DNA Does Not Lie
February 8, 2010

A one state solution may be the proper way to
settle the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, according
to some people. For most Israelis, the merest
mention of this term is like a dose of ethnic
poison, a premonition of their demise as a
nation.

For most Israeli Jews, the prospect of dwelling
among millions of Palestinians in a single bi-
national state would be the fulfillment of their
darkest nightmares. The Jewish character of
their country would eventually be overwhelmed
by a faster growing Arab population. Israel as a
Jewish state would be unlikely to survive.

Israel has been walling itself off from the West
Bank, partly for security reasons but also to fortify
its own identity as a sovereign Jewish state
while not worried about what happens to
Palestinians, and the one-state concept has not
found legs to stand on.

Palestinians most assuredly have rights to land
in Israel and the West Bank, and that according
to the Bible. Perhaps this revelation of an old
truth will set us free from harmful theology
preached by many Christians today. Peter said
there “will be false teachers among you, and that
false teachers would spread heresies "denying
the sovereign Lord who bought them--" That's
always a good test of false teachers.. A servant
of Christ WILL NOT DENY Christ's words. Never.

A heresy rampant in Christian eschatology is
causing tremendous damage. This heresy is a
key element of Satan's deception, a powerful lie
that many have embraced. A case of mistaken
identity has caused Christianity to break God's
covenants with Abraham by dividing the
Israelites and encouraging one tribe of Israelites
to oppress another. It's not a question of Jew vs.
Arab, Edomite, Ammonite, Philistine, and the
like. It's not a matter of cousins feuding. It's right
in the same family: Get this - Jacob's
descendants, the heirs of Abraham's covenant,
include Palestinians! They're Israelites in Bible
history along with the tribe of Judah of whom we
already recognize as being Israelites.

Now, no one can rightly deny that the blood of
Edomites, Philistines, and Arabs is present in
the Palestinian gene pool. If this were the
Palestinians' only heritage it would be
impossible to say they have rights to land in the
West Bank or elsewhere in Israel. But - with
emphasis, BUT - it makes all the difference in
the world that they're also descended from
Ephraim and Manasseh, the two tribes
descended from Joseph. Ancient history
overwhelms in a brief lesson, but if this bears
out as true, boy, this is good stuff!

To the Bible - John 4, verses 1-30, describes
Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman at a
place known as "Jacob's well". You know the
story. Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a
drink of water. The woman said to him, "You are
a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can
you ask me for a drink?” Jews did not normally
associate with Samaritans, and she was
surprised that Jesus spoke to her.

Stop. Now, who are the Samaritans? This opens
up an entire debate, and it demands that we
examine it honestly and without prejudice. No
one can deny that a small sect of Samaritans live
in Palestine today, but the exact historical origins
of the Samaritans are disputed to this day.
Jewish tradition claims that Samaritans arrived
by the hands of the Assyrians in order to replace
the Israelites . 2 Kings 17 is the reference used
to support that claim. Jewish historian Josephus
claims that the Samaritans are descendants of
mixed ancestry, BOTH of Israelite lineage and of
deportees brought into the region of Samaria by
the Assyrians. This is true, but there is more.

The Samaritans have always claimed to be the
descendants of Israelites of the Northern
Kingdom who remained behind during the
Babylonian Captivity. Some modern scholars
agree. I did some personal research and
discovered that a genetic study (ref: Shen, et al.,
2004) concluded from Y-chromosome analysis
that Samaritans descend from the Israelites
(including the Cohen family, or priests), and
other DNA analysis shows descent from
Assyrians and other foreign women, effectively
validating both local and foreign origins for the
Samaritans. They are Israelites of mixed blood
line according to those test results. I am told that
DNA does not lie, but this does not identify all
Palestinians as descendants of Israel. As of
November 1, 2007, there were 712 Samaritans
living in Kiryat Luza near the city of Nablus in the
West Bank, and in the city of Holon in Israel. The
Samaritans speak either Modern Hebrew (in
Holon) or Palestinian Arabic (in Nablus) as their
mother language.

About the Arab Palestinian - Results of another
DNA study by geneticist Ariella Oppenheim
matched historical accounts that Arab Israelis
and Palestinians together as the one same
population, represent modern "descendants of a
core population that lived in the area since
prehistoric times", albeit they were Christianized
and later largely Islamized, then both ultimately
becoming culturally Arabic. Referring to those of
the Muslim faith more specifically, DNA tests
reaffirmed that Palestinian "Muslim Arabs are
DESCENDED from Christians and Jews who
lived in the southern Levant, a region that
includes Israel and the Sinai." This indicates that
the Arab Palestinian is also descended from the
house of Israel. So how many times removed
must one be before he is excluded from the
House of Israel? I think this is the real question
at hand. Do Arab Palestinians represent a
remnant of one of the lost tribes of Israel?

