Empathy, Faith, and Support: Standing with Israel
Summary
Beloved congregation, today we delve into the heart of empathy, the steadfastness of Israel, and the unwavering faith that sustains us through trials. We began by discussing the delicate balance between empathy and scripture. Empathy is a God-given gift, but it must be weighed against the truth of God's Word. We cannot let our emotions dictate our beliefs, but rather align our compassion with scriptural truths.
We then explored the New Covenant, often quoted but sometimes misunderstood. The New Covenant, while a cornerstone of our faith, does not negate God's promises to Israel. Jeremiah 31 was our guide, reminding us that Israel remains the apple of God's eye, a nation ransomed and redeemed. This passage reassures us of God's unchanging commitment to His people and their land.
Our conversation shifted to the tragic events of October 7th, a day that will forever be etched in the memory of Israel. The horror of that day, the loss of life, and the subsequent rallying of the Israeli people showcased both the depth of despair and the strength of a nation united under God. We heard the personal stories of those affected, stories of bravery, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to life.
We were reminded that our enemies may seek our destruction, but our love for life, rooted in the presence of God, is our victory. Our enemies may not value life as we do, but we continue to choose life, to educate our children, and to live out the prophecies fulfilled in the land of Israel.
Finally, we recognized the global support from our Christian brothers and sisters. Your prayers, your advocacy, and your tangible support through offerings and resources have been a lifeline in our darkest hours. As we face the future, we do so knowing we are not alone, bolstered by the love and support of the global Christian community.
Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from today's sermon:
1. Empathy, while a beautiful aspect of the human heart, must be anchored in the truth of Scripture. We cannot allow our feelings to override the clear teachings of the Bible. Our love for others must be expressed within the boundaries of God's Word. [58:18]
2. The New Covenant does not replace God's promises to Israel. Jeremiah 31 serves as a powerful reminder that God's covenant with Israel is everlasting. As believers, we must recognize and honor God's faithfulness to His chosen people. [58:51]
3. The events of October 7th revealed the fragility of life and the resilience of faith. In the face of unspeakable tragedy, the people of Israel demonstrated a collective strength that can only come from a deep trust in God's sovereignty and providence. [01:00:07]
4. The love for life is a defining characteristic of God's people. Even in mourning, the commitment to live joyfully and purposefully as a testament to God's goodness is a powerful witness to the world. [42:58]
5. The support of the global Christian community is not just a comfort; it is a testament to the unity of the body of Christ. When we stand with Israel, we participate in the unfolding of God's plan and affirm our shared heritage in the faith. [56:16]
May these insights deepen your faith and encourage you to live out the truths of God's Word with conviction and compassion. Amen.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 31:10-14 (ESV)
> "Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’ For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the Lord."
2. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV)
> "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
3. Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
> "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Jeremiah 31, what are the promises God makes to Israel? How does this passage affirm God's unchanging commitment to His people? ([58:51])
2. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, what choice does God set before the people, and what are the consequences of that choice?
3. How does Psalm 121:1-2 reflect the theme of seeking help and strength from God, especially in times of trouble?
4. What were some of the personal stories shared in the sermon that highlighted the resilience and faith of the Israeli people during the events of October 7th? ([11:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Jeremiah 31 about God gathering and keeping Israel as a shepherd keeps his flock relate to the current situation in Israel as described in the sermon? ([58:51])
2. What does it mean to "choose life" as described in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, and how can this principle be applied to the context of the sermon? ([23:34])
3. How does the perspective of seeking help from the Lord in Psalm 121:1-2 provide comfort and strength to those facing trials, as illustrated by the personal stories shared in the sermon? ([05:28])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of empathy being anchored in the truth of Scripture. How can we balance empathy and scriptural truth in our daily lives? ([57:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Jeremiah 31, how can you personally honor God's faithfulness to His chosen people in your daily life? What actions can you take to support Israel in practical ways? ([58:51])
2. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 calls us to choose life. What specific steps can you take this week to choose life and blessings in your interactions with others, especially in difficult situations? ([23:34])
3. Psalm 121:1-2 speaks of seeking help from the Lord. When facing personal trials, how can you remind yourself to seek God's help first? Can you think of a recent situation where you did or did not do this? ([05:28])
4. The sermon highlighted the global support from the Christian community. How can you actively participate in supporting Israel and other communities in need through prayer, advocacy, or tangible resources? ([56:16])
5. Considering the balance between empathy and scriptural truth, identify a situation where you struggled to align your compassion with God's Word. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? ([57:40])
6. The sermon shared stories of bravery and sacrifice. Think of a time when you had to show resilience in the face of adversity. How did your faith play a role in that situation, and how can you strengthen your faith for future challenges? ([11:56])
7. How can you cultivate a love for life, as described in the sermon, in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to live joyfully and purposefully as a testament to God's goodness? ([23:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Anchoring Empathy in Scripture
Empathy is a beautiful and essential part of the human experience, reflecting the compassionate heart of God. However, it must be rooted in the truth of Scripture to ensure it aligns with God's will and design. When empathy is guided by the Bible, it becomes a powerful tool for loving others in a way that honors God and upholds His teachings. This balance prevents emotions from leading astray and ensures that compassion is expressed within the boundaries of divine wisdom. It is a call to love deeply, yet discerningly, with a heart attuned to the voice of God. [58:18]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." - Romans 12:9 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice empathy today in a way that is informed by Scripture and honors God's truth?
