Christian view on Israeli-Palestine conflict?

[Hekuran]

Jesus taught love your enemies and bless those who persecute you.

 

[james1523]

I don't see how any person, plan, policy, or spirit that sets aside "love thy neighbour" could be of Christ. Jesus himself used this phrase to summarise the way we should live in the world.

Context please. For context we can go back to the original commands in Leviticus 19:17-18 which is mostly about interactions between God's people. Loving thy neighbor applies chiefly to our personal interactions with fellow believers, as Jesus taught in Luke 6:27-36, Matt 5:43-48. It does not apply to state or military authorities and policy-making which is about "not bearing the sword in vain" (Rom 13:4). It does not mean we should allow a thief to ransack our home, or an enemy to invade our territory.

 

[james1523]

Jesus taught love your enemies and bless those who persecute you.

Yes so what are you going to do about it? Are you travelling to Gaza anytime soon?

 

[Brighthouse]

Brother Bac is on point. For those who have never been in any kind of a war,it is hard to understand the actions of those in one,( Vietnam a great example!) You have a person next door to you,who's family has 10 children and 10 adults in it,they hate you,they have sent rockets to your house before,but this is the last straw for you and your family of eight.( just an example to help) You decide on war,for you understand that if you, and your family truly want peace,you are going to have to fight to have it!

You take account that children from there house may indeed get hurt,some may even die,better for them to die for there country then for you to die for yours! A secret the news media does not understand!! there is NO innocence in war!Never has been,and never will be! The idea is that if enough of them die for there country they will surrender to your country,and if you do not fight,then you know you will become a slave to them!

Is death better then bondage?One never understand this concept until one is fighting daily for there own lives, and for the lives of there loved ones.Israel is fighting for her life right now,and there is no scripture that tells us to ever lack courage! Many will say they have bigger weapons,that they are not fighting fair!War is not about fighting fair,it is about the result one wishes to produce from it!! VICTORY!

The end result is being willing to keep your peace by having the courage to fight to preserve it! They are,and many do not like it! if you are going to rob from the house next door, you may get in on your feet, but you will leave on your back. Hence what is happening to Hamas. They look to protect there rockets with children,while Israel looks to defend there people with them. Holding the life's of there people much more dear then Hamas is doing!

i remember when I was young, I picked on the biggest guy I could find in school,for a while he put up with me,then one day, he used me as a punching bag and cleaned my clock for me,he said,if you are going to wake up a bear from its sleep,you had better be ready for the result! Hamas woke up the bear,and is getting there clock cleaned!! No one is making any of there people stay in a war zone! But if they do stay,this tells me they are behind Hamas and will get there clock cleaned for them as well! But they have no place to go many would say,that is just an excuse for Hamas to use because they do not care about the people, never did,they care about there own agenda!

And are using there own people who are blind and stupid as pawns to die on there behalf! It is rare from me, you do not see any scripture in my words,but in war there is no scripture,there are only results from it! And when the battle has been won,there is great praise to the God who always promised to keep them,and who always will keep them! And it does not matter who likes it or not,what matters is always the promise! Deut 31:6!!!! amen!

 

[Brad Huber]

I would chose a slightly over agressive jewish state over the terrorists who use civilian women and children as human shields. They deserve to be hunted down and executed. Yet many want to blame Isreal for the deaths hamas brings about.

 

[Hekuran]

Jesus' actions in the gospel stories tell us more about conflict and national affairs than many assume. First century Palestine was in a state of oppression from the Roman Empire, great unrest, and full of plots and intrigue. I am sure that Jesus would have heard all the arguments above rehearsed in the context of Roman occupation. He chose a different way.

When Jesus first said love your enemies, bless those who persecute you, everybody would have had the same persecutor in mind. Rome!

