Christians and Jews are both in the firing line.

With residents of Israel bombarded by 700 rockets last weekend, it’s something of an understatement to say the Jewish nation is under fire.

Fortunately, decisive words and action – in marked contrast to what we are witnessing in Britain – led to a ceasefire as Hamas terrorists backed down in the face of an ultimatum from Benjamin Netanyahu. He warned them that if they didn’t drop their weapons forthwith, Israel would annex Gaza and drive them out forever.

Israel has long since learnt that they cannot fully rely on the support of their allies, and are thus prepared to take tough action when necessary.

British Betrayal

The British Parliament, now in complete disarray over our future in Europe, made a decision 80 years ago on 23 May 1939 which effectively sent thousands of Jews to certain death.

Capitulating to Arab opposition, a White Paper was passed on that day severely restricting entry to Palestine (then under Britain’s mandate) of Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. It was a shocking betrayal of our pledge to prepare a home for Jewish people to live in safety.

The British Betrayed

It is significant that this anniversary coincides with the European elections, which we should never have needed to contest three years after a majority 17.4 million of our citizens voted to leave the EU.

"The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head"

Following the shameful betrayal of the Jewish people 80 years ago, the British people themselves are now feeling betrayed by the same Parliament. Is there perhaps a connection? The word of God says: “The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head" (Ob 15).

19^th-Century Britain

There was a day, in 19^th-Century Britain, when we acted more decisively and with greater honour and compassion, as viewers of the hit ITV series Victoria would have observed last Sunday night.¹

In 1850, Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston actually ordered a naval blockade in response to an Easter anti-Semitic outrage in Athens involving a British subject. Gibraltar-born Jew Don Pacifico and his family were viciously attacked by a mob after the Greek government banned the traditional burning of an effigy of Judas Iscariot in apparent deference to a wealthy British Jew, Lord Rothschild, who was in the country to discuss offering a loan.

There was a day when Britain acted more decisively and with greater honour and compassion.

Pacifico, a former Portuguese consul-general, was targeted in his capacity as de-facto leader of the city’s Jewish community. Palmerston was also a key figure in early political moves designed to facilitate the restoration of Israel.

Persecution of Christians in the UK

Tragically, it seems that, to some degree, Britain is now playing the role of Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, turning on their own Christians in a bid to silence those holding to the truth of the gospel and the commandments of God which have been recklessly jettisoned by successive governments.

I believe there is a sense in which God is speaking to both Christians and Jews, telling us we’re in this together. After all, we both worship the God of Israel, which is surely why both groups are being so fiercely persecuted worldwide.

There is a sense in which God is speaking to both Christians and Jews, telling us we’re in this together.

The Relationship Between Christians and the Jewish People

The church needs to understand that the Jews brought us the gospel (along with the Bible, the law, the prophets, the patriarchs, and our Lord himself). We owe it to them to offer help in their time of need (Rom 15:27). At the same time, however, Jews must understand that Jesus is their Messiah – Gentiles are even called to tell them so by declaring: “Your God reigns!” (Isa 52:7).

Praise God, many are responding, though others are clearly offended. But the gospel has always been an offence (Gal 5:11). And we must tell them – it’s a way of saying thank you, just as many grateful Africans have come over to Britain to thank us for our faithful forefathers who took the gospel to their countries, often sacrificing their lives in the process. These Nigerians, Zambians, Zimbabweans and others are now living among us, preaching with passion the message we have largely discarded, acting as lighthouses to a rudderless society in danger of shipwreck.

Worldwide Persecution

That we are in this together was brought home most forcibly through Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday terror attacks. Though the targets of the atrocity were the Christians, two of the eight British citizens killed by the bombs were Jews – siblings Amelie and Daniel Linsey, members of the synagogue of which Lord Leigh of Hurley is president. He said: “They shared the same classes as my children.”²

Shechem (also known as Nablus) in Samaria, some miles north of where the Jifnah attack took place. Both Christians and Jews are targeted in Israel / See Photo Credits

In territory run by the Palestinian Authority, meanwhile, Christian residents of the town of Jifnah were attacked by (ruling party) Fatah activists after a local woman complained to the police about the son of a senior Fatah official. The violent incident included shooting.³

In spite of what I said about Britain turning on their own Christians, I am pleased to say that the plight of persecuted Christians abroad has at last been acknowledged by the Government, thanks to a report commissioned by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has already opened the way towards further reconciliation with the Jewish community by apologising for the White Paper mentioned earlier.

