We all know the spirit of the age is abounding in attacks against Believers and Jews worldwide. What is amazing to me is the ability for anti-Semitism to fly under the radar for many people, and without much care or response by most Believers.
In today’s times – many corporations refuse to provide service or product in or around Israel. The latest is Ben and Jerry’s. Now why they decry the label of being anti-Semitic as preposterous, they have pulled all service and product out of specifically, Jewish Communities in Judea-Samaria and East Jerusalem, supporting the BDS (Boycott/Divestment/ and Sanction) movement against Israel, which is a worldwide movement. This is only the latest in efforts to marginalize and eliminate the legitimacy of Israel and its Promised Land.
In Poland – demonstrators against the COVID shot recently marched in the street, blaming COVID on “The Jews”. (No, I am not making this up – LINK). Even Israel’s new Prime Minister “in waiting” (he will take the position in 2 years for a 2-year term) sought to redefine anti-Semitism to include the LGBTQ community in a speech the other day – LINK. Even blame is being leveled against Israel’s government for the increase of anti-Semitism in the UK. As one of my students years ago daily uttered in questions several times a class – “Wait – What??” – LINK.
Christian anti-Semitism has a sordid history, and the emergence of new governmental leaders today across the globe seem to possess a cohesive narrative in efforts to dilute and morph the meaning of anti- Semitism. This is happening before our very eyes. It is a somewhat prophetic yet tragic state of affairs – as it is a re-fulfilling of Exodus, The time of Darius, and historical Greek Inter-Testamental rule. In Exodus 1:8 – we see a new Pharaoh “who knew not the ways of Joseph…” – and immediately instituted harsh control of the Hebrews, even instituting birth-killing of Hebrew boys. Deuteronomy 18:15 says that Yeshua (Jesus) would be a prophet like Moses. So, an attempt to remove Moses from the earth was set in place, yet failed. Rome did the same thing when Jesus was born – see the pattern? Darius put Daniel in the den of lions as per his enforcement of pagan worship, yet regretfully. Daniel was the quintessential prophet to bring the picture of the manifestation of what is to come even still. Antiochus Epiphanes tortured and murdered Jews for not converting to Greek culture and religion – thus provoking the Maccabean Revolt. There is way more Scriptural reference which eludes to anti-Semitism and its effects, yet God always redeems His people. (Jeremiah 16:16, Jeremiah 31:10, Jeremiah 32:37-42, Isaiah 49:22, Ezekiel 36 and many others).
According to the ADL – Anti-Semitism refers to prejudice and/or discrimination against Jews as individuals and as a group. Anti-Semitism is based on stereotypes and myths that target Jews as a people, their religious practices and beliefs, and the Jewish State of Israel.
We have a mandate, Scripturally, as Believers in Messiah Yeshua, Jesus – to confront this hideous spirit and movement if we are truly allegiant to our King. We cannot separate the state of Christianity in a Westernized form, at the sacrifice of apathy to our brothers – or do you not remember Jesus’ own words in Matthew 25 – one of his chapters concerning the end times: Verse 37 “Then the righteous will answer, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry, and fed You; or thirsting, and gave You drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and took You in; or naked, and clothed You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and came to You? And answering, the King will say to them, Truly I say to you, In so far as you did it to one of these, the least of My brothers, you did it to Me. Then He will also say to those on His left, Go away from Me, cursed ones, into the everlasting fire having been prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I hungered, and you did not give Me a thing to eat. I thirsted and you did not give Me a thing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not take Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me. Then they also will answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You? Then He will answer them, saying, Truly I say to you, In so far as you did not do it to one of these, the least, neither did you do it to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life.”
Did you notice Jesus said – “…the least of these, MY BROTHERS”? Who were His brothers? – this Greek word – adelphos – meant His people, nationally and geographically linked – the Jews, as there were no “Christians” yet as the Gospel had not been preached to the Gentiles. Yet – we have churches ignoring Israel, the Jewish people, as if they do not exist – yes in America. The new narrative amongst modern churches is that Israel is an oppressive, apartheid nation – and this narrative is spreading with the Social Justice message like wildfire across the US, both in and out of churches.
When specific definitions are changed – meanings are changed – anti-Semitism cannot be redefined, but the attempts are there. Will you, as a believer in Jesus stand for His people when you witness; either personally, or read about circumstances where this is taking place? Martin Niemoller, Lutheran pastor who lived through Hitler’s Germany, is famous for his statement which is engraved at every Holocaust Museum around the world. “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Every believer should participate in stances against anti-Semitism – great and small. There are around 150,000 Holocaust Survivors STILL in Israel who 90% do not believe God exits, because, “a loving God would have never let this happen to His people.” (common statement amongst the Survivors) – What will you do in this day and era to take a concerted effort against anti-Semitism? (As you can see I am passionate about this)…I believe it is as much an end-time movement, in conjunction with another Great Awakening, the Gospel of the Kingdom, and the coming out from amongst the world which we are seeing trickles of around the globe. Do not miss this in your own life – be a part. You can start here with our ministry to Survivors…but be a part somewhere…
Shalom,