Our small family of five have just completed a 9-month big lap of Australia, ministering in over 60 churches about God’s heart for the restoration of Israel and the Church.
In our travels I have been troubled to witness a tectonic shift in the wider church when it comes to the matter of Israel. Those who were already opposed to Israel, have in the last 24 months become increasingly firm in their convictions. Those who have been “sitting on the fence” are also being shifted towards a more negative view of the Jewish state. One such Christian pastor was open to the idea that God has a plan for the Jewish people yet was now firmly convinced that Prime Minister Netanyahu is a bad person, deliberately inflicting suffering on the Palestinian people.
It is problematic that the church is being so swayed by current events and the influence of mass media, and it is evident to me that many pastors are missing in action in addressing this issue. In one church we encountered a pastor who prayed passionately for Israel in their prayer meeting. Yet when I spoke at his Sunday morning service and mentioned Israel briefly in passing, I was immediately heckled by a church member on the front row. Later I spoke to a deacon in his church and was disturbed to find that he too held similar strong anti-Israel sentiments. It was clear to me that despite this pastor’s personal views, he had been unable to influence his church with an understanding of the matter from a biblical perspective. How Should Christian Leaders Respond?
It would certainly be helpful for pastors to have a grasp on the latest current events in the Middle East from an informed Christian perspective (great resources include this newspaper, Vision Radio, Joel Rosenberg’s All Israel News platform, and the Christian broadcasters CBN and TBN).
However, I believe a pastor’s primary emphasis and strength should be in an understanding of the matter from a big picture biblical perspective. Only once in our travels around Australia did we hear a host pastor speak about Israel in this way. In only a few minutes, this pastor spoke with conviction and clarity about God’s covenants with Israel, why God remains faithful to the Jewish people despite their failings, and about His heart to restore them to Himself. He touched on the prophecies speaking of their return to the land in the final days and the ultimate end time battle when the nations come against her. And he finished it off by pointing to Israel’s ultimate repentance and calling out to the Messiah, setting the stage for Jesus’ glorious return to Jerusalem.
This pastor’s short and simple summary was effective and powerful, and I believe it is exactly what is needed to be heard again across the churches of Australia. By providing this simple teaching, the pastor is not allowing the media or online conspiracies to fill the void. At the same time, by focusing on the big picture, the pastor is avoiding getting caught up in divisive discussions about who is to blame for the latest in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. The big picture message allows a pastor to also highlight a range of personal applications to believers today, such as God’s faithfulness to His covenants, that Jesus’ return is getting closer and that we must always be living ready for His return.
If you are a pastor or congregational leader, and you are unsure how to speak about Israel, may I encourage you to read the book ‘Why Israel’ by Derek Prince. Its timeless truths are as relevant today as ever, and it will equip you to help your church navigate this wave of anti-Israel sentiment from a clear Biblical perspective.
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