One thing I have noticed of late is that anti-Semitism is on the rise. Now, that is not much of a surprise, since the days are winding down. It is really to be expected. But what has surprised me is how much anti-Semitism can be found in the church. It probably has been there all along, but it is on the rise and much more open now. Why would that be? Let’s dig into this a bit.

What Is Anti-Semitism?

One definition of anti-Semitism I found is the following: “U.S. Department of State Definition (based on IHRA): anti-Semitism is ‘prejudice against or hatred of Jews.’”

Let’s work with that definition. So this would mean a hatred or prejudice against a certain people. What reasons would people use to come to that conclusion?

Some people give religious reasons for their anti-Semitism, such as, “The Jews killed Jesus.” Some give economic reasons, claiming the Jews control the monetary system. Still others consider the Jews to be an inferior race, which manifested during the days of Hitler. And some continue that hate, even to the point of denying the Holocaust.

Israel in the Bible

There is only one place to find answers for the problem of anti-Semitism. It’s the place we should only ever go: the Bible.

Over 2,500 times, Israel is mentioned in the Bible! That number fascinates me. Whether it is the God of Israel, the Israelites, or the land of Israel, there is no mistaking that Israel is, has been, and will be a major part of the history of this place called Earth and of the end times.

Jerusalem is mentioned over 1,000 times in the Bible. Whether it is referred to by that exact name or referred to as the holy city, the city of David, Ariel, or other names, that is a stunning number of times. Why? Because Jerusalem is a major focus of God’s Word. Jerusalem is, has been, and will be a major part of this place called Earth and of the end times, too.

I always find it interesting that the world’s eyes are not on London, New York City, Beijing, or any other major city of the world. But the eyes of so many are on a piece of land the size of New Jersey and on one city in particular. You can fit 17 nations of Israel into the landmass of California. Why is this small piece of land, this city, and its people such an intense focus in the world today?

From the Jews

Also, we would not have the Bible without the Jews. If you ever take the time to study how the Bible came together, we are indebted to the Jewish people. Every single book of the Bible, except the book of Luke, was written by a Jewish person.

The Messiah, whom you have trusted for the forgiveness of your sins, is Jewish. The Messiah, who shed His blood so that our wicked sins could be washed away, is Jewish. I am intrigued by the people who will tell me that Jesus was Palestinian. You can only make that statement if you are ignorant of history and the truth. But if you want to wipe away the Jews, then you would probably want to wash away the Jewish ancestry of Jesus.

Who Owns the Land of Israel?

I will ask Palestinians, “Does Israel have the right to exist?” It is a great question. You can get to the heart of the matter pretty quickly. Palestinians have told me that their maps don’t even have Israel on them! The whole part of that landmass is just referred to as Palestine.

One of the chants you hear from Muslims and at Palestinian rallies is, “From the river to the sea/Palestine will be free.” What does that mean? It has a very simple meaning but dire consequences. It means Israel must be wiped off the map. From the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, the Jews must be obliterated from that piece of land. They must be gone. No trace of them left. You have to understand that this is the goal of many Muslims across the world.

Deuteronomy 1:8

Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.

The land of Israel is God’s land, no matter whose feet have rested upon it at any time in history.

The End Times

Jerusalem is mentioned three times in the Book of Revelation.

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

It is also called the “great city” and “the holy city” in Revelation.

Revelation 11:8

And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

The tribes of Israel are also mentioned in the book of Revelation. The 144,000 of God who are sealed come from these tribes.

Revelation 7:3,4

Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

It should be pretty obvious by looking at the book of Revelation that Israel and Jerusalem are going nowhere. These places will be on the scene as the events of Revelation play out.

Rejecting Anti-Semitism

The easiest way to not be anti-Semitic is to study the Word of God.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

The Jewish people hold a very, very special place in the eyes of the Most High God.

Romans 11:1,2

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 10:1,2

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

Matter of fact, I highly encourage you to read Romans chapters 9-11. And don’t forget who God is talking about when the word “election” is mentioned in these chapters.

We will continue our discussion on this topic of anti-Semitism on Wednesday when Part 2 of the newsletter comes out.

Until the nets are full,

P.S.

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