Editor's Note: Pastor Roger Barrier's "Ask Roger" column regularly appears at Preach It, Teach It. Every week at Crosswalk, Dr. Barrier puts nearly 40 years of experience in the pastorate to work answering questions of doctrine or practice for laypeople, or giving advice on church leadership issues. Email him your questions at [email protected].
Dear Roger
It seems to me that a lot of older Christians have an unhealthy obsession with Israel. They view the country as sacred, and support it both politically and financially. I've always believed that since God created everything no part of creation is more holy than another, and that Israel should be regarded no differently than any other country. Do you think it's appropriate for Christians to be so loyal to a country based solely on its biblical history? – RD
Dear RD,
The answer to your question hinges on whether or not God is still dealing with Israel and the Jews, or if, as you say, Israel is just like every other nation. Does God still have a special plan for Israel?
Many theologians debate whether or not the promises that God made to Israel before the coming of Christ were passed on to the Church. In other words, are God's promises to Israel forfeit because of unbelief and the promises that God made to Israel now are for the church.
Israel must still be part of God's eternal plan. Nothing less than the hand of God can explain today's existence of the nation of Israel. In 1948 Britain withdrew from Israel and 200 million Arabs stood ready to annihilate the newly formed nation. Some Arab leaders predicted that the war would last two or three days. In Ezekiel 37 God promised that one day Israel would be reborn as a nation. That rebirth took place in 1948 when Jews from all over the world returned to the land. No Israel existed from 70 AD when Rome devastated the land in 70 AD until our generation. This seems to me rather miraculous. Surely, God has special plans for Israel! This is Ezekiel 37 fulfilled for the nation of Israel--right before our eyes!
In May, 1948, the Arabs were driven from the land. The 1948 war of Independence was a success. Who could ever imagine!
Israel was caught off guard by the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Israel abandoned all defense of the Golan Heights north of Israel because of Egypt's stunning successes in the south. As a last resort, all Israeli troops were mobilized to fight Egypt on the southern border.
The heart of Israel was open all the way from the Heights to Jerusalem. Instead of marching ahead all the way to Jerusalem, the Arab commanders suspected a trap and held their positions for three days until the Israeli army secured their southern border with Egypt and were able to deploy troops to defend the Golan Heights. Only a miracle of God could save Israel and God came through just in time.
If God is no longer dealing with Israel then Christians are misguided in feeling that they need to help to defend and support Israel.
Some wonder how God can still call Israel His chosen when they see Israel acting like the other nations of the world. For example, civilians die every time Israel launches another rocket into Beirut. They question Israel's aggressive policies regarding the Gaza Strip. But I fully support any nation under attack to fight back--especially Israel.
Replacement theology is the idea that the Church has replaced Israel in His plans. According to this interpretation the Jews are no longer God's chosen people. If this is true then you are right in perceiving that the Zionist perspective of many (often evangelical Christians) is misguided. Israel is a nation just like any other and to be treated as such.
On the other hand, if the interpretation is correct it is fine for Christians to do all they can to further the nation of Israel.
However there is a third perspective.
In my opinion the answer to your question is found in Romans 11:16-36 where Paul described the symbol of an olive tree. He described Israel as the natural branches of which some are broken off because of unbelief. The new branches which are grafted in represent the Church. The key is to understand that God has two plans operating simultaneously. He has a plan for Israel that began in Genesis Twelve when He promised to make Abraham a great nation. His plan for Israel will end when He returns to establish His kingdom on earth. He has a plan for the church that began on Pentecost and will end when He establishes His kingdom on earth.
According to Paul we are in the Church Age. The existence of the church was a "mystery", or secret that was hidden from the Old Testament prophets and only revealed in the New Testament.
Thus, both plans intersect in the Olive Tree. There is a lot more to an Olive Tree than two branches. The Olive Tree represents the whole plan of God. The branches together make up the whole.
By the way, at the Second Coming of Christ the nation of the Jews will weep at Jesus' appearance. Zechariah pictures Jesus' return with scarred hands, feet and side. They will recognize in horror that they crucified their own Messiah and many will turn to Christ.
Well, RD, from my perspective, it is OK for Christians to do anything they want to help the nation of Israel. I hope this helps. May God bless you in the days ahead.
Love, Roger
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