Christian Zionism ... Good Thing or Hindrance to the Gospel Message

President Harry S Truman, a Southern Baptist, led the charge for a Jewish state after the horrors of the Holocaust were brought to light in 1945. The United States cast the deciding vote at the United Nations in 1947 for the partition of "Palestine." And the U.S.A. was the first nation on May 15, 1948, to grant official recognition to the nation of Israel.

The history and relationship between the United States and Israel is one that we as Americans can find great pride. This country is rightfully called the greatest friend of Israel. We have stood with them even as most countries in the world have turned against Israel. This nation has done the right thing even in the face of terroristic blackmail.

However, there is a growing movement within this country, and especially in the evangelical community under the banner of Christian Zionism, to view political and physical support of Israel as all that is required of churches. We go to pro-Israel rallies. We boycott businesses that have divested from Israel due to pressure from the Palestinian propaganda machine. And we believe that we have fulfilled the mandate of Genesis 12:1-3.

Nothing could be further from the truth. If our support of Israel is limited to the political or physical, we have failed to follow the true meaning of Genesis 12:1-3 much less Romans 1:16; 9:1-5; and 11:11.

I know many individuals who would call themselves Christian Zionists who carry a huge burden to see the Jewish people come to faith in Messiah Jesus. However, I also know many other supporters of Israel who believe that one must support the nation of Israel regardless of what the spiritual condition of the people of Israel might be.

We as Christians must find a balance to this difficult issue. It is not the either/or proposition that is promoted on television, including and sometimes especially on religious television. You can be a supporter of the nation of Israel and still recognize that the Jewish people are heading for an eternity apart from the God of Israel if they do not receive Jesus as their personal Messiah.

Ultimately, Christian Zionism will fail if a mandate for evangelism is not included. Political pressures and the changing religious landscape will turn the church's attention to other matters if Jewish evangelism is not the first and primary focus in our support for Israel.
A perfect example of this truth can be found through a discussion I once had with a Christian woman. She would gladly welcome the term Christian Zionist and supports the nation of Israel without reservation. However, she does not really care or seem to understand the urgency of Jewish evangelism. She believes that as long as she supports the nation, she has done her part. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Support the nation of Israel. In fact, I have a pro-Israel bumper sticker on my car. But keep in mind that our first and primary task is to share the love of Messiah Jesus with the people of Israel regardless of whether they live in "The Land," New York City, or right next door to you.