The Middle East is once again teetering on the edge of bloody collapse as tensions between Israel and Iran become increasingly enflamed.
Starting with the horrific October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, Israel has been forced to defend itself against its hostile neighbors seeking its demise. In retaliation for recent attacks in Gaza, Hezbollah launched explosive-laden drones from Lebanon, targeting northern Israel. These events have significantly heightened the risk of a broader regional conflict, drawing in international attention and concern.
How should Christians respond?
One growing wave of sentiment across the globe reflects a surge in antisemitism. Yet for the Christian, hatred on the mere basis of ethnicity or nationality—even of one’s enemies—is unacceptable. Romans 11 reminds us that the Jewish people, though having rejected their Messiah, are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and in his plan for history, all the nations—including that of his now broken-off covenant people—will be represented in the eternal worship that surrounds the Lamb in heaven.
Biblically balanced Christians not only reject antisemitic rage but also blind, Zionistic furor. Israel, while beloved in the plan of God, is also a nation in rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ, and, like any nation not in submission to the lordship of Christ, is prone to error. No nation, apart from widespread submission to Christ and his ways, can expect to prosper long term. And, conversely, the citizens of nations that many Americans would be tempted to think are radically far from God—Iran comes to mind—might be on the precipice of revival.
Certainly, we do not claim perfect moral equivalence between the two nations. Iran, as the current aggressor, incurs the hatred of God in a particular way as “the Lord hates . . . hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:16-17). While we can affirm that the moral stench of Iran’s violence is profoundly greater, we must also reject the pure dichotomy of a good Israel and an evil Iran, which ignores their mutual rebellion against God and need for salvation.
As I recently discussed on The Missions Podcast, between these two poles lies the heart of Christian mission.
The Apostle Paul makes a striking statement concerning Israel’s destiny in Romans 11:15: “For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?” The salvation of Israel, whenever it arrives and to whatever degree it permeates the Jewish people at large, will usher in profound blessings for the world. This means that if we love the nations—the Gentiles, or all the peoples of the world—we can love them by blessing Israel with the gospel. Their embrace of salvation in Christ unlocks our own blessing somehow too in the mysterious providence of God.
In light of these events, it’s crucial to highlight the work being done on the ground in Israel. Our partners continue to provide compassion and outreach to those affected by the ongoing conflict. You can read more about our ministry here.
