Is it important to stand with Israel and why should we do so? In a series of 10 blogs, Benjamin Kroese who lives in Israel, will share about the importance of developing a love for God’s people Israel. This week part 5: ‘We owe it to the Jewish people!’
In his letter to the Romans, Paul shares about his time with the churches of Macedonia. They generously poured out a love offering for the ‘poor saints’ in Jerusalem. It was such a substantial gift that Paul decided to personally deliver it in Jerusalem. But why did they give so much?
Paul explains: ‘For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.’ (Romans 15:26-27)
The believers of Macedonia understood an important principle. Salvation came from the Jews (John 4:22), and they owed it to them to return a gift of gratitude. We must remember that Jesus was Jewish, that the authors of the Bible were all Israelites, and that everything that defines our faith today—even the sacrifice of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—took place in Israel and came through the Jews. Jesus Himself declared: “Salvation is from the Jews!” (John 4:22).
Family rupture
Nowadays it is often a difficult conversation to get churches to pray for Israel, let alone to bless them with gifts. The reason for this is that within the family of God we have a family rupture. As Church we are far removed from our oldest brother; Israel.
Indifference towards Israel and the Jewish people is really something for the body of Christ to repent of. Out of discomfort, fear, or simply ignorance, Israel is hardly being spoken about in the church today. A whole new generation of Christians with zero awareness of the ‘who’ and ‘why’ of Israel is growing up.
For those who do care about Israel, this should really be a ‘wake-up call’. It’s time to share your knowledge! You don’t have to be a pastor to teach. When you hear more about Israel in the news than in the church, this should make you think. It is time to be awake and alert.
This blog is written by Benjamin Kroese. Benjamin is married to Rebecca and together with their three sons they live in Israel. They have their own video production company ‘Frontline Media’ and are founders of ‘Until He Returns Ministries’. Benjamin and Rebecca have a passion for revival in Israel and have a desire to reach other nations to stand with Israel.
