|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Print In many regions of the world, including the United States, the concept of private property is deeply-entrenched in society. Simply stated, what I purchase belongs to me. Whether we use it referring to real estate, cars, or any other items, the meaning is well-understood. My home belongs to me. The things inside of my home are mine. The car in the driveway belongs to me (that is, if I pay it off). Other people do not have a right to my things. Other individuals do not have a right to enter my home without my permission. That is called unlawful entry. Other people do not have a right to take my possessions. That is called theft. Others do not have a right to take my vehicle and treat it as their own. That is called auto theft. Relatively few in the Christian world would argue with this logic. In fact, most would agree that to deny someone of rights to their property violates God’s law. Most Christians would agree that stealing is wrong. However, just 40 miles away from my home exists an incident of theft so severe that it is nearly impossible to comprehend. More than just a few items of personal property have been stolen. Instead, thousands of families have been forcibly removed from their homes. Hundreds of families have been separated unwillingly. Business owners have watched as their homes and businesses were taken over by others, without any compensation. Children have watched as their schools and homes have been taken by others for their use. Perhaps the most appalling aspect of this great theft is that the majority of America’s Christians have supported this systematic expulsion of the Palestinian people. Beginning in the mid-1940’s, and becoming increasingly vicious after 1967, the Israeli occupation of Palestine is a tragedy which has been vociferously supported by America’s Christian majority. The argument of many Christians is based upon a flawed view of the modern state of Israel. While claiming the fulfillment of Divine Promise on one hand, this modern government is secular and godless on the other hand. Many Americans view Israel as a spiritual curiosity shop. They feel that the 1948 proclamation of the statehood of Israel is fulfillment of God’s promise to His servant, Abraham. Many feel that to not support this state is tantamount to denying the promise of God made through this people. However based in good intentions these feelings may be, they do not reflect the reality of the world. More importantly, these feelings are not in alignment with the Word of God. In Galatians 3:16, the Apostle Paul clearly explains to us that the promises of God to Abraham were to his seed (singular), namely, Jesus Christ. To claim that the existence of the modern state of Israel, which not only denies the divinity of Jesus Christ but also forbids obedience to His Gospel, is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham is in direct contradiction to the inspired Word of God. Does God have plans for the sons of Israel in the end-time? Does the existence of this state have eschatological significance? (The answer to both questions is yes.) Many things are foretold in God’s wonderful Word, however, which are morally wrong and sinful. For instance, we know that in the last days the beast will appear with his prophet demanding worship and demanding that we all take the mark. This is a direct prophecy. However, no Bible-believing Christian would say that it is the responsibility of the church to support the beast and his prophet just because it is foretold in the Bible. Amazingly, at the same time, many Christians will blindly support the Zionist state in its oppression and degradation of the Palestinian people, citing biblical prophecy as their reasoning. During my time living in Jordan, where the population is 70 percent Palestinian origin, I have heard many very disturbing stories from Palestinian refugees. Many still have the titles and documents pertaining to their homes, vineyards, and schools. Some of those living in the West Bank can even look over and see their former lives, but are kept behind fences and walls unable to reach them. My goal in writing to you is not to create anti-Semitic sentiment. I am very simply asking that America’s Christians reexamine their understanding of the Middle East. Israel needs a mighty move of God, there is no doubt, but 250 million Arabic-speakers cannot be forgotten by the church of the Living God. The church must put politics aside and reach all, regardless of ethnicity or citizenship.
ninetyandnine.com © 2005, Anonymous ----- Anonymous lives in the Middle East and must remain unknown due to the area (s)he lives in. |
|
|
