Family of Grace,
Have you ever heard anyone say, “We can’t mix religion and politics?” If so, I can assure you the statement was made by a well-meaning person, but maybe also a bit naïve. As a pastor, I certainly believe we have to do that carefully, but we do, in fact, allow our religious beliefs to intersect and influence our ideas about politics. Christians should be able to do that in a way that glorifies our Lord.
I was not surprised America stood with Israel as an ally during these months of conflict, but I know we have mixed feelings about the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites this weekend, and as Christians, we absolutely should have mixed feelings.
In recent years, when I would pray for the peace of Jerusalem from the pulpit, I received angry phone calls and emails. That’s not been the case at Grace Resurrection, but no doubt there are individuals in our congregation who question Israel’s and the U.S.’s actions. I absolutely understand that. Neither is a perfect nation with perfect leadership. It’s complex. But as a Christian leader, I try to help my congregations understand that this is not solely about power and politics.
Never make the mistake of not understanding — this is a religious conflict. And yet, there are political aspects to what’s happening in the Middle East.
Some would believe the historical conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is a modern phenomenon stemming from the rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But at the base and root is a conflict that began with the Bar-Kochba revolt against the Romans (defeated 136 A.D.), which destroyed Judaea as an entity. The Romans set up a new province called Syria Palaestina, which is the origin of the name, and banned the Jews from entering Jerusalem. The book of Genesis also informs us as to the origins of this sad, sad conflict.
It’s an ancient fight, which will continue, I believe, until the return of Christ.
My time in Kentucky heightened my interest in the Hatfield and McCoy feud. I’m a history buff, so I’ve read about everything written on that. It’s similar to today’s conflict — ego, revenge, and disrespect almost always keep humans apart. But what we see between these ancient enemies has deep implications for our beliefs about God’s clear message regarding the land He claimed as the land of His people.
I don’t fully agree with how either government has attempted to hold on to it. But I do believe it’s our responsibility and duty to stand with our allies and especially protect the Holy Land in every way possible.
I hate war. I hate seeing innocent people hurt and killed. I hate seeing my tax dollars spent for destruction. But I love Israel. I love Israel as a Christian first, and then as an American. I don’t fully understand why the conflict can’t be solved, but then again, I do. The message of the Messiah has not yet permeated the heart of the nation of Israel or Palestine, but I do believe God’s covering is upon His people, even in their rebellion.
The same is true for the hearts of believers. Though we love the Lord, we don’t always align with Him. Yet He protects and loves those who do ultimately trust Him. I believe it’s the same for those across the ocean.
So, follow scripture by praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), and do all in your power to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3). But also pray fervently for the innocents on every side. Make no mistake, this is a spiritual battle. It’s unfortunate, but a part of a much greater plan.
Keep the faith!
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Have you ever heard anyone say, “We can’t mix religion and politics?” If so, I can assure you the statement was made by a well-meaning person, but maybe also a bit naïve. As a pastor, I certainly believe we have to do that carefully, but we do, in fact, allow our religious beliefs to intersect and influence our ideas about politics. Christians should be able to do that in a way that glorifies our Lord.
I was not surprised America stood with Israel as an ally during these months of conflict, but I know we have mixed feelings about the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites this weekend, and as Christians, we absolutely should have mixed feelings.
In recent years, when I would pray for the peace of Jerusalem from the pulpit, I received angry phone calls and emails. That’s not been the case at Grace Resurrection, but no doubt there are individuals in our congregation who question Israel’s and the U.S.’s actions. I absolutely understand that. Neither is a perfect nation with perfect leadership. It’s complex. But as a Christian leader, I try to help my congregations understand that this is not solely about power and politics.
Never make the mistake of not understanding — this is a religious conflict. And yet, there are political aspects to what’s happening in the Middle East.
Some would believe the historical conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is a modern phenomenon stemming from the rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But at the base and root is a conflict that began with the Bar-Kochba revolt against the Romans (defeated 136 A.D.), which destroyed Judaea as an entity. The Romans set up a new province called Syria Palaestina, which is the origin of the name, and banned the Jews from entering Jerusalem. The book of Genesis also informs us as to the origins of this sad, sad conflict.
It’s an ancient fight, which will continue, I believe, until the return of Christ.
My time in Kentucky heightened my interest in the Hatfield and McCoy feud. I’m a history buff, so I’ve read about everything written on that. It’s similar to today’s conflict — ego, revenge, and disrespect almost always keep humans apart. But what we see between these ancient enemies has deep implications for our beliefs about God’s clear message regarding the land He claimed as the land of His people.
I don’t fully agree with how either government has attempted to hold on to it. But I do believe it’s our responsibility and duty to stand with our allies and especially protect the Holy Land in every way possible.
I hate war. I hate seeing innocent people hurt and killed. I hate seeing my tax dollars spent for destruction. But I love Israel. I love Israel as a Christian first, and then as an American. I don’t fully understand why the conflict can’t be solved, but then again, I do. The message of the Messiah has not yet permeated the heart of the nation of Israel or Palestine, but I do believe God’s covering is upon His people, even in their rebellion.
The same is true for the hearts of believers. Though we love the Lord, we don’t always align with Him. Yet He protects and loves those who do ultimately trust Him. I believe it’s the same for those across the ocean.
So, follow scripture by praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), and do all in your power to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3). But also pray fervently for the innocents on every side. Make no mistake, this is a spiritual battle. It’s unfortunate, but a part of a much greater plan.
Keep the faith!
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Posted in Rev. James Williams Weekly Blog
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