Why Do Christians Support Israel?
Stand for Israel | December 5, 2022
There are many reasons why Christians support Israel. One of the most important is that God blesses those who bless Israel. Giving to His people not only fulfills this biblical calling, it also provides help to others and is a truly virtuous way to live. Many Christians support Israel and her people because they are filling a moral duty while carrying out God’s Word.
5 Reasons Why Christians Support Israel
1. God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel
By supporting Israel, Christians are living by the Word of God. And, as God promises in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Scripture tells us that if we send blessings to Israel and her people, those blessings will be returned. What a great way to act on Scripture and give as God has given to us. And, as we read in the Bible, these blessings will be returned.
2. Christians’ Opportunity to Be Part of Biblical Prophecy
One key thing to note is that biblical prophecy comes to life in Israel. Israel is mentioned in the Bible over 2,500 times, and is where many stories, lessons, and parables throughout Scripture took place. As mentioned in the Bible, God gave the deed of this land to Abraham and Isaac. God trusted these Israelite men to not only take care for His land, but to carry on His Word.
Isaiah 11:12 says, “He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” When biblical prophecy is fulfilled, all of God’s people will come home to Israel. Supporting Israel and her people is an opportunity to take part in rebuilding God’s Promised Land.
As mentioned above, Israel is the setting and backdrop for many Bible stories. It’s one of the few tangible things that people have to show their faith. That’s why it’s so important we do everything we can to preserve God’s Holy Land. It’s home to many biblical sites and is significant to both Jewish and Christian faiths. The people of Israel already live in a state of vulnerability, a tiny country surrounded by enemies, and they need our help. Providing aid to Israel will both preserve the land where our faiths began and provide comfort to the many people who live there that are suffering.
Photo Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
3. Israel is Allies with the U.S.
Religion, democracy, and security are important values to many. In addition to supporting others of faith it’s important to support those who support us, including in matters of national security. Israel and the United States have been long-time partners in security. Both parties share a foundational bond of being democracies. The U.S. and Israel have supported one another since the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. Maintaining this relationship across all sectors is of the utmost importance.
4. A Better Understanding of the Bible
Israel also gives us a better understanding of the Bible. Being able to visit the places where so many beloved Bible stories took place can be truly enlightening for people of faith, and can even help spread God’s Word. Being able to visit Israel not only educates us on the history of our faiths, but can strengthen and provide direction to our personal lives. The feeling of connection to the Holy Land after a visit to Israel is a moving experience.
There are many stories in the Bible that took place in Israel, and the Torah is predominantly based in Israel. The Torah is the first five books of the Bible, and is where Christianity and the Jewish faith really started. Visiting the land of Israel, we can truly feel the presence of God. One example of this would be the Western Wall. Many go there to pray, and feel closer to God in these moments. Landmarks like the Western Wall are not only important for people of faith to have a tangible place to feel closer to God, but also serve as an emblem of faith for those who may have never heard God’s Word. While comforting to those who already believe in Him, tangible landmarks from the Bible can speak to God’s power for those who do not.
5. Christians Want to Build Bridges with Jews
The Jewish people have faced enemies for thousands of years. These people have gone through multiple trials of adversity and much of that has stemmed from their faith. The Holocaust is just one example of how Jews have been persecuted for their faith. Building bridges of fellowship and understanding between Jews and Christians honors and supports Israel, the land from which both of these faiths stemmed.
Edith Schaeffer, author of “Christianity Is Jewish,” discusses how Christianity stems from the Jewish faith, concluding that both the Christian and Jewish faiths are built on the exact same principles. In a world of such division, now is not the time to continue creating borders. Christian Zionists recognize the immense spiritual debt that Christianity owes the Jewish faith and feel they owe the Jewish people honor, respect, and support. It’s important to embrace our similarities and support one another, just as it’s crucial that we remember what divided us in the past and remedy those division.
Christians also recognize with sorrow and repentance the persecution Jewish people have faced throughout history. Creating a new relationship based on mutual respect and understanding is the way to do this. Many Jewish people are still suffering in Israel—with no heat, limited access to food, and without reliable medicine. Supporting elderly and vulnerable Jews is just one way to build these new relationships, and to serve our brothers and sisters in faith. The Fellowship provides the essentials that these suffering people need. Whether that be heat or a meal, you can improve the life of a Jew today and contribute to those in need in the Holy Land.
Should Christians Support Israel?
There are many people who believe Christians should support Israel. Pastor and Sr. Director of Church Outreach at The Fellowship Roger Cheeks is just one of these Christians who support Israel and her people.
In his words, “As a Christian, I support Israel because I believe that I am blessed as a result of my support to Israel.” Diving deeper, Cheeks explains that Romans 11:17 comes to mind when thinking of Christians supporting Israel: “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.”
Christians supporting Israel is just one way that God’s people can remain united. Pastor Cheeks’ says, “The children of Israel are God’s special people; and the promise of blessings the Lord would grant to Abraham and those who bless them is still an active truth!” Using Pastor Cheeks’ words for inspiration we can see that Scripture really does promise to bless those who bless Israel and her people.
Further explaining his support, Pastor Cheeks says, “I support the Fellowship because of its prophetic call and biblio-centric focus found on Scripture, especially Isaiah 58. It supports the humanitarian work The Fellowship does for the Jewish people worldwide and the people in Israel.”
Support Israel and the Jewish Nation
Turn your love and commitment for Israel into action. The Fellowship helps vulnerable Jewish people with Aliyah (immigration to Israel), security, and other essentials—in Israel and all around the world. Answer God’s call and bless Israel and her people with your best gift today!