Statement on Anti-Semitism
Ratified on August 17, 2017
In view of the rising tide of anti-Semitism, including acts of violence against Jewish people and property, we call on the Church to stand with us in support of our Jewish friends, and against anti-Semitism in all its forms.
With deep and growing concern, the Board of Life in Messiah recognizes the clamors, divisions, threats, and violence that have come to define our times. Our Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth), warned His disciples of coming troubles and evil days such as these: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).
We urgently call for people who name Jesus as Messiah and Redeemer to “guard your hearts.” The first and greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind;” the second command is to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are to love all people (Matthew 5:44).
Mankind is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We have a shared humanity, and all ethnicities have equal value: “He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things, and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:25-26). Therefore, we deplore any effort to connect “Christian” with racism.
Never forget . . .
the hostilities and brutalities executed upon God’s people Israel – in history, in living memory, and in the present.
the repeated failures of good people, sadly including many followers of Jesus, to take a stand and raise their voices against this kind of evil and to overcome it.
that Scripture teaches, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil, pride, and arrogance” (Proverbs 8:13).
Always remember . . .
the faithfulness and watchfulness of God who is just and who judges those who attack Israel, “the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8).
the courageous faith of many who aligned their hearts with God’s heart for the Jewish people and protected them, and did not turn their eyes away but opposed evil when they saw it.
that God said to Abram, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse: and all peoples on the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).
Will you join us in demonstrating your love for God, for humanity, and especially for the Jewish people? Click Fight Anti-Semitism for practical ideas that might help you in this regard.
For over 130 years, Life in Messiah has been building bridges of understanding between Christians and the Jewish people. [See 1891 Blackstone Memorial as an early example.] Pray for us in these days that we would be strong in and for the Lord – for justice, righteousness, and especially the gospel which is good news for all people.
Amazed by and thankful for God’s unchanging goodness in all times,
JOHN DEVINE | BOARD CHAIRMAN
WESLEY N. TABER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man (2 Corinthians 8:21).