One does not easily get away from the present Mideast situation - particularly as Israel's and our own involvements unavoidably approach a point of intertwining, and as the wider region increasingly threatens open warfare. That neither Israel nor ourselves are presently winning - militarily or psychologically - is seemingly evident. Also, given the fact that our opponents are gaining support in other regions, including, according to some, a growing sense of identity in some non-Arabic anti-Western states as well, does little to assuage the ongoing sense of uncertainty.
First of all, we are not unsympathetic to Israel's dilemma and apparently necessary response to the unrelenting violence and hostility long directed at them. Furthermore, as believers who accept Israel's role as a chosen people and place in the divine economy, we can little afford an anti-Semitic stance.
As to our own nation's involvement in the region, we are not unmindful of Yogi Berra's famous "deja vu all over again" in recalling the fears of another Viet Nam that some of us experienced at the beginning of our Iraq involvement. Where will it all lead? On the whole, things do not look promising. We trust we are wrong.
As always, however, one need not look far for those who "have it all figured out." We recently heard a radio preacher share with a reporter that this all is part of the final progression to a "Rapture of the Church" followed by the Tribulation in which two thirds of the world's Jews will perish. The remaining third, however, will "become converted to Christ."
Somehow, in addition to his adherence to "Scofieldian" eschatology (with which we experience considerable difficulty on some points), something seemed missing. It soon struck: There seemed (at least to us) little emotional stirring over the fact that, should he be correct, some two thirds of the world's Jews were ultimately destined to perish. Indeed, we sensed little that would have commended his faith to the Jewish community. Perhaps he didn't mean it that way. We trust not.
But it drove home a point that applies to other areas of our faith as well. Do we not sometimes miss an essential point in our contacts with others? For example: If we can feed the hungry, might not at least some of them possibily become interested in our church - as opposed to our really caring about them and their needs? Are we really moved for the hurting, first of all, because they are hurting?
This is not to in any way say that the Gospel is unimportant. It addresses the ultimate issue of life - destiny itself. At the same time we can lose sight that God also cares about this life. We once knew a pastor who, in his seminary days, was part of a team that sometimes did street ministry in the ghetto section of the city. During a strike by city garbage collectors, he and his team went out "evangelizing" one day. In endeavoring to speak to several black youths, one of them brought up the problems they were facing because of the strike. Our friend brushed it off, telling them "we're here to share the Gospel." Turning away, the group left with the parting shot, "If you don't care about our garbage problem, we don't care to hear what else you have to say." Our friend never forgot.
It is important that the Jewish people come to know Christ as their Messiah. At the same time, if we know the love of Christ, we also care - greatly care - should another holocaust come their way. Believers or non-believers, Jesus would have cared (Luke 19:41-44; cf. Rom. 9:1-5).
Burl Ratzsch
