We wonder… What’s the #1 sign that we are immersed in the end days? I think without a doubt, it’s antisemitism. Hatred of Jews has exploded astronomically. The Bible clearly teaches that in the end times; Israel will be the center of global conflict (Zechariah 12). People like Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, University professors, and celebrities are using their influence and platforms to spread this hate. We may ask… Why? What brought about this hate? The ultimate answer is Satan. I believe he has released a spirit of hate for Israel. And when he releases that kind of spirit, we can be assured that multitudes of people will fall for it.
I’ve heard people say… the people occupying Israel right now are not the same people that once occupied the land – the Nation of Israel. I just read an article from a Christian author who said that God rejected the Jews because they rejected Jesus. The Gentiles, on the other hand, accepted Him. In other words, since they rejected Him, He has replaced them with the Church (what is commonly called Replacement Theology).
Now, I’m not going to get into all the reasons why people hate Israel… there are plenty of them (we must be VERY careful who we listen to), but I would like to talk about why we (people and nations) should support and pray for Israel.
God’s covenant with Israel is EVERLASTING! God said to Abraham (the father of Israel): “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you from generation to generation. This is an EVERLASTING covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you” (Deuteronomy 17:7). So you see, it doesn’t matter if Israel has rejected God (or Jesus), the covenant will never be broken. It’s still in effect today because it’s EVERLASTING.
Israel has end-time significance! The Bible gives us many details about the future… prophecies not yet fulfilled. One of those prophecies is in Ezekiel 38 and 39 where we learn that a coalition of nations will descend upon Israel to attack her but on that day, God will protect Israel and destroy every nation. God has always been and still is Israel’s protector.
Gentiles were grafted in! This is an important doctrine of the church. Paul writes in Romans 11:17: “But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree – some of the people of Israel – have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been GRAFTED in.” I will do a thorough study on this at another time, but the Bible is clear that Gentiles were grafted into His tree (which began as Israel’s tree). No where in Scripture do we read that the Church has replaced Israel. But we are fortunate to be included.
Two thousand years of church history! Sometimes it’s good to adopt the latest thoughts and ideas… it’s always good to look forward and expand our knowledge. But when it comes to rejecting what the Church has always believed, I would stand on the side of caution. The Church has always believed in Israel as God’s chosen people and has always held to God’s everlasting covenant, so that should mean a lot to us. I’m wondering if Paul anticipated this would be a false theology or if it was already happening when he spent a great deal of time addressing it in Romans. In general, the Church has always stood against replacement theology. And since it is getting a lot more popular with the growing antisemitism, we must also reject it.
In conclusion, don’t fall for the lie that God has rejected the Jewish people. Don’t fall into antisemitism. Because here’s what God said to Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt.” So, let’s continue to love, support, and pray for Israel. Let’s stand with those who stand with Israel.