The Untenable Christian position on Gaza
Many of my good-hearted, well-meaning friends feel boxed into an agonizing position regarding Israel and Gaza. They see the unbearable horror continuing to unfold in Gaza and they know deep in their bones it is the antithesis of everything Jesus told his followers to be about. Part of them wants to stand up and courageously speak out against Israel’s genocidal response to Hamas’ horrific attack. But another part of them feels like that would somehow make them unfaithful to Israel, and their understanding of theology doesn’t allow for that. So they find themselves stuck in the untenable position of standing with Israel even as it massacres innocent people and starves children to death. It’s gut-wrenching. But does scripture really ask us to stand in allegiance with Israel regardless of their actions?
Here are a few questions I find myself pondering:
Does scripture teach us that the modern nation state of Israel is synonymous with God’s initial missionary people who were called to bless the nations?
Did God actually “stand with Israel” when they turned away from him and violated their covenant relationship, or did God lovingly call them out and lean on them to repent and radically change their ways?
Who did Jesus stand with?
Could it be that we’ve bound ourselves to an unconditional allegiance that not even God is bound to?
These are not easy questions but I think they’re worthy of serious reflection. If you’re interested in digging more deeply into them, I highly recommend reading Christ in the Rubble by Munther Issac. He tackles the topic with tenderness, wisdom, theological acumen, and unparalleled perspective.
And please know that I’m NOT saying that God has stopped loving Israel or has given up on Israel. Nor should we. I don’t believe that God ever quits on people or ever stops pursuing us. But I also believe that God loves Palestinians just as much as he loves Israelis and I believe we should too.
Is there any evidence under the New Covenant that God condones mass killings, war, starvation, etc?
It seems on this side of the cross the message of Christ is so clear. The Kingdom is available for 'everyone'. We, as His ambassadors, need to stand for that in all ways and in all things. Correct??
I don't see many, 'except when. . . ', in Scripture.
I wonder if deep down many believers think that war at this moment is part of God's judging?? This feels Old Testament to me, we moved beyond that with Jesus completed work. Or maybe some might think that this is the beginning judgement we will see in the 'end times'. I think some of our eschatological ideas can muddy this conversation and the role we are called to as His ambassadors. Like, this is a 'sign' = we should permit or or be ok with it.
I think the vision Jesus gives of justice for us to follow, right now, is one of grace and mercy. Simple, yet high and costly call. We experience the suffering and brokenness of our own fallen choices but it seems our job is to give away the only thing we have received, and that we stand on. Grace. Jesus.
I do believe Scripture teaches a big "J" judgement that is coming. But, its clear that isn't the job we have been given. It's His, in His ways, and timing. I'm so thankful I live under Christ, I don't live in the day of an eye for an eye. We would all be trouble.
I love the Israel people, and I will pray for Peace, but I'm clearly called to love the Palestinians, muslims, all people. He modeled that for us.
Thanks for sharing Rob. I feel we as the Church can get a bit confused on the this 'chosen people thing' and can forget who we are. Seems most New Testament is leveling the playing field and bringing us all under one roof. We are His chosen people. Of course, this doesn't take away from any special roles or plans for any of us, but it does call and unite us.
I'll end with this, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Col. 3:12