In the time of Jesus, Jews had nothing to do with
Samaritans, and they were treated as a lower
class of people. Samaritans worshiped the God
of Abraham, and read from the Torah. Efforts
made to disassociate Samaritans from Israel
are DISPUTED BY JESUS HIMSELF, and HIS
TESTIMONY is what should make the difference
about who they really are.

This takes us back to the well in John 4:10.
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God
and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would
have asked him and he would have given you
living water." "Sir," the woman said, "you have
nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where
can you get this living water? Are you greater
than OUR father Jacob, who gave us the well
and drank from it himself, as did also his sons
and his flocks and herds?" By referring to Jacob
as the Samaritans’ "father", the woman
announced her Israelite heritage.

No one but an Israelite is descended from
Jacob, and Jesus didn't correct her on that point.
If, as some believe, Samaritans are full-blooded
Gentiles put there hundreds of years earlier by
the Assyrians after every last Israelite was exiled,
then Jacob (or his heirs) could not have given the
well to the Samaritans. The Samaritans would
have taken possession of a deserted town and
their "father" would have been the king of Assyria,
not Jacob. JESUS ACCEPTED the Samaritan
woman's claim to Israelite heritage by first
listening to her testimony, and then making no
attempt to correct her. This is not in the Bible by
accident. Samartians were from the family of
Jacob, an Israelite.

Verses 9-13 relates Jesus' testimony that
Palestinians are Israelites, descendants of
Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh. The
meeting at Jacob's well took place in a town
named "Sychar", which is situated in the
"mountains of Israel,“ and confirms connecting
proof of the Palestinians' IDENTITY WITH THE
LAND.

A detailed explanation of how these Israelite
tribes came to be known collectively as
"Samaritans" and later, "Palestinians.” follows
shortly. Before that, we need JESUS TO TESTIFY
a second time. After the Samaritan woman told
her friends about Jesus, many of them accepted
him as the Messiah. This explains why Jesus
said what he did as he sent the apostles out on
their missions.

Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus; "Do not go among the
Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go
rather to the lost sheep of Israel." If Samaritans
were strictly Gentiles, Jesus would have
included them with other Gentiles and just said
"Do not go among Gentiles". By declaring
Samaritans a separate category, Jesus
indicated they were Israelites, too. Since the
Samaritans were accepting his gospel, they
weren't "lost". Instead, Jesus sent the apostles
to the Israelites who hadn't accepted him, the
tribes associated with Judah. JESUS WAS
CLEAR about Samaritans being Israelites. I like
this.

An essential part of his mission was to establish
proof of their identity so that at the "End of the
Age" salvation would come through his gospel.
Other examples of this theme are found in Luke
9, 10, 17, and John 8. We begin with Luke 9:52-
56; “And he sent messengers on ahead, who
went into a Samaritan village to get things ready
for him; but the people there did not welcome
him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this,
they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire
down from heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus
turned and rebuked them, and they went to
another village."

For some reason many Christian commentaries
refer to this incident as though Samaritans
opposed Jesus. That's not the case. They didn't
reject Jesus--they were disappointed he chose
to go to Jerusalem instead of staying with them.
Jesus understood this, which is why he rebuked
James and John, who wanted to deal harshly
with the Samaritans. Next, there's the parable of
the "Good Samaritan" in Luke 10. Jesus
presents a non-Jew Samaritan as worthy of
salvation. Because Palestinians are the
Samaritans' descendants, this could just as well
be called the parable of the "Good Palestinian.”

There's not a single example of Jesus
condemning Samaritans. Every example Jesus
presented put them in a favorable light.

In 66 A.D., the Jews of Judea and Galilee
revolted against Rome, which led to the siege of
Jerusalem and destruction of the Temple in 70 A.
D. Sixty two years later, the Jewish tribes of
Judea and Galilee again revolted against the
Romans in the "Bar Kochba" rebellion. This was
put down in 135 A.D., after which the tribes
associated with Judah were expelled from both
Galilee and Judea. Samaritans did not revolt in
135 AD. Consequently, they weren't exiled. They
remained in Samaria (later to become
"Palestine") as the "stump in the land" as
revealed in prophecy.

Isaiah 6:13, “And though a tenth remains in the
land [during the Babylonian captivity], it will again
be laid waste [by the Romans]. But as the
terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are
cut down, so the holy seed [Ephraim—the
Samaritans] will be the stump in the land."…
…where "stump" means the common people
remaining after the lofty upper branches, the
ruling class, have been cut down. After the
Romans drove out the Jewish Israelites, their
brothers, the Samaritans, moved in, along with
Edomites and later, Arabs. The early Samaritan
Christians centuries later were the Christians in
the Holy Land the crusaders were supposedly
coming to save. Centuries later the land was
called "Palestine" and the people first known as
Ephraimites, then Samaritans, according to DNA
analysis, now became known as “Palestinians.”
Same people, name change only.

