Antisemitism is against God
By Merrill Olson
Even though the hatred of the Jewish people, antisemitism, has exploded in America, God’s great love for the Jewish people is affirmed in Scripture. The LORD said, through the prophet Jeremiah, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jer. 31:3). In words of endearment, the LORD promises to restore Israel, the northern tribes. They will return from all over the world and will no longer be filled with mourning but singing. The motivation for the LORD’S future restoration of the nation is His everlasting love which He will freely bestow on His people.
Yet, through the prophet Zechariah are God’s words to His people: “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye” (Zech. 2:8). The “apple of His eye” is taken from Deuteronomy 32:10. The “apple” refers, most likely, to the pupil of the eye, the part that can most easily be injured and demands protection. Therefore, it symbolizes Israel dwelling under God’s protective care.
This protective care is given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who are God’s unique possession in an everlasting covenant (Ps. 105:8-12). He has promised them the land (Genesis 12-15) and raised them up to provide salvation and redemption for mankind and the restoration of His Kingdom that has fallen under the curse of sin. But the Bible reveals that even though the hostility toward Israel has occurred over the centuries, God’s plan is not thwarted. Israel’s role as the Chosen people would bring forth the Messiah Jesus (Luke 1:31-33). The LORD could have chosen a different people and sending a Savior to a different nation and parents and be crucified and resurrected. However, He did not! Jesus (Yeshua) was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-14) and fulfilled prophetic declarations in the Scriptures. The Gospels reveal His Messianic lineage (Matt. 1-17; Luke 3:23-38). God’s course of action is clear!
As we look at the hatred of Israel over the centuries, it can be none other than a spiritual conflict. Satan’s hatred for her is real! We see it manifested in different ways in major cities and other places. The news is intense. These actions and others like them are motivated by hate for Israel. The same demonic spirits that motivated Amalek, Herod, and Hitler are the same evil spirits today. Yet, the hatred and hostility are toward God! Antisemitism is against Him!
Now, some may feel that since most Jews do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah that God has transferred His love to other people. However, Paul refutes this thinking in Romans 11:24-29. Some future day God’s divine work in them will happen (Ezekiel 36:22-28; Jer. 31:31-34; Zech. 12:10).
Therefore, God desires every follower of the Lord Jesus to bless them, stand up for them, pray for them, and come against any discrimination of God’s Chosen people! Remember that the Lord Jesus died to save them, too! They need Him! “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Merrill Olson served as a senior pastor for thirty-four years. He received a B.S. from Minnesota State University-Mankato, an M. Div. from Bethel Theological Seminary, and a D. Min. from Columbia Evangelical Seminary. He is currently involved as an interim pastor along with a teaching and writing ministry. His emphasis is on apologetics and training believers to defend their faith in Christ from God’s Word. He is well versed in Bible prophecy as it pertains to end times. He is a gifted speaker with the conviction that only by the Word of God can people experience inward transformation by the Holy Spirit. He and his wife, Jan, reside in Minnesota and have two daughters and four delightful grandchildren.