Israel Who?

As we explore the book of Exodus, we mention Israel a lot! This can be confusing, especially considering what is happening today in the Middle East. It's important to make a clear distinction between the historical nation of Israel of the Bible, and the modern State of Israel. Here's a little historical-faith recap: 

God created the universe perfect, and placed humankind in it to care for creation in partnership with Him. God’s space (heaven) and our space (earth) was one.  Humankind chose “what seemed good” in their own eyes, it went wrong, and the relationship was broken. God initiated a restoration project, forming a series of covenants through a specific family line, which became the nation made up of the families of the sons of Jacob (aka ‘Israel’).

They were ‘chosen’ to be different; to demonstrate to the nations who God was and draw them into that relationship until God’s rulership was established everywhere.  Israel failed, and their hope pointed toward a future saviour. Jesus (fully God, fully human) came, lived, was killed, and rose again, defeating death - ‘God’s space’ entered ‘our space’ and joined the two forever. A new covenant was initiated - not restricted to a single people group, but open for all people from all nations to be God’s ‘chosen people’ with God’s presence working in and through them to spread this great news and care for creation, until Jesus returns and restores everything perfectly and finally – God’s space and our space fully reunited.

We honour and respect our faith heritage because God chose to demonstrate His nature through the historical Jewish people, through whom Jesus came as a Jew in fulfilment of the old covenant - and establish the new. 

Adam

What about the State of Israel today? 

The story of Scripture is clear that with the new covenant in Jesus, there is no special status for a single political nation – no exemption from accountability. It always was and will be about who chooses to be part of God’s plan and follow Him. Whatever God’s ultimate plans are for the Middle East, we still pray and hope for the salvation of everyone there, and for peace.  We wait patiently for the day when ‘God’s space’ and ‘our space’ are fully united, despite the suffering we see, trusting God’s plan and timing. But we will seek to be like Jesus while we wait, challenging injustice wherever we see it, and actively stepping into the broken places of creation to bring hope and healing.  

If you are confused or have questions about all this, you are not alone! The Baptist Union have recognised this and have invited questions from anyone. Follow this link to find out more and submit a question: https://baptist.nz/israel-and-palestine-what-are-your-questions/