Time to seek God’s face

By David Daniels and ChristianWeek | January 15, 2008

Recently, when asked for my view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I replied: "I believe Israel has the right to live safely and securely within internationally-recognized borders. But I also believe that Palestinians have the same right." My questioner immediately retorted: "The Palestinians already have a place like that. It's called Jordan."

Responses of this sort are terribly simplistic and far too common among many Canadian Christians. The Arab-Israeli conflict is a complicated mess with as many views as there are voices to utter them.

I believe Scripture promises that God's ancient covenant people will be restored to their land and that there will be a national revival in Israel. At some point still future, there will be thousands upon thousands of Jews for Jesus living in Israel. If this is what the Scriptures promise, then we should not be surprised at opposition to a Jewish state. And while resistance comes on many fronts, evangelicals must surely see that this conflict is ultimately rooted in satanic opposition to God's own purposes in human history.

Many Christians have responded to the opposition by publicly standing with Israel. For example, pastor John Hagee, a prominent Christian Zionist, has raised millions of dollars in support of the Israeli State, his latest method being the "Night to Honor Israel" events attended by thousands.

However, in their legitimate support for Israel, many Christians seem to forget that Palestinians also have valid aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous life. With many Islamic leaders opposing Israel's very existence, radicals boldly exploit the despair felt by those caught in the conflict. The simmering caldron of anger regularly boils over in open conflict. Mutual distrust, bitterness and "an eye for an eye" mentality saturates Middle East life making reconciliation a fleeting hope.

How should Christians respond? What should we do? What can we do? From my perspective, I see little hope for a lasting political solution without a radical change of heart. Never has the cliché "There will never be peace until the Prince of Peace comes" been so evidently true.

While there are critical negotiations and decisions to be made by political leaders, I suggest we view this conflict through the lens of Scripture. Isaiah told us that Messiah would be called "Wonderful Counselor" and "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). When individuals turn from their sin, trusting Him alone as Saviour, they are "a new creation" (2Corinthians 5:17). Jesus is "himself our peace" (Ephesians 2:14) and in Him "there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female" (Galatians 3:28). If we really believe in the power of the gospel, we ought to invest our energies in facilitating its propagation, and in living out its implications.

We should support Israeli and Palestinian Christians in the work of evangelism and discipleship. Encouraging them to meet one another, to work together and worship together should be a priority for ministries in the region. Newly planted congregations should be intentionally multi-cultural. Palestinian and Israeli believers must model the reconciling power of the gospel before their respective peoples.

While supporting the legitimacy of Israel, Canadian Christians should adopt a less strident Zionist rhetoric, choosing rather to renew their commitment to intercessory prayer "for kings and all those in authority, that [Israelis and Palestinians] may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and honesty" (1Timothy 2:2). The root of this conflict is in the spiritual realm, and it is there that it will be ultimately solved. It is time to seek God's face.