Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to follow up on my last podcast with a simple but, I hope, thought-provoking statement: If you're going to stand for the Jewish people, now is the time. If you keep silent now, you may not have another opportunity.
[September 11 vs. October 7 - the contrast]
Let me take you back to two pivotal moments in recent history. The United States was attacked in unprecedented waves of terrorism on September 11, 2001. What followed was an immediate, passionate surge of patriotism mingled with religious fervor. Many of us remember those days very clearly.
Flags flew from every house. "United We Stand" bumper stickers covered cars. Churches were packed. People talked about God and prayed together. Our nation, at least temporarily, turned back toward God.
But our patriotism ran only so deep, and the spiritual connection was extremely shallow. After six months, the enthusiasm had largely faded away. We went back to business as usual.
Now fast forward to October 7, 2023. Israel was attacked by Hamas in unprecedented waves of terrorism—the worst single-day massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 Israelis were brutally murdered. Babies were beheaded. Women were raped. Entire families were burned alive. At least 250 people—including Americans—were taken hostage and dragged into Gaza.
Given the response to 9/11, we would have expected a passionate surge of support for Israel, especially from Christians who understand the biblical significance of the Jewish people and the land of Israel.
But that support never came—at least not from society as a whole. What happened instead was near-instant handwringing driven by concern that Israel would respond with a heavy hand. The media immediately began questioning whether Israel's response would be "proportional." World leaders called for "restraint." The focus shifted almost immediately from the atrocity committed against Israel to worry about how Israel would defend itself.
[Six months later - the shocking reversal]
Now, more than two years later, the enthusiasm is building—but not for Israel. Against Israel. With no signs of slowing down. We are moving into an era of unprecedented, irrational, demonic antisemitism, causing fear in the hearts of Jewish people worldwide.
Over the past few months, antisemitism has surged in severity and visibility around the world, marked by both deadly violence and everyday harassment. In mid-December, a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach killed 15 Jewish worshippers and wounded many other. In the aftermath of the massacre, Jewish-owned businesses in Australia, such as a Jewish bakery in Sydney, have closed due to sustained antisemitic harassment and threats, and police have reported steep increases in anti-Jewish incidents including vandalism, threats, and arson. Across other nations, Jewish communities have faced hate crimes and vandalism—from menorah desecration and bomb threats to subway harassment in New York City.
Alongside physical attacks, political and cultural currents have amplified antisemitic sentiment and rhetoric. High-profile conservative media figures have drawn scrutiny for platforming or being accused of normalizing extremist voices; for example, Tucker Carlson was named “Antisemite of the Year” by a Jewish civil-rights group after interviewing white nationalist Nick Fuentes—a figure known for Holocaust denial and praise of Hitler—while similar accusations have been leveled at Candace Owens and other influencers. In public spaces and protests, chants like “globalise the intifada” have led to arrests and calls for tougher policing, reflecting heightened tensions between political expression and hate speech targeting Jews.
[What the chants actually mean]
The themes of the chanting crowds are as pompous as they are poison. Let me provide clarity about what these phrases actually mean:
When protesters identify with Hamas, they are admitting to be part of an international terrorist organization—officially declared as such by the United States Department of State. Hamas's charter explicitly calls for the destruction of Israel and the killing of Jews worldwide.
When they cry out "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free," they are referring to the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. This phrase is shorthand for the complete eradication of Israel and, ultimately, all Jewish people living there. It's calling for genocide, plain and simple.
When they shout "Death to America" and "Death to Israel," they are calling for the violent and gruesome annihilation of entire nations and their citizens.
And when they chant "Globalize the Intifada," they're calling for terrorist violence against Jews and Christians to spread worldwide.
[The shocking statistics - worldwide antisemitism surge]
Let me give you some statistics that should alarm every Christian:
In the months following October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents surged by over 360% compared to the same period the previous year. Jewish students on college campuses reported being spat on, physically assaulted, and prevented from attending classes.
In Europe, the statistics are equally alarming. France, which has the largest Jewish population in Europe, saw antisemitic incidents increase by 1,000% in the months following October 7. In the UK, the Community Security Trust reported over 4,100 antisemitic incidents in 2023—a 147% increase from 2022.
Germany reported over 5,000 antisemitic incidents in 2023, the highest number since they began tracking. In Amsterdam in November 2024, Israeli soccer fans were hunted down in organized attacks reminiscent of Kristallnacht.
Globally, the situation is even worse. According to the World Jewish Congress, 80% of Jews worldwide reported feeling less safe since October 7, 2023. Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses require increased security or have been attacked.
In Muslim-majority countries and even in parts of the former Soviet Union, open calls for violence against Jews have become common. Social media platforms are flooded with antisemitic content, with some studies showing a 1,200% increase in antisemitic posts on X in the month following October 7.
[The prophecy being fulfilled]
We watch with horror as these demonstrations unfold. Perhaps more stunning than the acts of the protesters is the lack of a dignified response from those in charge at all levels of our society. University presidents give mealy-mouthed answers about "context" when asked if calling for the genocide of Jews violates their codes of conduct. Politicians equivocate. Leaders remain silent.
But we should not be surprised. The prophet Zechariah warned us twice that just before Christ's return, the entire world would be drawn inexplicably toward Israel—and all would come to oppose her.
