|
| Life and Faith from a Messianic PerspectiveHome Articles Our Mission Resources Statement Of Faith Link To Us Newsletter Tell A Friend About Us Support Us Contact Us "Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever." - Psalm 117, NIV All contents copyright © 2001,2002, all rights reserved. |
Friends of Israel
by Marc S. Handelsman
Marc explains why true Christians must be friends of Israel. At a time when anti-Semitism is rearing its ugly head, and Israel is in a fight for its survival, it’s encouraging to know that Christians are true friends of Israel. For almost two thousand years Christians have been tortured and many martyred because of their faith in Yeshua (Jesus). Along with the rise of anti-Semitism, there has been an increase in anti-Christian bigotry that should not be tolerated. There is a misconception among some people that many Christians are anti-Semitic. Nothing could be further from the truth. We must draw a distinction between what Christianity teaches and how some people distort and betray that teaching. Biblical Christianity and anti-Semitism are wholly incompatible. How can a devout follower of Yeshua (Jesus) be an anti-Semite? It’s a non sequitur and intellectually dishonest to group Christians with anti-Semites. Devout Christians are friends of Israel because of deeply held biblical convictions. Genuine Christians truly believe what Moses wrote, "And I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee I will curse; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Genesis 12:3, JPS) Many Christians love Israel and Jewish people because they want God’s blessings. Loving God’s chosen people is a logical conclusion for Christians because they trust God’s promises. Christians recognize positive contributions that Jewish people have made for mankind. They are grateful that the Jews gave the world the Bible. It is evident to God-fearing Christians that the LORD has blessed the earth through the Jewish people. The impact of the life and times of Jesus is a major reason why Christians are friends of Israel. They recognize the Jewish roots of their faith, and realize that Jesus is the Messiah for all mankind. Discerning Christians know that Jesus is the reason for the hope they have in eternal life. Christians know that their leader, Jesus was born Jewish, and they are grateful to Israel. Many Christians acknowledge that they have a debt to the Jewish people. They believe the promises that God specifically gave to Israel. Moses wrote, "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Thy servants, to whom Thou didst swear by Thine own self, and saidst unto them: I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever." (Exodus 32:13, JPS) Israel has never had more loyal friends than God-fearing Christians. Some Jewish people are recognizing the genuine love and affection that Christians have towards Israel. It’s an unconditional love that is driven by deeply held biblical convictions. Christians are standing with Israel, and now it’s time for like-minded people to oppose anti-Christian bigotry. Finally, we need to focus our attention on the One who has the answers. Yeshua (Jesus) answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV)Marc lives in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of South Florida and earned a Diploma in Biblical Studies at the Friends of Israel’s Institute of Biblical Studies. His testimony has positively impacted the brethren at his church. You can read more about his testimony here. Copyright 2002
- Romans 1:16, NIV |