Christ Pantokrator, Ruler of All (Cefalu Cathedral, Italy)
When I opened this blog, here on Christmas morning, the first thing I saw was a couple of readers–one Christian, one Muslim–fighting over Israel vs. Palestine.
My first impulse was to try to make peace. Like maybe I’d succeed where everyone else in the world, including career diplomats who do it for a living, has failed.
I’d like to think we could discuss any issue here, as long as we conduct it decently; but that’s probably a pipe dream, too. People have emotions. That’s how it is. Israel vs. Palestine is a highly emotional issue for a lot of people. I doubt I can entertain that topic here and expect everyone to remain calm and civil. After all, there are many blogs that I don’t choose to visit–because I know I’d wind up saying, er, intemperate things.
As a Christian and an American, I am predisposed to favor Israel, an American ally with institutions similar to our own. There must never be another Holocaust. The Western world permitted the Holocaust to happen; it must not permit another one. God has not withdrawn His blessing from Abraham.
There will not be peace in this fallen world until God the Father in His sovereign might puts all things under Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of all. Until then, we muddle along as best we can. Occasionally we get something right. But not often.
So I have deleted the posts I’ve gotten on this subject today, and will delete any future messages on this subject. I don’t know how to referee this fight, and if I try, I might just make it worse. I’m sorry about doing this, but I think it’s for the best.
Don’t worry. No human being will ever decide this issue. There is One who will, and I do not think it is too far in the future.
I’m learning that a needful skill for any peacemaker is to duck quickly and often.
These days, that would be a very useful skill.
Christians know they can’t referee peace between the “palestinian” occupiers and Israel. All we can do, and all anyone should do, is to stop the unprovoked attacks against Israelis by their enemies within their own country and on Israel’s God-given land. Baruch b’shem Adonai. “Peace, peace, but there will be no peace.” “Wars and rumors of wars.” “My peace I leave with you” – within His followers. Happy Birthday, Immanuel!
The issues are deeply rooted, going back to Ishmael and Isaac. It’s all part of prophecy and seems to be shaping towards its ultimate fulfillment. As Lee has reminded us, we must abide until Christ returns, but we are also commanded to take note, and there is plenty regarding g which we can take note. It is my personal opinion, I repeat, opinion, that we are at the point where our Father is dragging His opposers, hooks in the jaw, to the final confrontation, but I am aware that I could be in error with regard to my interpretation of matters.
No matter what, at His time, and as He sees fit, matters will be resolved, and these will be resolved to the good of ALL mankind. The seed of Abraham was chosen, not to be a blessing unto themselves, but a blessing unto the entire world, so when this matter is finally resolved, there will be people of all nations, tribes and tongues, living under Divine blessing and favor.
For our part, we must maintain strong faith in both our Creator, and In Jesus. A lot of unpleasant things have happened over the years, and especially in the Middle East, but in the end, it will work out a blessing for all whom place their trust in the One True God.
Well said.