GOD’S GUARANTEES

There are two entities on earth that have God’s unconditional guarantee that they will survive and defeat every assault of hell and earth; of demons and men. The first is Israel and the second is the church of Jesus Christ. Both have been given tremendous promises but also awesome responsibilities.

Neither camp has had much to do with the other for two millennia. Often, the greatest emotions connecting the two have been suspicion and hatred. For the most part Jews have rejected Jesus, while Christians have rejected the Jews. God in His own time will solve the Jewish problem over Jesus. It is the Church—we who claim to be followers of Jesus—that rivets my attention at this hour in history. The reason is simple and scriptural.

THE DANGER OF JUDGING OTHERS

While Christians have recognized Israel’s past uniqueness, many have been quick to judge Israel’s past sins and rejection of Jesus as Messiah. "The Jews deserved God’s judgments because of their rebellion”, say many Christians. But now it is our turn. Scripture is clear that a great shaking will take place to test Christian conviction and endurance (Hebrews 12:25-29). God’s Word is also clear on where His judgment begins—"at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17).

THE SIGNS ARE ALL AROUND

Take a look around this frightened and hurting world. Economies are crumbling. Europe is bleeding—with some nations facing bankruptcy. The USA is close behind. People out of work. Homes foreclosed. The national debt ceiling falling on our heads. Political paralysis. Moral disintegration. Islamic terrorism striking fear and committing terror worldwide. And Bible-believing Christians facing martyrdom abroad and ridicule in the West.

The "dangerous times” of 2 Timothy 3 are here. Jesus told us these days would come. He also said there would be a great harvest and that His Spirit would be poured out in great power. He called His Church—Christians—a living epistle (2 Corinthians 3:2, 3) to the world and that He would have us without the spots, wrinkles or blemishes of sin (Ephesians 5:27).

NO MORE GAMES ALLOWED

So the Head of the church, Jesus, loves His body too much to let us continue in our foolish and selfish choices. "Church” has too often become a game, a performance, a copy of the world’s latest trends. Called to evangelize the world, we have instead gone to bed with it. Called to make disciples of all nations, we have let the world mold us.

But just as suffering has purified Christians in many places of persecution, so it is coming to us. "Lukewarm” will not be tolerated by Christ in coming days (Revelation 3:14-16). Carrying the name "Christian” even while being dead to the life-transforming power of Jesus will come to an end (Revelation 3:2). Where will these changes first occur? I believe it will be in the lives of Christian leaders who are called to be examples to the flock. What are some of the changes that will come? I shall offer a list, one item at a time, with this lesson being the first.

1) A FAILURE TO EMBRACE GOD’S HEART FOR ISRAEL AND THE JEWS

Jesus said, "Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). Paul’s preaching was "to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16). Romans chapter 11 is a long warning to Christians not to grow arrogant and boast about God choosing us rather than the Jews. Simply grafted into the olive tree as wild branches, we have been warned that God can graft the natural branches (Israel) back in and cut us out any time He chooses (see Romans 11:17-26).

We evangelicals pride ourselves on "obedience to the Scriptures.” Those very Scriptures tell us to bless the Jews, comfort them in their pain, pray for their peace and show them mercy (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 40:1; Psalm 122:6; Romans 11:31).

FORGOTTEN HOMEWORK

Few in the church grasp the Father’s heart for Israel. To most Christians (and pastors) Israel is an afterthought—if any thought at all. Many Christian leaders even trumpet the "poor Palestinians suffering from Israeli injustice.” They do no homework that would let them see that the Islamic bottom line is the total destruction of Israel—thereby making the Koran superior to the Hebrew Scriptures (our Bible).

The Church is called to love both Arab and Jew. We are not called to support Israeli politics as "divinely inspired”. But when it comes to Israel’s survival against terrible odds, will Jesus allow His Church to stand on the sidelines as neutral?

THE FATHER’S HEART FOR ISRAEL

The law of sowing and reaping is not just for the "sinners.” It is also for the "saints”. God loves His ancient chosen people. We must love them, too. God often uses His enemies to punish the Jews (then destroys those enemies) while using His friends to bless and protect them. Which side are we on?

Sooner or later, the hard way or the easy way, God is going to plant His heart for the physical seed of Abraham in the heart of the Church. Perhaps it will happen through persecution—we Christians suffering and standing alone as Jews have often been forced to do. But a church without spot or wrinkle will be an obedient church. And part of that obedience will surely mean reaching out with unconditional love—to the Jew first.

Next lesson: Substituting Programs for Evangelism