The point is, Jesus clearly indicated who the
Samaritans are, and he placed great importance
upon them. The fact that today’s Arab Muslim
population are descendants of Jews and
Christians of mixed bloodlines identifies them
as CHILDREN OF JACOB instead of Ishmael. It
also clearly supports the suggestion that Arab
Palestinians have a long history in the land.

This is what God has said and prophesied about
Ephraim in scripture:

Remember as you read these prophecies,
"Ephraim" means, "Palestinian" . Jeremiah 31:6-
9, “There will be a day when watchmen cry out on
the hills of Ephraim, 'Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the LORD our God. I will lead them beside
streams of water on a level path where they will
not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and
Ephraim is my firstborn son."
Hosea 11:8-9, "How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel? I will not carry
out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate
Ephraim. For I am God, and not man--the Holy
One among you. I will not come in wrath. They
will follow the LORD…" [This and other
passages foretell a return to Christ by
Palestinians. ] Zechariah 10:6, “I will strengthen
the house of Judah and save he house of
Joseph (Ephraim/Palestinians).

Certainly, God loves "Ephraim". His prophecies
promising salvation must be fulfilled.

Ezekiel 37:16-22, says, "Son of man, take a stick
of wood and write on it, 'Belonging to Judah and
the Israelites associated with him.' Then take
another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Ephraim's
stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of
Israel associated with him.' Join them together
into one stick so that they will become one in
your hand." "When your countrymen ask you,
'Won't you tell us what you mean by this?' say to
them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I
am going to take the stick of Joseph--which is in
Ephraim's hand-- and of the Israelite tribes
associated with him, and join it to Judah's stick,
making them a single stick of wood, and they will
become one in my hand."  ***[God clearly
intends the Palestinians and Israelis be united
as one new man in Christ.]***

Continuing.; v 20 “Hold before their eyes the
sticks you have written on and say to them, 'This
is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the
Israelites out of the nations where they have
gone. I will gather them from all around and
bring them back into their own land. I will make
them one nation in the land, on the mountains of
Israel. There will be one king over all of them and
they will never again be two nations or be divided
into two kingdoms."

There it is. It appears that the Bible confirms
Palestinians as "Ephraim" and God promised
them deliverance. This is a central theme of Old
Testament prophecy. As this is the case, what
are Christians doing? Do we serve God by giving
one-sided support to one Israelite tribe while
encouraging both tribes to break God’s
covenant? According to the Bible, Christians'
support of the modern-day state of Israel’s
settlement building policy in the West Bank
defies God's Law. Christians are helping one
Israelite tribe break a sacred covenant by
stealing land allocated to another Israelite tribe.
This is so important an issue that it impacts our
personal salvation, too.

Saints, this requires serious investigation and
great care in handling the word of God. Let’s not
throw this away because its new. It’s actually
much older than today's Zionist movement that
recognizes secular Israel and denies life to
Palestinians. Saints, let’s preach and proclaim
Christ crucified to both people groups and pray
for reconciliation of the two nations - that they
shall become one under Messiah Jesus.
Judaism will not reconcile the two - Islam will not
reconcile the two -Christian Zionism will not
reconcile the two. It’s going to take Jesus, and
he has a plan.

Anything else is dangerous and leads to harm of
the individual, Israel, Palestine, and to our own
nation. God forgive us for putting politics first.
God forgive us for religious bigotry and racial
prejudice. God empower us to show Christ like
love and mercy to Palestinians as well as
Israelis as we seek the welfare of both peoples.
It is a wonderful & magnificent thing that the Lord
has done and is doing. ~End~

September 27, 2009

THE JESUS HOUSE OF PRAYER
IN JERICHO IS 13 YEARS OLD ON
SEPTEMBER 27.

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Christian Theology pits
                        BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER

                           As presented by Jerusalem Direct with Terry McIntosh

                                             Copyright June 10, 2010

                            Article may be reprinted with proper attribution

It’s time to get serious. Although the message is hard, I am not out to offend, but to        council in
the way of Truth pertaining to harmful Christian theology that misleads God’s people into
breaking God’s covenant between two brothers. The spirit that opposes truth and promotes
division reacts quickly, accuses the messenger, and runs away from it. The Spirit of Truth stays
the course and helps us to turn around and go the right way. Come now, Lord Jesus.

