Some Christian Zionists and some Messianic Jews have a very strident position on possessing the Land promised to our people. Their attitude is to take all the Land and don’t worry much about the Arab population in Samaria and Judea. With Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of a very radical Otzma Yehudit party and Bazalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionists, the heated rhetoric and actions toward “taking it all” have now become part of the landscape of the Netanyahu government. Some Christians and a very small number of Messianic Jews applaud.
I want to argue that this is a foolish direction and akin to the first century Zealot Party that gained control of Judea and went to war against Rome. Yeshua warned what would happen. Jerusalem would be destroyed because they did not recognize their time of visitation (Luke 19:44). Having not recognized Yeshua, even after his resurrection, propelled them into following a false way. Let us recognize that we as a people still have not recognized that time of visitation. Also, our lack of embracing the apostolic witness to this day, a witness given with great signs and wonders, is compounded history of antisemitism in the historic churches. Yet, the trajectory was set by the Sanhedrin and the post Jerusalem destruction Rabbis in Israel who did not turn to Him. This is why I believe that this is not the time to pursue maximalist visions to take the Land. The Religious Zionist party today is so different from its moderate predecessor, the National Religious Party (NRP). This party with the Otzma Yehudit of Ben G’vir is the return of the spirit of the Zealots.
When I teach on the return to the Land and declare myself a Biblical Zionist, it is based on Ezekiel 36:24 ff. There we read that we will come back to the Land in significant numbers before we are given a new heart and before the Holy Spirit is given to us. Until that day, and until we call upon Yeshua (Matthew 23:39,40), we may well be bringing a counsel that will bring harm to Israel if we council “Take it all.” Let us remember that Israel has still not come to Yeshua. Secular Israel fosters the most radical LGBTQ agendas. Parades celebrate Israel as the most pro LGBTQ nation. Abortion is rampant. The Orthodox Jews still practice a faith that is partially right but which also blinds to Yeshua in a life of a plathora of commandments. The spirit of the Talmud is mostly not in accord with the spirit of Yeshua.
My council is, let’s lovingly support Israel’s right to exist. Let’s stand with Israel. Let’s support the Jewish people in this Land. However, let us not give counsel in agreement with the radical right wing views of “taking it all now.” For this season, living with partial fulfillment of the Land promises I think is wise. We also do care about the Arabs in the Land of Israel and want them to be treated with justice.