Zechariah 12:3 says, "On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves."
Zechariah 14:2 prophesies, "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem."
All nations. Including the United States. As we witness the spiritual status of many of our allegedly best and brightest—our nation's future leaders—on our college campuses, it does not take much to imagine our impending demise.
[The haunting question - where is the church?]
None of this is shocking if we understand the prophetic Scriptures. What really ought to haunt us is this question: What has your church had to say regarding these happenings?
If the answer is nothing, you have cause for deep concern.
Pastors, what are you teaching about these issues? Certainly, the people in your pews are looking for answers, and they are looking to you for leadership. What have you been offering them? Have you devoted even one message to this timely topic?
Have you explained from Scripture why Christians should care about Israel? Have you taught about God's covenant promises to the Jewish people? Have you addressed the rise of antisemitism from a biblical perspective? Have you warned again the lies of Replacement Theology that permeate so many congregations? Have you called your congregation to pray for Israel and to stand with the Jewish people?
Or have you remained silent, perhaps fearing controversy or political backlash?
[The lesson of history - Niemöller's warning]
I would say to all Americans, but especially to all Christians: If ever you are going to stand for the people of Israel, now is the time. If you keep silent now, you may not have another opportunity.
Nazi-era Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller famously stated:
"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."
Niemöller wrote these words from personal experience. He had initially supported the Nazis but later opposed them and spent seven years in concentration camps. He lived with the regret of not speaking out sooner, especially for the Jewish people.
Dr. Tim Sigler puts it this way: Do you wonder what you would have done if you had been alive during the Holocaust? Watch what you are doing right now. You will likely find the answer to your question in the response you are offering at the present.
Think about that. Your response to today's antisemitism reveals what you would have done in Nazi Germany. Your stand or your silence today is your answer to that historical question.
[Biblical mandate - God's warning]
To anyone reading these words with a sigh and a shrug, still unconvinced about the whole issue of Israel's importance, I would simply challenge you to consider God's Holy Word through Zechariah 12:9: "It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."
Did you hear that? God will destroy all nations that come against Jerusalem. Not might destroy. Will destroy.
Genesis 12:3 records God's promise to Abraham: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
This promise extends to Abraham's descendants—the Jewish people. How nations treat the Jewish people has consequences. History bears this out. Every empire that has persecuted the Jews has eventually fallen—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union.
[What we must do - practical action]
So what must we do? Several things:
First, speak up! Don't remain silent. When you see antisemitism—whether on social media, in your workplace, in your community, or even in your church or your own family—call it out. Say something. Silence is complicity.
Second, educate yourself and others about Israel from a biblical perspective. Study what Scripture says about God's covenant with Israel, about the land, about God's future plans for the Jewish people. Teach your children. Share with your friends.
Third, pray for Israel. Psalm 122:6 commands, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.'" Pray for protection, for peace, for the salvation of the Jewish people.
Fourth, support Israel tangibly. Support ministries that share the Gospel with Jewish people. Visit Israel if you can—tourism helps the economy and shows solidarity.
Fifth, stand with Jewish people in your community. If there's a synagogue near you, reach out and ask how you can support them. Attend vigils for Israel. Show up when Jewish communities are under threat.
Seventh, use social media to counter the lies. Share truth about Israel. Counter the propaganda. Be a voice for truth in a sea of disinformation.
[The cost of discipleship]
Let me be clear: Standing for Israel may cost you something. You may be called an "Islamophobe" or a "warmonger." You may lose friends. You may face backlash at work or school. In some places, you may face legal consequences for speaking out.
But Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Following Jesus means doing what's right even when it's costly.
The early church stood with the Jewish people even when it was dangerous. Many Christians throughout history have hidden Jews, protected Jews, and died defending Jews. Will we do any less?
[Closing charge and prayer]
I know where I stand. I stand with Israel because God stands with Israel. I stand with the Jewish people because they are God's chosen people, the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). I stand with Israel because Scripture is clear about God's promises and warnings regarding how we treat the Jewish people.
How about you? Where do you stand?
This is not a political issue—it's a biblical issue. This is not about blind support for every policy decision Israel makes—it's about recognizing God's covenant faithfulness and standing on the right side of history and prophecy.
The hour is late. The signs are clear. All nations are turning against Israel, just as Scripture prophesied. The question is: Will you stand with God's people, or will you remain silent?
Let me pray: Lord, forgive us for our silence. Forgive the church for failing to speak up when Your people are under attack. Give us courage to stand for Israel even when it costs us something.
We pray for the Jewish people worldwide who live in fear. Protect them. Comfort them. Show them that Christians stand with them. And ultimately, open their eyes to see Jesus as their Messiah.
We pray for an end to antisemitism. We pray that those participating in these hateful demonstrations would have their eyes opened to the evil they're embracing. We pray for university leaders, government officials, and all in authority to stand for what is right.
Give Your church boldness. Raise up pastors who will teach Your Word about Israel without fear. Mobilize Christians to speak up, pray, and act. Use us to be a blessing to the Jewish people.
And come quickly, Lord Jesus. Even so, come! In Your name, amen.
Thank you for joining me today. Please don't keep silent. Speak up for Israel. Stand with the Jewish people. The time is now.
Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, especially Israel, and stand for God's people!
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