Christians are called to peace and reconciliation between warring parties – Man to God, and man
to man in that order. Far too often, the process is inverted and never endures the test of time. We
are charged to pursue the ministry of reconciliation [II Corthinians 5: 18-20]. A lying spirit has
infiltrated and causes division in the name of Christ. Case in point – Israel and the Christian
Zionist movement pits brother against brother to the harm of Arabs, Jews, and Christians.

Ephesians 2: 11-22 makes it plain – one new man in Christ.  It is the heart of God. Yet, the
popular Christian Zionist movement promotes, in general, the natural state of Israel over the
welfare of people for purpose of securing land for the natural entity. This is not an indictment
against those who love and support Israel in general, nor those who do labor among the
Palestinians and love them equally. I am proudly associated with such saints. This is an
indictment against zealots with an overbalanced agenda. There is a lot wrong with  theology that
captures the minds and souls of those victimized by it.

We previously established that DNA tests confirm today’s Palestinians as being descendants of
the House of Israel, not Ishmael as has been believed. The Samaritans living in the West Bank
trace their heritage to Joseph and enjoy dual citizenship in both Israel and Palestine. Israel
recognizes the relationship between Jews and Samaritans, and Jesus’ own testimony confirms
that Samaritans are descendants of Jacob. If this is a new subject to you, I refer you to our Feb. 8,
2010 post “DNA Does Not Lie” (text version). Samaritans have married. mixed among other
Arabs, subsequently Christianized and then largely Islamized. The conclusion is that
Palestinians and Jews are brothers from separate tribes of Israel. This fact should alter the
Christian perspective and actions toward Palestinians in general. We should be trying to
reconcile the two instead of promoting division.

Unfortunately, there are Christian organizations and individuals who seek to advance the natural
state of Israel at the expense of, and harm to, innocent people in order to establish their goal of a
Greater Israel. Activities include support of illegal settlements on  Palestinian land, and/or
political incitement that leads to harm against elected Jewish officials seeking peace, and/or
support of  military action intended to root Palestinians out of the Holy Land,  and/or subversive
activities steeped in deceit and manipulation.  

One of the most effective crimes is to mislead the Christian world about certain facts on the
ground. There is no time here to discuss it again, but powerful money machines go to great
lengths in a successful effort to portray Israel as the always victim and Palestinians as sons of
the devil. Their agenda is tempered with “not all Palestinians,” however their actions harm all the
innocents living in the Holy Land. This does not excuse Islamic atrocities. There is plenty of
blame to spread around, but the focus of this piece is aimed at overbalanced Zionism.

We must support the moral and legal rights of both Jews and Palestinians without prejudice, and
militant Christianity as just described harms the peace process in general, and especially the
missionary spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus did not instruct his disciples to break
laws in pursuit of political goals. He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." I don’t mean to let evil
triumph. Protect borders, prosecute criminals, defend life and liberty - but in defense of life and
liberty, not in conquest of land owned by others. Islamic converts to Christianity are often
suspected of spying for Israel because of the Zionist claim to land.

Christians are admonished to obey ruling authorities according to Romans 13. Verse 2 says that
if we rebel against what God has instituted, we bring judgment upon ourselves. It’s very clear that
God has established the Palestinian Authority, and Christians who blame the devil and conspire
to dismantle the PA do not rightly divide the word of God. They are, in fact, opposing the will of
God in this matter and in this time line of events.

Militant actions as described are the result of an overzealous theology regarding the
assumption that today's Israel is God's final expression of Bible prophecy fulfilled. It is not, and
those who support that ideology are quickly repelled by any other opinion. It is a powerful spirit of
deception at work that blinds the eyes of good people. Zionism in its purest form is simple - the
Jewish quest for a homeland. I support that right to Jewish life and have publicly denounced
Islamic action against Israel in various ways. For the record, I reiterate this fact-I condemn all
terrorist attacks against Israel. That does not negate the fact that Palestinians have a right to life
as well. It is God who has put them in the land, and now that their true identity is known, we must
respect what God is doing whether it flies in the face of our theology or not.

I maintain that the Zionist assertion that today’s Israel is Gods final expression and fulfillment of
promise is just an assumption because of scripture and history. Zekharyah (Zechariah) chapter
14, a yet unfilled prophecy, declares the final captivity of Jerusalem prior to Divine deliverance .
Christian Zionism ignores the possibility and claims that Jerusalem will never be divided again.
Jewish rabbis recognize the scripture and pray against it. Although it would have to be discussed
in a separate lesson, most rabbis do not recognize the state of Israel as God originated.

