I suppose since I just returned from the Middle East and may return soon, my mind and my heart has been thinking of the issues that are happening there including the war in Gaza and the tension between Israel, Iran, and Lebanon. Though these conflicts are horrible, I am more concerned for our brothers and sisters in both Israel and Palestine, as well as how this conflict has caused division in the church here in America. This issue like many before it these past few years are fuel for division, where division shouldn't be. We, the Church of Jesus Christ are tasked with bringing the gospel to ALL nations (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49 cf. Acts 1:8; John 20:21), not one or a few. And we ought to care for those that are in need (Luke 10:25-37), rather than debate the political opinions regarding which side is more righteous. After all, since we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20) and ambassadors of another kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20) and resident exiles and sojourners ourselves of this present kingdom (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 1:1; 2:11), shouldn't we be seeking to care for and pray for all of those that are being marginalized, exploited and killed? Why would we take sides? Our mission field is all of humanity, and our Kingdom is the Lord's. Jeremiah's dire warning in chapter twenty two verse 3 to the King of Judah, should give us pause...
"Thus says the LORD: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place."
My Pastor friend in Jordan, who is a very godly and humble man has been part of a task force urging Western Christians to pray for and love their Arab and Palestinian brothers and sisters too. Pastors from Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Egypt wrote an open letter to their Western brothers and sisters that you can read here. It's worth the read, to hear their heart, no matter where you stand in matters of the Middle East. I have been in touch with some of these pastors and may be taking a trip to Israel and the West Bank to meet these men and learn from them how we can help the situation best from where we stand.
I write this with a bit of trepidation, knowing that this is a divisive matter within the evangelical church. Godly men and women have strong convictions seemingly based on scripture, but as always, it is interesting that the same scripture is often used to represent both sides of divisive convictions. Maybe we all need a little humility regarding matters such as this. I'm also aware that there is a lot of false information going around, and one person's perspective is never final. A godly and solid scholar and friend who I very much respect, and who agrees with much written in that open letter, sent another article articulating a different perspective than we have been hearing from the press. You can read that here. I include it here because I know that the issues in the Middle East aren't as black and white as many conclude.