Why support Israel?

In light of the most recent developments in Gaza, I have been amazed at how many Christians have asked me why I support Israel. People want to know why they should support something so controversial and how to talk to others about this issue. Several have already written to me and have asked for my position.

First of all, it’s shocking how many Christians are still theologically confused when it comes to Israel and the Jewish people. It’s a shame and it reveals the profound Biblical ignorance and lack of proper understanding of the core message of both the Old and the New Testaments. Much has been done in this area in the last few decades and support for Israel has increased due to the writings and the ministry of increasing number of authors. Unfortunately, many of the most fervent Christians supporters of Israel have bundled some good theology on Israel with some controversial eschatological elements. This is quite counterproductive and puts Israel and the Jewish people in the strange position of having to embrace such supporters while at the same time having to deal with the theologically related liabilities of such groups.

Zev Chavets, in his superb book “A match made in Heaven” (on the relationship between Jews and Evangelical Christians), points out : “I looked hard for evidence that the evangelicals are insincere, cynical, or devious in their attitude toward Israel and the Jews, and I didn’t find it. They may love Jews too much. They may love Jews for the wrong reason. They may in the future not love Jews at all. But for now, the evangelical Christians of America are not the enemy. They are the enemy of the enemy and they want to be accepted and appreciated.”

I look forward to the day when Jews wouldn’t have to see a mixed blessing in us, Christians. I look forward to the day when Jews will realize there are those who are not just some emotional, flaky Israel “fans” obsessed with religious fervor and visions of Armageddon, but true friends of Israel who respect them as who they are and support them with no strings attached. I can safely say I’m one of them and I know there are many like me.

As Zev Chavets points out almost prophetically, there may come a time when even those who used to be counted among Israel’s supporters, might “in the future not love Jews too much”. Why would that be?

The greatest reason for many Christians to question their support for Israel is the incredible media propaganda and the pressure of the “international community” (whatever this means) against Israel. The mainstream media is simply dominated by anti-Israel coverage. For in depth results from the monitoring of the media, please check out: http://honestreporting.com

I will release a series of teachings on the subject, outlining my 10 reasons why we, who call ourselves disciples of Jesus, should support Israel:
REASON #1: BECAUSE OF THE COVENANT

Unfortunately too many Christians don’t understand the Biblical concept and revelation of covenant per se, let alone the different covenants of God. In a nutshell, God established an everlasting covenant with Israel. And by everlasting God meant a covenant lasting forever, as long as the world exists.

“The Lord provides the sun to be a light during the day. He orders the moon and stars to be lights during the night. He stirs up the sea so that its waves roar. His name is the Lord of Armies. This is what the Lord says: “Only if these laws stop working, declares the Lord, will Israel’s descendants stop being a nation in my presence.” Jer. 31:35-36

Some people have concluded that just because God allowed Israel to be judged and dispersed for 2,000 years, this has somehow changed God’s covenant with Israel. Not so! All of this is masterfully expounded upon by Paul the apostle in his epistle to the Romans, chapters 9 through 11. This should settle once and for all the fact that God has his own relationship with the Jewish people and he has called us to minister to them and bless them, appreciating what He has done for the world through them.

God cut his covenant with Abraham. This was a special covenant. Prior to Abraham, God had relationship with number of other saints such as Job and Noah. However, God promised Abrham two specific things He never promised anyone else: the land of Cannan would become the land of Israel and Abraham will have an heir born of his own flesh and blood. Thus Abraham becomes the father of the Jewish people and the land of Israel, which at that time was occupied by the Cannanites, is given to Abraham and his decedents as part of this covenant.

The apostle Paul then goes on to explain that the prophetic promise of the “seed” of Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. Gal. 3:16

Abraham is the father of the Jewish race and their faith but more so, by us Gentiles embracing Abraham’s “Seed”, Jesus, we become grafted into the vine of God’s covenant people. All the covenants were confirmed through the patriarchs - Isaac and Jacob.

Everyone who blesses Abraham and his decedents will be blessed:


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 Gen. 12:3



Rom. 9:3-5