History is a great teacher. The Jews thought God had fulfilled His promise during the
Hasmonean Dynasty. You can research it, but the Jews were regathered into the land as a
sovereign nation about 150 years before Christ was born. They sinned, and went back into
captivity by the Romans before Christ was born. Surely, they thought they had arrived, but were
wrong. So it is among our militant Christian Zionist friends. They, too, are wrong and are guilty of
sins against God whether intentional or not. We should be preparing Israel for coming calamity in
place of coddling them with false comfort.

The complete story requires much more input than we can cover in this introductory piece. I
encourage you to look into this issue thoroughly, but with an open mind and heart. Don’t be like
those overbalanced Christian Zionists who only think they will get a blessing if they support Israel
unconditionally. It harms Israel when they are coddled and assured that no harm will come to
them because God is on their side. Without realizing it, Israel becomes the icon of Christianity
when it should always be Jesus. God always dealt with Israel harshly when they sinned. Why
would it be different today. Has God changed? No, it is just wrong theology in search of blessing
that signs on to Israel unconditionally in spite of their sins. They are better served when
confronted in love and instructed in the way of God through Jesus Christ. Some of the ministries
who fund illegal settlements don’t get around to proclaiming Jesus as the only one who can save
them. Some preach they are already saved. That is heresy. Others fail to explain what they really
believe about it, and saints are left to think they are trying to save Jews, when in fact they are not.
Jesus called Jews who rejected Him “sons of the devil.” Jews need Jesus just as much as
anyone of us do. Apostle Paul warned the Hebrews not to ignore such a great salvation.

Militant ministries mislead a powerful support base that encourage and fund illegal activities.
They not only promote the overthrow of the PA, they turn on Jewish leaders who seek peace.
When Ariel Sharon launched Operation Defensive Shield in 2002, he was chided to step up the
military campaign by Christian militants. When he turned around and started real negotiations, he
suffered a stroke. The same people who chided him to action then condemned him and said
God was punishing him because he was willing to negotiate. This pales in comparison to the
murder of Yitzhak Rabin, but demonstrates the ungodly mentality of those militant Christians. No
matter when I die, sooner or later, no matter why I die, accident or natural, those who despise us
will claim that God finally got me. It’s how they think. A few may celebrate.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, to vote, to disagree, and to debate. It is criminal, however, when
anyone stoops to dirty tricks and incitement against political figures or lawful entities to their
harm. Incitement against Rabin was propagated by parties and individuals who opposed the
Oslo Peace Accord. He was labeled, as you may well know, as a traitor and “a Jew who kills
Jews.” Such incitement resulted in his murder by a Jewish citizen. Some Christian groups and
individuals supported the incitement. It would be improper to name them here with a hit and run
tactic, but there is blood on Christian hands. Such conduct is not only wrong, it is criminal. It is
such conduct that needs to be exposed so that God’s decent, genuine Christians are not duped
into supporting such activities knowingly or unknowingly.

A few of the militants are shrewd to cloak themselves in acts of goodness and righteousness, but
the motive is wrong. When it comes to saving Palestinians, the motive is to secure Israel in some
cases. I have encountered this and know its true. They pick and choose which scripture they want
to use in order to justify their cause. They use simple reads out of context of deeper studies that
reveal God's master plan for Israel and the entire world. God did not send them with false hope
and comfort, yet they have run with their message saying, "God is with you, Israel. No harm will
come to you." They are liars leading many to harm as the scriptures declare. I want to do what I
can to prepare the Jewish people for a day of calamity for their benefit, not speak words of comfort
so that we can raise money and be honored by the religious and political elite. Without realizing it,
Israel becomes the icon of Christianity when it should always be Jesus. The truth as proclaimed
by Jewish prophets and revealed through Christ is the only remedy for Israel's many problems.
The problem does not lie in Islamic terrorism. It lies in the rejection of Jesus Christ as the Great
High Priest of all the earth.

The Bible says that God would bring the Jews back to the land from the north, south, east, and
west. He did and is doing it again. Christian militants want to expel Palestinians for the sake of
advancing political Israel. They work with a segment of Judaism that claims all the land. However,
God did not tell Israel to expel anyone. It is God who placed the Palestinians, descendants of
Jacob through Joseph, into the land. God’s intention is to unite the two sticks as one. We have
covered that subject, and again, I refer you to our broadcast DNA Does Not Lie. Yet, we have
pitted brother against brother.

Tehillim (Psalms) 87 clearly lays out God's bigger plan. It is not about one tiny nation or people
group. His plan includes people from all nations who embrace Christ. He calls it "Zion," and
proclaims that he loves this spiritual Zion MORE than all the dwellings of Jacob - that is, more
than just Jews alone. MORE than the tiny natural remnant in Israel today. The Kingdom of God
includes Jews, Arabs, and gentiles. This message is confirmed through the New Covenant
teachings of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the path to peace for Israel and Palestine leads us to a face
to face confrontation with this truth - Accept Christ and enjoy peace, or reject Christ and continue
to suffer harm left to deal with issues depending on man's wisdom and military might.