Day 2: God's Everlasting Covenant with Israel
The New Covenant, introduced by Christ, is a fulfillment of God's promises, not a replacement. It is crucial to understand that God's covenant with Israel, as outlined in Jeremiah 31, remains intact and everlasting. This covenant is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and love for His chosen people. Believers are called to recognize and honor this special relationship, which stands as a beacon of God's commitment throughout history. The enduring bond between God and Israel serves as a reminder of His steadfast love and the certainty of His promises. [58:51]
"Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD of hosts is his name: 'If this fixed order departs from before me, declares the LORD, then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation before me forever.'" - Jeremiah 31:35-36 (ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and support God's ongoing covenant with Israel in your prayers and actions?
Day 3: Resilience and Faith Amidst Tragedy
The events of October 7th have shown the fragility of life and the incredible resilience that faith in God can provide. In the face of such tragedy, the people of Israel demonstrated a collective strength and unity that can only be attributed to their deep trust in God's sovereignty. This trust is a testament to the belief that God is in control, even in the darkest of times, and that His providence is sufficient. The response of the Israeli people serves as an example of how faith can sustain and empower a community to rise above adversity and continue to live with purpose. [01:00:07]
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV)
Reflection: How can your faith in God's sovereignty provide strength in your current trials, and how can you demonstrate this trust to others?
Day 4: Choosing Life in Mourning
The love for life is a defining characteristic of those who follow God. Even in the midst of mourning, there is a commitment to live joyfully and purposefully, which serves as a testament to God's goodness. This choice to embrace life, to educate children, and to fulfill the prophecies in the land of Israel is a powerful witness to the world. It is a declaration that, despite sorrow, life is precious and worth celebrating because it is a gift from God, who is the source of all life and joy. [42:58]
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you choose to celebrate life and God's goodness today, even if you are facing personal challenges or loss?
Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ
The support of the global Christian community for Israel is a beautiful reflection of the unity of the body of Christ. This unity is not merely a source of comfort; it is an active participation in God's unfolding plan and an affirmation of a shared heritage in the faith. When believers stand together, they demonstrate the love and support that is central to the Christian life. This solidarity is a powerful force, providing strength and encouragement to those facing adversity and reminding us that we are never alone in our journey of faith. [56:16]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
Reflection: What tangible action can you take this week to show unity and support for your brothers and sisters in Christ, both locally and globally?
Quotes
- "Empathy must always be balanced with what scripture says. One can have empathy towards a man wanting to marry a man and can say well if he loves him he should be able to do that. Your empathy can say well shouldn't he be able to love but what does the word of God say?" [58:18] ( | | )
- "Hear the word of the Lord O Nations... He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a Shepherd keeps his flock. For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him." [59:32] ( | | )
- "The love for life is a defining characteristic of God's people. Even in mourning, the commitment to live joyfully and purposefully as a testament to God's goodness is a powerful witness to the world." [42:58] ( | | )
- "The support of the global Christian community is not just a comfort; it is a testament to the unity of the body of Christ. When we stand with Israel, we participate in the unfolding of God's plan and affirm our shared heritage in the faith." [56:16] ( | | )
- "We are a nation of heroes... all of Israel woke up and did everything possible to bless and support those affected by the tragedy. People would pack food for the soldiers, go and replace all the males and the women that went to reserve." [28:41] ( | | )
- "We know that we are doing God's work in the land and we will continue to do that. So what are we trying to do? We're trying to help the communities as much as possible to be ready and prepared." [48:58] ( | | )
Please note that the quotes have been selected to align with the sermon summary and the instructions provided, and they reflect the pastor's own insights rather than direct quotes from the Bible or other sources. Each quote is accompanied by a timestamped source link as requested.
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