In recent days the question has been raised concerning Israel the nation versus Israel the people, the Jews. Can one be supportive of the biblical identity of Israel and yet opposed to the present government of Israel? Or in these violent days do l as a Christian have to remain loyal to Israel?
There has always been a distinction between the Jews as a people in an unchanging covenant relationship to God through Abraham, and the government of Israel which has risen and fallen in divine pleasure and displeasure since the days of Moses. Days in which God threatened their destruction averted only by Moses' intervention. Their identity never changes, for "the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29). But their governance has been a mountain range of peaks and valleys of judgement - like all the rest of the nations, for "God is no respecter of persons." (Romans 2:11)
One point is clearly set forth in the Bible. Israel is the only chosen nation, the bearer of monotheism, biblical monotheism, to the whole world, and the author of the Judeo-Christian or western worldview. The source and instrument of the divine revelation of t h e Bible. The source of Christ, the apostles, the Christian church, and the standard of the norality of m o d e r n representative or constitutional government.
The land of Israel is Israel's. From the promise to Shem (Genesis 9:25-26), to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 15-18), Moses (Deut. 30:1-10), David (2 Sam. 7:12-16) and Jeremiah (Jer. 31:35-37). Even if the nation has rejected their Messiah and has been hardened to Him throughout these twenty centuries of the Christian church and the age of grace - still they are God's people with a glorious future when they as a Nation will "look on Him whom they have pierced" (Zech 12:10) and say "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 23:39). Man's past, present, and future are framed by Israel.
Can I say that at present, "whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their heart"? (2 Cor. 3:15) Yes.
Can I say that since the cross "desolations are determined'? (Dan. 9:26) Yes.
Can I say that "though the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea only a remnant shall be saved"? (Rom. 9:27) Yes.
But are they still God's prodigal child? Yes.
Is the land theirs? Yes. By divine command.
Is it their right to return and govern themselves? Absolutely.
Have they allowed the interim occupants to remain? Yes. Graciously so.