I labor for Jews and Arabs to accept the Christ Jesus and beat their swords into plow shears as
the prophets foretell. It will eventually happen, but getting to that point is dangerous and costly. I
shiver to think of all the needless bloodshed that will happen because of the rejection of Christ,
but rejoice in the final chapter of history at the good news of deliverance from evil on behalf of all
God's children from every nation and people group. I pray that our overbalanced Christian peers
will repent of militant action and seek salvation for both Jews and Arabs without prejudice. When
the dust settles, they shall be one new man under God through Christ. Now - how will our actions
be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

To God be the glory.

Signing off -
Terry McIntosh
                                              ISRAEL, TEAR DOWN THAT WALL

                                  As presented by Jerusalem Direct with Terry McIntosh

                                                     Copyright June 28, 2010

                                       Article may be reprinted with proper attribution

As if there isn't enough division among Christians over the issue of Israel vs. Palestine, Israel's
Security Fence, also known as the Separation Wall, adds to the mix of controversy. The wall is
made up of fences with trenches and concrete wall. It partially runs along the 1949 Armistice line
or the "Green Line" between Israel and the West Bank. Supporters say the wall was built to
protect Jewish citizens from bombings and terrorism, but opponents say the barrier is an
attempt to annex Palestinian land. In fact, the wall has and does confiscate Palestinian owned
land to the harm of many families. According to the UN, "The path of Israel's security barrier
carves off 14 percent of the West Bank, traps 274,000 Palestinians in tiny enclaves and cuts off
another 400,000 from their fields, jobs, schools and hospitals.”

In spite of the hardships thrust upon innocent people, the wall has garnered majority support
from the Christian world. After all, every nation has a mandate to protect its citizens. It's  
unfortunate that decent, law abiding Palestinians suffer because of the actions of Islamic
radicals bent on destroying Israel. Supporters say that's not Israel's problem, but a Palestinian
problem that they need to solve by ridding themselves of terrorists. Then, they reason, there
would be no need for a wall.

Opponents cite the hardships and confiscation of land from legitimate land owners as contrary
to God's charge to Israel - Treat the aliens living among you justly. It is not right, they claim, to
punish innocent people for the actions of others, and Israel is missing the mark of excellence in
treating all Palestinians as an enemy. It is true that the wall chokes off life and turns moderates
into radicals determined to recover their land. It's also true that some sects of Judaism and
Christianity see it as claiming the land for Israel. It is a mixed bag of emotion and political
agenda. One thing for certain, it is a big ugly thing. I am acquainted with the hardships it poses
for Palestinians, and understand that Israel has security concerns.

What are we, as Christians, suppose to think or do about the wall? Should we support it as most
do, or should we oppose it as few do? The question demands an answer as how we respond to
it indicates where we are in theology and relationship with God's plan for Israel and the
Palestinians. Due to overwhelming Christian support, I must assume that Christians are looking
at it from a natural point of view. That's the normal reaction, but this wall is unlike any wall the
United States might construct to keep illegal aliens out of our country. Don't be confused by any
false analogies. There is a major difference between protecting your borders and what Israel is
doing. Any future US wall will serve to stop the flow of illegals at our border states. That needs to
happen in my opinion. However, the US will not confiscate Mexican property to do so. The US will
not divide cities, homes, and even children from their schools. The US will construct on US
properties and cause no harm to any individual. If otherwise, the US is just as wrong to harm
others.

The point can be argued all day long without resolve as long as it is viewed from a natural
solution seeking process. However, since we have the mind of Christ, we must learn to view
everything from his perspective. If man's way worked, we wouldn't have to, but look around and
show me which of man's plans are ushering in peace and harmony. Let's go with Christ on this
wall issue, and see what He is thinking. To do that, we have to put  our spiritual hats on and
leave our natural prejudices and thinking behind.

There is a story behind the wall's construction that only few are aware of, and it is a powerful
testimony regarding the living word of God and how it diffused a serious situation spiraling out of
control . To recap briefly, Israel had launched Operation Defensive Shield in late May 2002. It
was an effort to put an end to radical terrorism. Palestinian cities were under lock and key and
fighting was intense. In the midst of a blundered invasion, world opinion against Israel was
mounting. A regional war involving neighboring countries was considered a real possibility, and
that could have led to WW III. Apparently, the timing of such an event was premature in God’s
plan, and He brought an end to the invasion by influencing the thinking of Israel’s prime minister
Ariel Sharon.

