They Sang the Shema
“Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad”—Deut. 6:4
The sovereignty of HaShem was upon their lips as they filed methodically and slowly under a sunless sky towards several smoking columns. Naked and shivering, they understood with an authentic realization that rumors of the “Jewish Solution” were true. What was left to do but to proclaim God’s sovereignty over the earth—rulership that would bear the truth and the ultimate vindication of his people?
The evidence of decades, centuries more like, yes, even millennia of persecution and polemics against Israel litter the pages of history and stain the earth red. There is no attempt to dismiss the persecution of other people groups. It exists. However, some want to dismiss, overwrite, or rip out Israel’s pages altogether. We need only wait for the next installment under the guise of a new-fangled intifada, lending credence to bygone testimonies.
So, here we—the world—find ourselves asking the age-old question about the Jewish people’s existence, national identity, and land grants. What is the adage: “ The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result” (unconfirmed source)? Fact: There has never been a people group or nation that has survived dispersion across the globe, the death of its language, and genocidal attempts on its culture except the Jews! (“What Does the Bible Have to Say about the Return of the Jews to Their Homeland,” icej.org blog, 2018, accessed Jan. 21, 2024, ).
Let’s stop trying to resolve the “Jewish Question” using the same methods while expecting a different outcome! This genocidal model is demonic insanity! Instead, let us accept God’s sovereign choice of Israel and its people, ignite a rallying cry to join God’s redemptive plan, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel. It should be clear God always leaves a remnant; they are his chosen nation to bring his light to the world. Even so, there is a place for everyone.
This short introduction hints at a forthcoming series on Jewish-Christian history. I hope you will stay tuned as I bring on a colleague to discuss this history using various sources, both ancient and modern.
Blessings—