As Israel stands in the fog of war, and the world waits with anticipation for what will happen next and what it means for the future of this region, Christians should pay close attention because God has already directed us on what side we should choose.
Last week we watched the news in horror as savage attacks have left people brutally slaughtered in their beds by godless monsters. Women have been raped, and children have been stoned. Many of these violent assaults on innocent humans were filmed and celebrated by the attackers in an abhorrent display of inhumanity. The gunning down of young Israelis at a music festival is an image no one will soon forget.
This kind of violence is despicable and should be condemned by every American and certainly every Christian in the world. Israel is an important ally and longtime friend of the US. Moreover, this small but strong nation represents God’s chosen people, whom He very directly said we should love. As human beings, allies, and followers of God, we have a duty to rebuke this atrocious violence, pray earnestly for the innocent people affected on all sides of the conflict, and adopt God’s special heart for Israel.
America is wise to stand with Israel.
The US was the first country to recognize Israeli statehood when Israel declared independence in 1948. The 75-year partnership is anchored by mutual interests and shared values, with Israelis and Americans united by their commitment to democracy, economic prosperity, and national security.
In the Middle East, Israel stands as a beacon of democratic values, where free and fair elections are held, and citizens enjoy the rights and freedoms we often take for granted in the West. Israel is one of the few places in the Middle East where Christians can freely express their faith in God, and as the birthplace of Christianity, it contains significant biblical history.
Many of the terrorist groups who hate Israel also hate the United States. How the Israel-Palestine conflict plays out will set a significant precedent for how we respond to bullies of this kind. Would America give terrorists a piece of our land to appease them? Of course not.
Rightfully defending its land and people, Israel launched its heaviest-ever bombardment of the Gaza Strip after Hamas carried out the unprecedented and surprise cross-border attack into southern Israel on October 7. Last Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the Pentagon was ready to deploy more military aid to Washington’s closest Middle Eastern ally as Israeli forces prepare for a likely invasion of Gaza. Israel's response, which began by air, dropping thousands of bombs on Gaza, is expected to intensify as it prepares for a likely ground assault.
The United States and other Western allies have said they will continue to support Israel as it is forced to engage in what Israeli leaders say is going to be a prolonged war.
The Bible directs us to support and pray for Israel.
In Genesis chapter 12, God told Abraham to go to “a land that I will show you.” He promised to make him “a great nation” and said that in him, “all families of the earth shall be blessed.” An unconditional promise, that nation turned out to be the Jewish nation of Israel, and through Abraham’s descendants came Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. God also said, “And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3).
Since the Lord was speaking about both Abraham and his descendants, it is true today and until Christ returns. Whether you are blessed for supporting Israel as America has been or cursed for attempting to destroy her like ancient Babylon, Hitler’s Germany, or the present-day Arab nations, one thing is certain: Israel has been set apart by God. Accordingly, if the Jewish people hold a special place in God’s heart, then it stands to reason that all individuals and all nations should be sure to stand on the side of Israel.
What is happening in Israel is an abomination. Our first duty as a country and as Christians is to stand with God’s chosen nation and pray for His providence and protection. Pray for the children who are frightened and in extreme danger. Pray for God’s hedge of protection to be over every innocent life on both sides of the conflict. Pray that the evil deeds that hide in the dark would be made known and that terrorist activities would be thwarted. Ask God to give our leaders discernment about how to get the right resources to the right people and places and for other countries to come to Israel’s aid.
Right now, Israel needs our support more than ever. We hold on to this promise: that He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4). Stand with Israel, America’s ally and God’s chosen people.
Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/ibrahim eraslan
Peter Demos is the author of “On the Duty of Christian Civil Disobedience.” A Christian business leader from Tennessee, Demos uses his biblical perspective and insight gained from his own struggles to lead others to truth and authenticity in a broken world. To learn more, visit peterdemos.org.