Sharon had pledged to continue the invasion of Palestinian cities, but stunned his military
commanders and the world when he suddenly withdrew on the heels of the Lord’s command to
stop the invasion and withdraw his soldiers. The Lord’s command to Israel was presented over
television airways to both nations of people. The message was simple. “Stop. Turn around. Give
life and receive it.” It was contrary to sound military judgment and the Zionist theology support
base, but it was the Lord‘s will in that moment of time. The message first aired on April 13, 2002
and Sharon announced a complete reversal on April 16. Whether by divine influence or just lucky
timing, its a fact as just told. Everybody has to decide for himself about that, but I'm going with the
divine intervention. I sincerely believe that God influenced Sharon spiritually in a supernatural
way that defies explanation.

If I'm right, and I am, we are reminded that the Bible tells the truth when it says the word of the
Lord is alive and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword. (Heb. 4:12). Nothing is
impossible with our Lord. His word is alive and makes a real difference. We can depend on it -
His promises as recorded in the Bible, and His present word to us today as spoken to our
hearts, in our hearing, in vision, or in sleep.

When the Lord said, “Israel, give life and receive it,” He was telling Israel that if they would extend
life to the Palestinians, that he was able to protect them, too. It did not matter who or what started
the fighting, or who was to be held responsible for the thousands of injuries or deaths, or what
anyone’s end time eschatology demands. God is bigger than all those things, and He wanted to
stop the killing for the benefit of both Israel and Palestine.

Most of us Evangelical Christians agree and believe that Jesus Christ will return and establish
the kingdom of God upon earth at the appointed time. Our theology teaches that war will proceed
that event and the world will tremble under the weight of judgment. But, saints, God is able to
give Israel and Palestine a period of rest - a reprieve from violence and unnecessary bloodshed.
It is not God’s wish for people to perish, but that all come to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.
Dead people cannot do that. When God says, “Give life and receive it,” He is saying that Israel
and Palestine do not have to engage in ongoing warfare to usher in anybody’s supposed end
time scenario. Nothing will stop God’s plan from unfolding, so we don‘t have to worry about that.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” If Israel wants peace, they must pursue a policy of
peace instead of military conquest to the harm of millions of innocent people, many times
including the saints of God. The same principle APPLIES TO PALESTINIANS AS WELL, but the
message was directed to the invading army - Israel. Radical Islam and their militant agenda
bears great responsibility for harm done to both Jews and Arabs. They must pursue peace
equally as both share responsibility for harm. I've never known Israel to launch attacks without
provocation, and don't think they would if living in peace, but when they do attack, it is often heavy
handed against the civilian population. Radicals win the day either by bombing Jewish citizens
or by Israel's collective punishment policy that incites more hatred for the Jewish people.

Sharon withdrew his troops from Palestine after the Lord’s command was spoken publicly and
into the natural and spiritual realms. On the heel of troop redeployment, I shared with prayer and
ministry partners that Israel would be tested - and they were. The next thirty days recorded a
number of foiled terrorist attacks against Israel. Would be suicide bombers were caught in
record numbers. God was demonstrating His ability to shield natural Israel against those who
want to destroy them. But, Israel made a tragic mistake and authorized construction of the now
infamous Security Fence or Separation Wall for the purpose of security.

This was opposite of “Give life.” The wall is choking off life. It may have seemed like the thing to
do from a military and practical point of view. But it was not what the Lord wanted. A suicide
bomber made his way into Jerusalem and killed two Israelis once the government approved
work on the fence. As horrible as it was, it was a warning to the leaders of Israel. "Trust me, not
your fence." It is unfortunate that no Christian voice offering proper guidance was found within
the Zionist circles of influence. Instead, most of them were telling Sharon to pursue war and
eliminate the enemy without regard to the loss of innocent lives.

As soon as construction actually started on the fence, the Lord lifted His hand of protection. Two
suicide bombers made their way into Jerusalem and killed 26 Israelis. Israel had chosen to
trust in their own wisdom and the strength of a fence. The covenant of protection was broken,
and Israel paid a heavy price. Fences come down, but the Lord reigns forever.

In response, Israel launched a second military invasion that continued to claim lives on both
sides. I believe Jesus watched from His lofty place, and grieved for both peoples. The new
invasion did not, however, escalate to the brink of regional conflict since the situation had cooled
down considerably from Operation Defensive Shield. God would not allow the situation to
prematurely spiral out of control. In the end, Israel returned to its own borders. They captured
approximately 24 wanted terrorists. Hundreds of civilians had been killed, and thousands
wounded. The Palestinian economy was devastated, and hasn't recovered yet.

