Anti-semitism in Europe is clearly escalating and there appears to be no end in sight at present. This can take the form of direct violence and aggression as has been evident from many deadly attacks in European cities in recent months. It can also take the form of continual political pressure and we have already blogged about one example of this with the boycotting of Israeli goods. Pressure and animosity are being directed towards Jewish communities from all directions – even leaders who genuinely want to protect Jewish communities are really impotent in dealing with the murderous Islamic fanaticism that presents their most obvious threat of violence.
Last week, this led to the the Israeli Prime Minister urging the mass immigration of European Jewish communities to Israel. Many Jewish families are contemplating a return to their Jewish homeland as a result of anti-semitic oppression and it’s hard to argue with this. If constant demonisation wasn’t enough, the threat of violent attack from which no real protection is possible would make anyone think of leaving. One of the saddest features of this is the incalculable loss to the communities they will leave behind if a significant number of Jews leave for Israel. The financial, technological and spiritual contribution Jewish people make to the societies they live within is immense – in addition to this, we can be sure God blesses those to live in harmony and integration with Jewish communities and this blessing will be removed if they are forced to seek safety elsewhere (Genesis 12:3).
Bible prophecy makes it clear that in the end times, the Jews will be gathered together in their historic homeland before the fearsome events that usher the pouring of God’s wrath on an unbelieving world. It is heartbreaking to see such brazen forms of antisemitism becoming more common but the only silver lining is that the worse this gets, the closer we are to the Lord’s return. The Lord will fulfil His purposes in gathering the Jews in Israel ready for the dramatic global events that lead to the restoration of our broken world. On the one hand, we must pray for the Jewish communities that their eyes may be opened to salvation in Jesus Christ and that they are granted divine protection and victory. On the other hand, we pray that God will fulfil his purposes quickly as our world is in a desperate state and only God can fix it. Either way, woe to those who engage in anti-semitic behaviour of any kind – the God of the Jewish people WILL have the last word.
I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. (Ezekiel 36:24)
In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea. He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. (Isaiah 11:11-12)
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