The Bible talks much about self-examination and is filled from cover to cover with lessons of morality, honor, integrity and values. Christian history as it relates to Israel and the Jewish people is not one of which those who claim the name of Christ ought to be proud. In fact, it is cause for us to hang our heads in shame and disgrace. Time and again when the people which God Himself calls the ‘Apple of His eye’ needed us – needed anyone – to come to their rescue, we turned our backs and closed our eyes. As a result, the lives of six million Jews and others were brutally snuffed out in the most horrible and agonizing ways imaginable and the atmosphere is ripe for it to happen again. As Christians we have an obligation to stand up for the weak and speak out for those who are being marginalized, persecuted and slaughtered because of race or religion yet our silence is deafening as people around the world are suffering and dying in Syria and elsewhere. The Good News is not so good if we fail to express our faith to the world not only in word but, more importantly, in deed even if it means there is a personal price to pay. God will honor us if we honor Him – in word, yes, but, more importantly, in deed. As my mother always said, “Actions speak louder than words.”

Followers of Christ are called Christians. As His disciples, we are to follow His teachings and reflect His love to the “world” which means in our homes, in our businesses, in our churches and in the world beyond. The manner and fashion in which we conduct our lives matters. Are we fair and honest in all we do and say? Do we conduct our business affairs with diligence and integrity? Do we put the best interest of others above our own desires? Do we tell the truth and take responsibility for our decisions and actions even if there is personal cost involved? God knows the beginning from the end and there is nothing we can hide from Him which will not be revealed.

God’s Word makes it abundantly clear as to what is acceptable and what is not. The Bible clearly states that the Jews are His chosen people and Israel is His special land deeded to the Jews in an everlasting covenant. Those who would come against the Jews simply because they are Jews will suffer the wrath of God who likens these precious yet peculiar people to being the ‘apple of His eye.’

Almost daily there are news reports of Israel being condemned on the world stage for one contrived grievance or another. God chose Israel and the Jews to be the recorders and keepers of His Word to pass it down from generation to generation. If it weren’t for the Jews, there would be no Christianity and the Bible clearly warns that it is not the “branch which bears the root, but the root thee.” If we believe God’s Word is true from cover to cover, then as Christians have a duty to stand with Israel and the Jews because they are the root. All who claim to be Christians but are actively engaged in anti-Israel, anti-Semitic campaigns such as Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions will suffer the wrath of the Almighty.

As Christians, we have been given another chance to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters. While we’ve failed miserably in the past, it’s not too late to make a change. We should take it as a personal affront when the world unfairly and unjustly condemns Israel for taking necessary protective action to defend her borders and her people from aggression and terrorism. We should stand against those who engage in BDS campaigns claiming they are “helping” the Palestinians by punishing Israel. This is an outright lie. BDS is nothing but an anti-Semitic effort to promote an anti-Israel agenda. Just ask any Palestinian who is gainfully employed by an Israeli company located on the “other” side of the so-called “Green Line.” Does it help them feed their families or pay their mortgages when business is taken away thus forcing work hours to be cut or eliminated? The time for sitting on the sidelines is over. It’s time for Christians to join in the game of “The World versus Israel.” Going forward, Christians must determine what we want our legacy to be and for this we must ask ourselves whose side we are on. Are we in line with God’s Word and therefore standing with Israel or are we on the side of the world which is clearly against Israel and the Jews? Those churches or universities with which we are affiliated, are they investing in Israel or divesting? How about your pension fund? Is it divesting from Israel? Remember, God will not be mocked. Just as those who bless Israel will be blessed, so those who curse Israel will be cursed. As we do unto Israel, so it will be done unto us.

Reprinted with author’s permission from The Jerusalem Post