 

[james1523]

Jesus' actions in the gospel stories tell us more about conflict and national affairs than many assume. First century Palestine was in a state of oppression from the Roman Empire, great unrest, and full of plots and intrigue. I am sure that Jesus would have heard all the arguments above rehearsed in the context of Roman occupation. He chose a different way.

When Jesus first said love your enemies, bless those who persecute you, everybody would have had the same persecutor in mind. Rome!

In what ways did Jesus practically love and bless the Roman persecutors? apart from dying for their sins of course. It seems that Jesus always tried to escape His persecutors, until the very last moment of course.

 

[Brad Huber]

Actually the ones mostly persecuting Christ and His followers were jews, not the romans. The romans only started persecuting christians when it increased in size (the christian movement) to create conflict with all the money making craftsman who made lots of money making idols.

 

[Hekuran]

delete double post

 

[Hekuran]

As for religious persecution, yes, that came later. During Jesus' ministry, the people lived under the injustice of an oppressive regime. Heavy taxes, cruel control of the population. Smaller things such as the extra mile referred to in Matthew 5:41 where any soldier could force a civilian to carry their load on demand made life a misery for the people.

Jesus' encounters with the Romans. Yes I think he took care to avoid confrontation with Rome as much as possible. So perhaps this is a dog that doesn't bark. Remember the encounter with the Centurion in Luke 7, and in his final hours, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".

Jesus kept people from groups such as the Zealots close to him. But his approach was peaceful. That's why his final entrance to Jerusalem was on a colt rather than king's war horse.

 

[Brad Huber]

He is coming soon, and it wont be on a colt, and there will be lots of bloodshed.

 

[Hekuran]

A report from Reuters has Israeli government officials estimating the cost of the conflict to the economy at US$2.89 billion. Sixty-four Israeli soldiers and three civilians have been killed. On both sides bitterness is further entrenched and peace yet more distant.

What might be the consequences if the sermon on the mount were taken as a blueprint for foreign policy.

Love your enemies. If the same resources were deployed to build peace. $2.89 billion to develop community infrastructure, to build medical clinics, improve education and to nurture a new generation of leaders. What if 64 people could be found who care enough about peace that lasts through the generations to sacrifice their own lives?

In South Africa in the 1990s the world predicted mass bloodshed as the apartheid system crumbled. The bloodshed didn't happen because courageous leader refused to talk of retribution, and loudly proclaimed reconciliation and harmony.

Organisations such as Hamas are rooted in fear and fed by hatred. Cut off the justification for the hatred and Hamas will wither. Hate cannot defeat hate, only love can do that.

 

[RJ]

A report from Reuters has Israeli government officials estimating the cost of the conflict to the economy at US$2.89 billion. Sixty-four Israeli soldiers and three civilians have been killed. On both sides bitterness is further entrenched and peace yet more distant.

What might be the consequences if the sermon on the mount were taken as a blueprint for foreign policy.

Love your enemies. If the same resources were deployed to build peace. $2.89 billion to develop community infrastructure, to build medical clinics, improve education and to nurture a new generation of leaders. What if 64 people could be found who care enough about peace that lasts through the generations to sacrifice their own lives?

In South Africa in the 1990s the world predicted mass bloodshed as the apartheid system crumbled. The bloodshed didn't happen because courageous leader refused to talk of retribution, and loudly proclaimed reconciliation and harmony.

Organisations such as Hamas are rooted in fear and fed by hatred. Cut off the justification for the hatred and Hamas will wither. Hate cannot defeat hate, only love can do that.

• If, if, if ! Love your neighbor yes but the Bible says nothing about liking, agreeing or accepting what your enemy does.......do you love the Devil?
• Sometimes you just have to cut off the head of the snake.
• Throwing more money at Hamas won't work, they will just build more expensive tunnels and rockets for their pledge destruction of Jews and Christians.
• Wake up, Terrorist are rising up all around the word. If history has proven nothing else, nothing can be done to change their views.
• Only one thing can help, pray for the soon return of Jesus Christ, the enemy is at the gate!

