For Zion's Sake

On the anniversary of October 7, I reflect and mourn for the thousands of innocent lives lost, the plight of the hostages, the devastating accounts we heard from that day and the antisemitism that has escalated in our cities. I pray that Hashem would give the people of Israel so much comfort and peace today. 

I also lament the moral cowardice that has been shown by many nations and leaders in response to the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust, but I lament even more the silence of many Christians. This should have been a watershed moment for the Church. The events of October 7 should have compelled Christians to stand with Israel unequivocally amid so much hostility and hatred. Neutrality is not an option when it comes to aligning with God’s heart and will, and simply doing what is right.

It is unacceptable that Hezbollah and Hamas flags are allowed to fly on our streets without consequence, accompanied by antisemitic slogans. It is unacceptable that Western governments are seeking to shackle Israel as it fights an existential war against a regime bent not only on Israel’s destruction, but also the destruction of the West. It is unacceptable that Jewish people feel unsafe on our streets, schools and workplaces. The world might think it is acceptable, but the Church is called not to be of this world (Rom. 12:2).

It’s one thing for secular leaders to show neutrality, but even worse when it happens in the Church, which is called to be salt and light and stand against injustice. Judgment begins with the house of God (1 Pet. 4:17), and the Church needs to repent for its own history of antisemitism and inaction, which requires making it right by taking action today. It was “neutrality” in the Church which allowed the Holocaust to happen. Imagine if the Church had stood up in unison against the Nazis. It would not have happened. But just like the Church today, they were conditioned to believe the Jewish people were rejected by God, and this is what ultimately rendered the Church impotent, being blind to God’s heart for Israel and ultimately willfully blind to what was happening.

We can’t afford to make the same mistake. We will actually be judged for this (Matt. 25:31-46; Joel. 3:1-3). We must pray for the peace of Jerusalem and cry out for Zion’s sake (Ps. 122:6; Is. 62:1-5).

As Christians, we have a responsibility to take a stand. Here are some practical ways to show your support:

• Pray for Israel or join a prayer group committed to praying for Israel. Many Christian organizations hold online prayer meetings for Israel. For example, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) hosts weekly global prayer gatherings online.
• Donate to organizations offering practical support to Israel. Frontier Alliance International and ICEJ are two examples of organizations that build bomb shelters and help Israelis rebuild and recover after war.
• Build genuine connections with your local Jewish community and reach out to a Jewish friend to offer your comfort during this time.
• Educate yourself about the dangers of replacement theology and the history of Christian antisemitism. There are countless resources out there. I highly recommend Joel Richardson’s When a Jew Rules the World and Michael Brown’s Our Hands are Stained with Blood for a good overview of replacement theology and the history of Christian antisemitism.
• Exhort and educate others in the Church regarding God’s purposes for Israel. Be a watchman on the wall.

Am Yisrael Chai!