Mr Hunt, reported to be a committed Christian, said Christians are enduring what amounts to genocide in some parts of the world and were being driven out of the Middle East in a modern-day exodus. And he blamed political correctness – particularly a “misplaced worry” that it would be interpreted as “colonialist” – for failing to confront the issue.⁴

The plight of persecuted Christians abroad has at last been acknowledged by the Government.

His report found 245 million Christians spread across 50 countries now suffer high levels of persecution. So it seems that as Jews migrate to Israel, now home to nearly seven million sons and daughters of Abraham, Christians in neighbouring countries are being uprooted and forced in the opposite direction.

We must stand together with our brothers in the ancient faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and be a blessing to one another. Their deed to the land is, primarily, in the Bible (Gen 17:7f). And our right to inheritance in the faith of Abraham is also in the Bible (Rom 4:16f).

References

1. The incident and its repercussions were featured in last Sunday’s episode of the series on the life of the young Queen.

2. Two Jewish siblings among victims of Sri Lanka attacks. The Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2019.

3. Christians Violently Attacked by Palestinian Forces, Forced to Pay Special ‘Tax’. United with Israel, 29 April 2019.

4. Persecution of Christians is modern-day 'genocide' says report. Daily Mail, 3 May 2019.

Discover books from Instant Apostle.

Last year we interviewed Manoj Raithatha, pioneer of Christian publishing house Instant Apostle. Now Prophecy Today readers give their verdict on a selection of Instant Apostle books.

The Judas Trap: Why people mess up (and how to avoid joining them)

Derek Williams (2016)

Ian Farley comments.

This stimulating book takes a look at the infamous apostle, unpacking why he did what he did before asking how we can avoid acting in the same way. Williams takes a generous view of Judas and encourages us to think more carefully about him – which draws the reader in, although deeper theological questions about Judas’ betrayal are not dealt with at length.

Williams does not restrict himself to figures from the Bible, however, but also includes a plethora of modern illustrations that help unpack his points. Some of his comparisons are hard to swallow – nevertheless he does well to remind the reader that every human, no matter how given over to darkness, also has within them the possibility of turning back to the light. God does not give up on anyone.

Each chapter contains a list of suggestions for readers to apply, and the final chapter provides a good and helpful summary of the characteristics of the renewed Christian mind – the kind of people we are called to be. Thought-provoking, at times controversial, and eminently readable.

The Judas Trap (256pp) is available from Amazon for £5.75.

Refugee Stories: Seven personal stories behind the headlines

Dave Smith (2016)

Maureen Trowbridge comments.

These stories of the lives of refugees make disturbing reading – even as one learns of the persecution and traumas they endured before the dangerous journey to safety. Reading this book gives one a deeper understanding of their circumstances and engenders a growing compassion for them, plus an awareness that things often remain difficult for them even after reaching Britain.

The refugee crisis may well cause consternation by being something of a Trojan horse for Islamic extremists. In the face of this, it is good to be reminded of the genuine plight of so many hundreds of thousands fleeing the horrors of war, poverty and persecution.

The author of the book is the founder of the Boaz Trust which works with destitute asylum seekers. This book is both challenging and well worth reading.

Refugee Stories (225pp) is available for £9.98 (new) on Amazon.

Found By Love: A Hindu Priest Encounters Jesus Christ

Rahil Patel (2016)

Derek Bownds comments.

Found By Love tells the true story of Rahil Patel, a young Indian who was drawn deeply into Hinduism as a teenager and pursued the call to become a swami, a priest set aside to minister to the Hindu gods.

Despite being favoured in his new ‘calling’, Rahil grew restless with questions as he came across inconsistencies in Hinduism, religious practice that left him dissatisfied, and always a still small voice inside saying “You’re not supposed to be here. You’re in the wrong place.” Eventually, he abandoned his high-profile position and flew from India to London. One day he wandered into a church, and knew he had finally come home. He had been found by love – and over the next two years he was stripped of the scars of the past, and given new life.

This is the story of one who tried so hard to reach God by his own efforts but discovered that his standing before God depends entirely on Jesus. In place of a human guru, Rahil found the eternal Saviour. Instead of a title and rank and constant searching and doubt, he has been given sonship and truth. In place of rules, he has found grace and a loving community. How can it not be a good read?

“…one of the most enthralling books…once I started to read it I found it so absorbing I could not put it down. I thoroughly recommend it and feel sure you’ll feel the same about it too!” ~ Maureen Trowbridge

Found By Love (230pp) is available for £9.98 (new) on Amazon.