 

[Hekuran]

• If, if, if ! Love your neighbor yes but the Bible says nothing about liking, agreeing or accepting what your enemy does.......do you love the Devil?
• Sometimes you just have to cut off the head of the snake.
• Throwing more money at Hamas won't work, they will just build more expensive tunnels and rockets for their pledge destruction of Jews and Christians.
• Wake up, Terrorist are rising up all around the word. If history has proven nothing else, nothing can be done to change their views.
• Only one thing can help, pray for the soon return of Jesus Christ, the enemy is at the gate!

The Bible says nothing about accepting what you enemy does, and neither did I.
Nor did I suggest giving money to Hamas that could be used to
There are plenty of examples worldwide of terrorists changing their views and turning from violence.
Yes Jesus will return soon. In the meantime we work for peace

 

[Brad Huber]

There are plenty of examples worldwide of terrorists changing their views and turning from violence.

Plenty? How about giving simply a dozen then, of terrorists changing their views and turning away from violence, and stories that are verifiable via internet stories.

 

[B-A-C]

It's possible that Muslim's can be saved. It happens sometimes. Even a few terrorists have become Christians, it's rare granted, but it has happened.
Usually in these cases they are no longer a threat and they no longer wish Israel any harm. These generally aren't the people fighting against Israel.
Now in the middle of a war, it isn't always convenient to stop and ask "Hey buddy are you a Christian or do you follow Judaism?" Innocent people sometimes die.
It's happened in every war since the beginning of time. I'm nt condoning it, or saying it's right. Peace is the right way when both sides accept it. But peace can
never be a one sided thing. Was Jesus always a man of peace? He is called the prince of peace after all. ( Isa 9:6; )
Was Jesus being peaceful when he chased the money changers out of the temple with a whip and turned over their tables? ( Matt 21:12; Mark 11:15-16; Luke 19:45;
John 2:14-16; )
In Revelation 19 we see a being with a sword ( Rev 19:15; Rev 19:21; ) In Rev 19:11; it says he is waging war. Now who is this being in clothes dipped in blood with
eyes like flame? It gives us a hint. On his robe and on his thigh it says "Lord of Lords and King of Kings". ( Rev 19:16; ) Also His name is called "the Word of God".
( Rev 19:13; )

Rev 19:11; And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.
Rev 19:12; His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.
Rev 19:13; He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
Rev 19:14; And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.
Rev 19:15; From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.
Rev 19:16; And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Rev 19:17; Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, "Come, assemble for the great supper of God,
Rev 19:18; so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great."
Rev 19:19; And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
Rev 19:20; And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.
Rev 19:21; And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Sometimes the Prince of peace has to wage war.

When Jesus called the pharisee's a brood of vipers and "sons of hell", do you think he was being peaceful? ( Matt 12:34; Matt 23:33; Matt 23:15; )

We often view Jesus as meek and sensitive. But when the occasion called for it He could stand up for His beliefs.
He is also called victorious warrior, ( Zeph 3:17; ) Almighty God (over 40 verses) and demons know He can destroy them.( Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; )

Jesus warned about wars in the future, if that didn't happen, it would kind of make Him a liar. ( Matt 24:6; Mark 13:7; )

 

[RJ]

• What part of "Love Your Enemy" don't you understand.
• Loving your enemy has nothing to do with tolerating Hamas, the missles they rain down on innocent Israelies or the tunnel net work they use to commit terrorism...all under the watchful and accepting eye of the Palestinians.
• If there where any Palestinian Christians, why do they support Hamas? They are not Christians by my Bible.
• You need to get your facts straight.
• Go back in history and see who always fires the first shot......Hamas!

