, can be nullified, what assurance do Gentile Christians have regarding their own election through Christ? If God’s promises to Israel are conditional and ultimately revocable, how can we, grafted into the family of God through faith (Romans 11:17-24), be certain that His promises to us are secure?

The Apostle Paul grappled with this question in Romans. He emphatically stated that “God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew” (Romans 11:2). He uses the analogy of the olive tree to illustrate how Gentile believers are branches grafted into the existing root of Israel. If the root is deemed unworthy of God’s enduring promise, what stability do the grafted branches possess? To deny Israel’s enduring significance in God’s plan is to undermine the very concept of God’s faithfulness and the irrevocability of His word. The powerful declaration in Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” – isn’t a suggestion; it’s a divine principle with profound implications for how we engage with Israel, directly linked to the blessings we ourselves hope to receive through our covenant with God.

 A Moral Imperative Rooted in Repentance

Sadly, many Christians are not aware of a tragic history. Christian interaction with the Jewish people is stained with persecution. From the horrors of the Middle Ages to the unspeakable atrocities of the Holocaust. We cannot stand idly by while the descendants of those who suffered so grievously face continued threats to their existence. Supporting Israel is not just a political stance. It’s a moral obligation. It’s a chance to fix the mistakes of the past and declare unequivocally: “Never again.” The establishment of Israel offered a sanctuary after unimaginable suffering, and our unwavering support is a testament to our commitment to their safety and security, a tangible expression of repentance for the darkness that once defined our relationship. For Christian minorities, such as myself, Israel signifies God’s faithfulness. It provides hope for our redemption from both sin and persecution. Therefore, I unequivocally support the state of Israel.

 Reflecting God’s Righteousness

Ethically, the case for Christian support of Israel is undeniable. The Jewish people, like any nation, possess the inherent right to self-determination in their historical homeland. While acknowledging the complexities and the need for justice for all peoples in the region, we must not lose sight of this fundamental right. Our shared values – a commitment to justice, compassion, and the rule of law – bind us together. Israel is a story of success and hope for all oppressed minorities in the Middle East, especially Christians. This story should inspire Copts and other persecuted Christians to pursue righteousness and justice.  Our God is a God of justice, and our stance on Israel must reflect that unwavering righteousness.

 Standing for Stability and Truth

Politically, supporting Israel is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. In a volatile Middle East, Israel remains a steadfast and reliable ally for Western democracies, sharing crucial intelligence and security interests in the fight against radical extremism. They stand on the front lines against forces that threaten not only Israel but also the values we hold dear. Moreover, it is the only state in the Middle East where the Christian population is growing. To undermine Israel is to weaken a vital partner and embolden those who seek to destabilize the region and threaten global peace. Their resilience in the face of hostile neighbors demands our unwavering solidarity, a pragmatic recognition of their strategic importance in a world yearning for stability.

The time for passive observation is over. As Christians from all backgrounds, we are called to action, to stand boldly and unequivocally with Israel. Our faith demands it, history compels it, our ethics necessitate it, and our strategic interests align with it. But above all, the very trustworthiness of God’s promises to us as Gentile believers hinges on our recognition of His enduring covenant with Israel. If He could abandon His chosen people and His everlasting promise, what security do we have in our own election? Let our voices be clear and our support unwavering. Stand with Israel, for in doing so, we affirm the unchanging character of God and the steadfastness of His Word. Stand with Israel, because it is the right thing to do.