6/11/2026
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105
The third session of Day 3 of the Jerusalem Summit opened with the words "Welcome Home" spoken to the audience in attendance by the Ambassador to the Foreign Ministry of Israel. He said anytime anyone comes to Israel they feel at home, and they are welcomed as such. I cannot imagine a warmer welcome, and although I have never been to Israel, I already feel a great love towards the nation and the people. Standing with them these past three years during this horrendous moment in their history has been and continues to be my honor and a blessing. But for me the connection goes much deeper. We are born into families, and there are varying degrees of affection and even acceptance by blood kin. We discover that as time goes on. When we moved to Northern New Mexico, where I lived for thirty-five years, I left behind a great support system in my church. Reading through old journals I remembered my rather large church family, where we socialized outside of the church. It was remarkable. We knew our neighbors, and they were invited to be part of the fellowships and cookouts that we had in our home. We grew spiritually, and we felted loved. When we moved away at an extremely stressful period of our life when we needed the support we already had, we did not find the same degree of acceptance in the church in New Mexico, rather we were met with suspicion from some. It was an unsettling time, but we did form some friendships that were close. Over time and over increased problems, however, close ties can be lost, as that is the occupation of the enemy. Now, many years later, I have a new family, ones I've never met or spoken to, but we pray together daily in a global prayer meeting, and we all love Israel. We understand God's eternal plan of redemption. Salvation comes through the Jews.
In several of the discussions during the Summit, young people, particularly Gen Z aged youth, seemed to be the focus and pivotal to getting to the eradication of antisemitism in our day, the increased hatred spurned on by social media, and to advancing truth about Israel. It was described as a battle for educational and cultural values, and a much-needed strategy to defeat the lies against the Jewish nation and against Zionism. To reach the young people who are the future leaders, it was suggested that more videos on Tik Tok might be needed, as this is the source of many of the false reports. It was reported that in this generation are more problems with mental health, depression, social anxiety, and they have an existential dread. They are confused by all the garbage that is coming out of the mouths of supposed journalists or once respected Christians who are causing this great upset, spewing lies and false testimonies. They themselves have bought into Satan's lie, as he is cunning and devious. In the past, if we consider when we were younger, when things got strange kids went "counter culture" in their approach to things. Baby boomers have much history of mixing things up in order to escape the raging war of the day. It was the youth of the day walking away from it all, finding their own way to cope, to exist in changing norms. The kids today are seeking "originality and uniqueness," and they need to see strength in the leaders of our time, especially the Church.
One speaker noted that the world has changed, and the battle cannot be won the same ole way. Everyone needs to go to Israel and get to know the land and the people. If they did they would understand that there is not another land like it. It is God's land, and the Jewish people are His chosen people. He made this decision, so why can't we honor it? Why can't the church which is called by His Name not protect God's own? The problem rests in the lack of wisdom, the lack of understanding, the lack of knowledge. The church needs to stop being naive. Jesus said to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." In defending Israel it was stated that one needed to know the Biblical defense, legal defense, and ethical moral defense. Another suggested that pastors have trouble knowing how to help in the face of such evil, that if they stand up, might hinder or harm their church. Congregations are divided on Israel, and already here in America there are church splits, or people are leaving if Israel is supported. The attacks on the churches has been going on for some time, but the hatred towards Evangelical Zionism puts a target on your back, or so I have heard.
In considering all the wonderful discussions from fantastic men and women of God who know the history of Israel, I think the one answer, which I mentioned in previous posts is simple. Read the Bible! Just as you would read any other beloved book, this is the MOST beloved. It is the story of God's plan for redemption, and as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, it is our story woven into the plan by Jesus Christ our Messiah. Study it and devour the truth. Pastors and leaders teach this book, chapter and verse. Parents sit down with your children and read and study it together. Pray with your children. Know what the Bible says. It may sound simplistic, but it has worked for me in my life. Reading the Bible is understanding the Jewishness of our Savior, Jesus Christ the Messiah. How can anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear miss that obvious truth!