Construction work on the fence continues today, and it remains a thorn in man's pursuit of
natural peace. It is not permanent, however, and this is how we know whether to support it or
not. The prophet Ezekiel spoke of future days when Israel will be invaded by its enemies.
Chapter 38 10-11 says, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come
into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. You will say, "I will invade a land of unwalled
villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people - all of them living without walls and
without gates and bars." Verse 14 says, "...In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety,
will you not take notice of it?"

Can you believe that Israel and Palestine will be living together peacefully? Yes, but an invading
army from the North will change that. Verse 18 says, "..."When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my
hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord." Verse 22 says, ..."I will execute
judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and
burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show
my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then
they will know that I am the Lord." End quote.

Regardless of timelines, it is clear that THE SEPARATION WALL WILL COME DOWN before
Ezekiel's prophecy, and our call for its destruction is based in Scripture. God is able to give Israel
a period of rest from conflict if they will honor Jesus the Christ and put their trust in him even
today. This must happen eventually to stay in line with the written word of God. The Lord wants
Israel to take refuge in Him and not a fence or military might. That's where Christians come in
with the gospel of peace and unity instead of separation walls and violence. The choice, at least
for now, remains in the hands of Israel to "give life and receive it," or reject it and suffer continued
harm. The fence is not the defining point, but it does represent a choice. The defining point is
found in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That fact must be accepted, and until it is, Israel can
expect to be in harm’s way. This, saints, I believe reflects the mind of Christ regarding the wall.

The Separation Wall we’ve been talking about today is a natural wall , but there is a spiritual wall
that separates many of us from God and from each other. It’s foundation is one of harsh words,
rejection, betrayal, bitterness, and hurts of many kinds. This invisible wall is built around our
hearts and is meant to be a security fence - to protect ourselves from further harm, insult, and
injury. God knows that we have been bombarded by such things, and we can only bear up under
so much of it. We have taken practical steps to protect ourselves from hurt. But, like the natural
wall under construction by Israel, it is in reality a Separation Wall that eventually cuts us off from
others, our families, those we love, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I can believe the Lord’s word to Israel about giving life also applies to us individually. We are
called to be peacemakers. And who do you make peace with? Your enemies and even loved
ones you are in dispute with. Peacemakers open themselves up to potential rejection, but that is
what we are called to do. We are not called to separate ourselves. Jesus said, (Matt. 5: 9)
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” He also said,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Jesus seems to be saying that if we want
mercy, we must show it to those around us. This is how I want to encourage someone today.

Some hurts are deep and beyond human repair. Have you ever been there, saint? Have you ever
found yourself sitting alone tugging at the hair on your head to keep from crying? Have you ever
been so hurt that you thought death was a better solution? Nothing anyone can say or do will
change how you feel, and nobody can completely understand the depth of pain you are feeling. It’
s out of these depths of despair that we build that spiritual Separation wall. If that’s not you today,
just pray for someone you know who has retreated behind their own wall.

And if you are there today, hurting, I encourage you to sit before the Lord. Confess your own sins
related to any outstanding hurtful situations. 1st John 1: 9 says that if we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Don’t hide them. Be honest. He knows anyway. Talk to the
Lord about that separation wall you’ve constructed around your heart. Cast all your burdens
upon Christ and he will carry them for you. Give them to him. Don’t hold on to what is harming
you. It’s not worth it. Forgive that person or persons for the wrong done to you, and don’t allow
the hurt to isolate you. Forgiveness sets you free in a way that a wall can never do. It can only be
experienced, and not taught. Trust your Savior, Jesus Christ, to protect you from harm instead of
that separation barrier, else you’ll turn around one day, and find that you’re all alone. Tear it
down now and allow the healing power of God to sooth the pain. He loves you and will do it, if
you will only trust him in the same way he is saying to natural Israel, “Give life and receive it.”
Speak blessings upon those who curse you and the Lord will bless you.

Yes, it is contrary to man’s wisdom which says, “To hell with all of them.” But remember that the
word of the Lord is alive and active, powerful to make a real difference in your life even today.
Tear down that wall, saint, and let go of the past. Forgiveness opens the door to fresh starts. I
don’t mean to say that you are going to like everyone who has hurt you, but you should pray for
them anyway. Once that wall is torn down, God will help you to love them with the love of God in
spite of past hurts.

Pray with me now. “Lord, I don’t want to trust in the wall around my heart. I am putting my trust in
you for healing. Forgive me, Lord, as I now forgive others. Help me, Lord, to be a peacemaker in
difficult situations, and bless those who curse me. I will trust in you. Amen.”
God bless you, saint, as you walk out this challenge with the help of God.

God bless you and remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the tearing down of
natural and spiritual walls.

This is Terry McIntosh signing off.