GOOD FOUNDATIONS

By Malcolm Hedding

22 Jan 2008

The biblical basis of support for Israel is clear and challenging. If we are going to serve the purposes of God correctly, we must be sure about the biblical foundations that we stand upon. If we compromise these, we dishonour not only the Scriptures but the God we serve and ultimately the people we claim to stand with. When and if this happens we lose our ‘salt’ and become irrelevant to the plan and purpose of God.

Israel’s Existence
The Biblical foundation upon which the existence of Israel stands is the Abrahamic Covenant. This great covenant of the Bible not only brings Israel into existence and bequeaths land to her, but it also gives the reason for this heavenly initiative. Namely, that because of Israel and her Land, all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:7-8).

Israel is thus a means to an end! The end is the salvation of the nations. Israel and the land of Canaan is thus a type of springboard for a divine plan to reach a lost and broken world. Jesus said, “Salvation is of the Jews”, (John 4:22). Paul not only echoed these words in Romans 9, but in Galatians he clearly teaches that the blessing that comes to the world through Abraham and his children is redemptive by the once-for-all finished work of Messiah (Galatians 3:8-9).

The bold heavenly plan has been mediated to the world through Israel. No wonder her existence has been challenged time and time again by the powers of darkness and their human collaborators. The theory is simple: Destroy Israel and you will destroy the purpose of God. This is why the Book of Revelation pictures the dragon before the woman Israel, seeking to annihilate her (Revelation 12). This conflict still rages today!

Israel’s Famous Son
A fallen world alienated from God needs a priestly and kingly Messiah. Priestly because, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), He atones for the sins of the world; and kingly because He brings forth justice, order and peace to a chaotic world (Matthew 12:15–21, Psalm 2). For Christians, Jesus of Nazareth is this famous King/Priest and Son of Israel. Make no mistake - he came to Israel presenting His kingly and priestly credentials (Matthew 21:5).

Israel’s rejection of His two offices does not change who He is. In fact, her rejection of his priestly and kingly credentials, in the plan of God, opened the door for the nations to be saved (Romans 11:11–12; 28–30). The purpose of God is always mysterious, a point Paul concedes that applies to Israel’s rejection of Jesus (Romans 11:25–26).

Though these things are sometimes hard to understand, Paul calls upon us to resist arrogance and disdain when it comes to Israel (Romans 11:20–21). This should be taken seriously! Arrogance against Israel has serious consequences in that it breeds pride, contempt and eventually anti-Semitism. This is displeasing to God!

Israel’s Journey
Sadly this call and warning given by Paul has been unheeded by the Church through the centuries. The result has been tragic! Nevertheless, the truth of God’s Word is not going to fail. Though Israel’s journey is unique and mysterious, it is sure. So:
1. She is blinded (Romans 11:25; 7–8);
2. She is beloved (Romans 11:28);
3. She is a blessing (Romans 9:1–5; Romans 15:27);
4. She will return to the center of God’s purpose (Romans 11:25–27), and
5. She will be recognized and ‘saluted’ for her unique role in world redemption (Romans 15:7–13).

The journey has been long and dangerous but one day she will rejoice in all her children worldwide. God has fulfilled His promise to make her a blessing to the nations.

As Christians, we affirm that Jesus is the only Saviour of the whole world, regardless of race, colour or creed. We also affirm that Israel’s modern-day restoration is not a political accident, but dynamic evidence of God’s faithfulness to His Covenant made with Abraham some 4,000 years ago. This is a Covenant that God has never annulled (Galatians 3:15–18).

We love the Jewish people, recognize their remarkable journey so filled with mystery, and comfort and pray for them.

The writer is executive director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem; www.icej.org/

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