Replacement | Update 8 May 2020

A weekly reflection on current global affairs concerning Israel and
the Jewish people from a Biblical perspective. 

Dear friends, 

Two recent developments show how sensitive the relationship is between Jews and Christians. 
 
The first is the recent publication of a new Bible translation by the Danish Bible Society in which the term “Israel” in both the Old and New Testaments has been replaced with other words, like “people” or “home”. The translation has caused an international outcry. Many in Israel see it as yet another attempt to deprive the Jewish people of their identity. According to the Danish Bible Society, this was done because many Christians today don’t understand the meaning of the word Israel.
 
Indeed for many young Christians, who don’t know their Bible, the word “Israel” makes them think only of the modern State of Israel. Whereas the Biblical concept of “Israel” (both Old and New Testaments) is much bigger – it is about a unique connection between the people, the nation and the land. 
 
The Danish Bible Society’s translation seeks to separate the Jewish people from the land and the modern State of Israel. This is a very common mistake amongst Christians. It is a very dangerous approach as it deprives the Jews of their historical and spiritual connection with the land. And it is deeply un-Biblical, as Dr. Petra Heldt explains in her article for Gatestone Institute.  
 
The other development was the outrage this week in Israel when it became known that a Christian TV broadcaster has been given a licence to broadcast programs in Israel “to take the gospel of Jesus into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people.” 
 
This is no doubt well-intentioned, but reveals a certain insensitivity we Christians often have for the history of Christian persecution of the Jews, and lack of empathy for feelings of the Jewish people today. 
 
At Christians for Israel, we believe it is not our task as Christians at this time to tell the Jews what to do or think. Our job is to get our own house in order. We have been arrogant, we have become lukewarm, we have failed to look earnestly for Jesus’ return, and the coming of His Kingdom. And in all of that, we have for two millennia looked down upon the Jewish people and despised them. 
 
Of course we must witness our hope – even to Jewish people. But the best way we can do this is by repenting for 2000 years of Christian anti-Semitism, and showing mercy and love towards the Jewish people – not with words, but with our actions. 
 
God has never abandoned the Jewish people. The restoration of Israel shows His eternal love for the Jewish people. Let’s trust Him to bring them home – in His way and His time – as He promised. And He is doing just that. 
 
(For Christians wanting to understand why the Jewish people are so sensitive on this issue, I highly recommend Rev. Cornelis Kant’s excellent booklet “Why is it so difficult for Jews to believe in Jesus” - see details below)
 
Maranatha. 
 
Andrew Tucker
Editor-in-Chief - Israel & Christians Today