This Thanksgiving, gratitude swells within me – for family, for the freedoms we cherish, and for the remarkable nation we call home. But my thankfulness extends beyond these earthly blessings, reaching towards an eternal source of hope and a profound connection to a people steeped in ancient promise.
Like countless others who hold the Bible as sacred truth, I am deeply thankful for the enduring miracle of the State of Israel and the unbreakable bond that ties us to the Jewish people. It’s a connection forged not in politics, but in the very bedrock of our faith.
The rising tide of antisemitism demands a response, a firm and unwavering stand. We cannot afford silence, nor can we dismiss those who sow division as fringe elements. History offers a chilling warning: the horrors of the Holocaust didn’t erupt overnight, but began with whispers of hatred from those initially deemed too extreme to heed.
The consequences of inaction were catastrophic, unleashing a wave of suffering unlike any the world had ever seen. We must learn from this dark chapter and refuse to repeat the mistakes of the past, choosing instead to actively defend truth and justice.
Our shared faith unites us, rooted in the ancient covenant God made with Abraham. A covenant promising to bless those who bless his descendants, the Jewish people, and to curse those who curse them. This wasn’t a fleeting promise, but an eternal decree woven into the fabric of history.
As Gentile believers, we are not separate from this covenant, but graciously grafted into its enduring strength. It’s not a matter of “old” versus “new,” but of a God who remains faithful to His word, a God who does not – and cannot – change.
The apostle Paul understood this profound truth, recognizing that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to confirm the promises made to their ancestors, and to inspire Gentiles to glorify God’s boundless mercy. This covenant isn’t simply a historical footnote; it’s a living, breathing reality.
God has repeatedly demonstrated the power of this covenant through miraculous intervention. After centuries of exile and relentless persecution, the Jewish people began to return to their ancestral homeland, fulfilling the prophecies of old.
The rebirth of Israel on May 14, 1948, was a moment foreseen by the prophets, a seemingly impossible event unfolding before our eyes. To witness a nation born in a single day is to witness the hand of God at work.
Israel’s survival against overwhelming odds – in 1948, 1967, 1973, and again in the face of recent attacks – echoes the victories of Joshua and the Maccabees. Every triumph, every rebuilt city, every newborn child, is a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness.
As Americans, we share a unique and sacred connection with Israel, a bond forged in shared values and a common heritage rooted in biblical principles. Supporting Israel isn’t merely a political position; it’s a spiritual imperative, a calling to honor God’s promises.
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time when God would beckon to the nations, gathering His people and carrying them forward. We are living in that time, witnessing the fulfillment of ancient prophecies before our very eyes.
To stand with Israel is to stand with God’s enduring promises and to acknowledge the very foundation of our faith. Antisemitism isn’t simply an attack on the Jewish people; it’s an assault on the core tenets of our Christian identity.
Those who attempt to divide Christians and Israelis, using misinformation or distorted theology, are walking a dangerous path. We must resist these efforts with courage and conviction, speaking truth with unwavering resolve.
Let us, as Bible-believing Christians, reaffirm God’s promises, embrace gratitude, and stand unafraid in defense of His truth. May we always remember the sacred bond that unites us, and the enduring power of His covenant.
