Thoughts on Israel

With regard to the war in Israel, people keep asking me: how should I interpret these events from a biblical perspective?

First, our hearts should break for people suffering from this war. Compassion doesn't wave a national flag. Just as the "Good Samaritan" felt compassion for the Jew (despite hostility between the races), our hearts should go out to Jews, Palestinians, expats, immigrants, and other innocent people who suffered.

Second, regardless of how one views Palestine, Israel, or the end times (which is where this question ultimately goes), our hearts should feel provoked to see paragliders raining down on a concert full of Jews and committing unspeakable acts of brutality. This violates not only biblical law but natural and international laws. No matter how mistreated one feels, there is never an excuse to intentionally slay civilians.

Third, to address the doctrinal side of things, it is crucial that we practice "theological triage." Just like an Emergency Room treats a gun wound differently from a fever, we don't treat every theological issue the same. Issues like the Trinity and the atonement are first-tier doctrines. But when it comes to how one views Jewish land promises of the Old Testament (which could affect how one interprets current events), Christians hold a variety of views—and I think that's beautiful. Unity does not come by agreeing about every single thing. Unity comes by looking to Christ. Even if we disagree on some things, we can look together toward Christ, praying to Him for peace in Israel.

Fourth, we must think carefully about these matters because they are complicated. I'll share my view about Palestine, Israel, and (a little bit about) the end times to illustrate how I'm attempting to do this. You are welcome to disagree with me. Maybe I'm missing some things too. You're welcome to help me out. But here I go.

I believe all the promises made to Israel are fulfilled—and are being fulfilled—in Jesus, our true and greater Israel. Because the church is "in Christ," those promises belong to us too. In the words of Paul, we are "fellow heirs" of the same promises (Eph. 3:6); in the words of Peter, we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (1 Pet. 2:9). Words that once applied to Israel now apply to us because we are in Jesus. This unites us with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the Old Testament saints, for we share the same covenant made with Abraham (Gal. 3:13-14).

Even though "there is neither Jew nor Greek... slave nor free... male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28), that doesn't mean God ignores our distinctions. Just as He sees a difference between male and female, He distinguishes between Jews and Gentiles. In Christ, we are co-heirs of the promises, but those promises came first to the Jews. This matters because you have to know your roots. If we don't honor our Jewish mothers and fathers in the faith, we become "arrogant" (Rom. 11:18; cf. 11:20, 25). After all, Paul says, the Jews "were entrusted with the oracles of God" (3:2). "To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen" (9:5). In fulfillment of His covenant, I believe God will one day revisit Israel and save them (see Rom. 11).

In the meantime, most of Israel remains unsaved. This means (in my opinion) they do not currently have a divine right to the land. Many Old Testament Scriptures tether Israel's right to the land to worshiping Yahweh ( Ps. 78:54-61; Dan. 9:4-7; etc.). When Israel returns to Jesus, they, you, and I will inherit more than "the land." We will inherit the entire earth (Rom. 4:13)--when Jesus returns.

Even if Israel does not have a "divine right" to the land until they repent, I still believe they have a right to the land based on international law. I'm neither a lawyer nor a historian, but I have tried to educate myself. Basic research reveals that the UN voted in 1947 to create a Jewish and Palestinian state (a two-state solution), which the Jews readily accepted, but the Palestinians did not. When British rule ended in May, 1948, the neighboring states attacked Israel on the very next day. Israel survived, but it happened again in 1967, and Israel survived another assault. It's happening again now. I believe Israel has a right to defend its territory in accordance with "Just War Theory," which Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and many other Christian thinkers have taught.

Sharing "my opinions" about something potentially divisive feels a little uncomfortable. I chose to do so not to tell you what to think but instead to illustrate how we must think through the issue. We should think first with our hearts, feeling broken for all involved, regardless of nationality; we should vocally oppose brutal acts of violence aimed intentionally at civilians; we should practice theological triage; we should try to think carefully. If we think and communicate in these ways, we will promote unity and love—our ultimate aim.