We read where a man, (no anti-Semite), confessed: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh", (Rom 9:2, 3).
Did you notice how Paul referred to his Jewish roots? "According to the FLESH".
Here is a like minded Scripture: "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more", 2 Cor 5:16. "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?", (Mark 6:3).,

So it is that we Christians have no attachment to ancestry nor fleshly descendents. We no longer attach sentiments for the natural world and it's earth centered citizens because we have been born again of the spirit and are become "new creatures" by the Spirit of God. As such, we're citizens of the Kingdom of God and we are attached to brothers and sisters who are spiritually born ... who own a spiritual heritage ... who belong to the family of God as His sons and daughters.
When Jesus was walking suntanned and fearless on the shores of Galilee, His followers properly recognized Him "after the flesh". But when Jesus arose on the Third Day and assumed his place/position at the right hand of God, His followers recognized him 'spiritually' ... no longer as Mary and Joseph's child ... not even as a Jew .. but as the triumphant King of the spiritual world.

Jesus Himself declared this principle of genuine spiritual citizenship: "While he yet talked to the people, behold, [his] mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother",

Can it be said that the geographical natural Jews are born again and have a desire to follow after the will of God as expressed in and through the teachings of Jesus? Absolutely not.
So, we should address the natural people of Israel in the same way that Jesus addressed His own mother. Jesus declared that he had no attachment to His natural brothers and sisters ... not those who belonged to Him visibly / naturally ... but only to those belonged to Him invisibly / spiritually ... those who owned a citizenship in the Kingdom of God.

This manner of conceptualizing is what forms the genuine Christian's spiritual inheritance.
Our Lord Jesus was not at one with Israel. It grieved Him that natural geographical Jerusalem rejected Him. Why? Because the Jews of Jesus' day were connected to a religion which Jesus vehemently denied.
Plain and simple: Israel is a nation in denial of our Christ ... and yet many Christians insist to remain connected to them religiously.
Our spiritual journey has us focused on the Jerusalem above ... where Christ is, and where for every natural Jew who accepts His sacrifice, a citizenship and place is prepared.

No, I'm not a JW ... and have never set foot in any of their assemblies. I'm jus' a plain' ordinary Christian who grew weary of being a pastor's parrot and took upon myself some serious Bible study over the 45 years since my first hearing the Gospel.
It's utterly painful to see how so many sincere Christians continue to attach themselves to an Israel-cult ... to the sin of idolatry.[/QUOTE]
I mean no offense to you but your Bible knowledge is erroneous, here is just two.

• We read where a man, (no anti-Semite), confessed: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh", (Rom 9:2, 3). I don't know what your point was here but this was Paul stating that he love his fellow brothers so much, he would give up his salvation in order to have his brothers saved.
• Our Lord Jesus was not at one with Israel. It grieved Him that natural geographical Jerusalem rejected Him. Why? Because the Jews of Jesus' day were connected to a religion which Jesus vehemently denied. Jesus was perfectly one with Israel; to think otherwise is for you deny him as the perfect sacrifice. What he was not perfectly with was the the corrupt Saducees and Pharisees which he claimed were Vipers and worked for Satin. Infact, during Jesus times, there was no one who was more of a Jew and upheld the law perfectly!

 

[ElayneUnique]

Pray without ceasing, has Christ people we know that the Bible is being for fill, let us pray for our brother and sister abroad that God guide them and keep them thru this ordeal.:shade:

 

[rodd]

I am now starting to understand that this war, for 'want of an appropriate word,' is false, and designed to bring about the destruction of both Islam and Christianity.
A massive compromise due to the slaughter will be made by the Pope to bring about the criminalisation of evangelical Christianity because of our doctrine.
We now see designed religious violence increased by Isis in Iraq further serving this outcome.

Every time violence is stepped up. the closer we are to the persecution of true believers, compromises will put targets on our backs no doubt! Rev 13:5+7.

 

[Brad Huber]

I think you are bringing your human understanding into a situation only God understands. I think its best if you react how you think the Spirit of God wishes you to react to the unfolding story called humanity. Otherwise, you will like so many, make assumptions, and feel foolish when you are proved wrong.