Dislcaimer before I address the issue at hand in this post: I'm not trying to defend
@JesusSoldier or state I agree with arguments. Though we both stand with Israel, I do not agree with many of his arguments or agree he is representing all those who Stand for Israel properly.
I believe what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:21-45 is very applicable to this situation.
When it comes to biblical teaching there is clearly a difference between what is taught about an individual's response to injustice and how nations or governmental entities should respond. As individuals we are taught "vengance is mine says the lord". This is in line with "turn the other check". As individuals we are not given the freedom to seek vengeance and justice within our own means (i.e. vigilante justice). We are taught to have faith in God that, whether in this lifetime or in ages to come, we will see his justice served in every situation we encounter.
When Jesus taught about turning the other cheek he was speaking to individuals not taking the teachings of judgement in the Torah for personal use. The Torah rules about judgement and punishment were provided as the way the governmental process of the nation of Israel was to operate.
In Jesus' time the nation of Israel was under occupation of the Roman empire so the Jews were not operating as an autonomous society under the Torah. Jesus said himself he did not come to change or abolish the law. He did come to shed a whole new light on how to view and interpret the Torah though.
Now when it comes to nations and governments executing the justice of God, that is another story. It is biblically incorrect to murder another human being when it is motivated by hatred in the heart (per Matthew 5:21-45). However God commanded the armies of Israel to possess the land that was promised to them and often that was not a pretty sight and many people were killed in the process.
Without looking at the spiritual battle, it is impossible in the natural to see anything just or holy about war or bloodshed. Only when we look at this temporal realm we are currently living in, as a fallen state not operating under the full authority, justice and dominion of the living God, can we have any chance of remotely making sense of what is happening. In this realm we currently live in, God has chosen, whether we agree with it or not, to use imperfect people to execute his judgement and bring about his will.
Imperfect people mean imperfect processes to arrive at God's complete will. Of course the bloodshed that was necessary to insure the continued existence of Israel as the means of the messiah coming both in the past and in the future is a perfect example of it. If you can't accept that, then we will never be able to agree on much at all. There is day coming when that will change and Jesus will return as the Lion of tribe of Judah and setup the millennial reign. Then there will be perfect execution of God's governmental system that is outlined in the Torah.
Until then I stand with Israel and their charge to execute warfare to secure the promised land of God's covenant. I know I will be in a great minority, because the prophets in the Bible said that would be the case.
Because Hamas chooses to use innocent Palestinian citizens as shields and build bunkers, command centers and storage depots under hospitals and other civic structures, it is a very sad and heartbreaking reality that many more innocent people will die in this war, then is necessary. I do not condone IDF soldiers purposely killing civilians or killing even guilty Hamas terrorists, with hatred and personal vengeance in their hearts. As soldiers in the army of Israel, I would hope they approach their assignments with the notion that they are executing military orders to fulfill the promises of the Covenant of God. I hope and pray that any soldier of any country who fights believing they are fighting a justified war would have a similar attitude and never rejoice in the deaths of any individuals, civilian or enlisted.
I realize that is highly idealistic and am fully aware many of the soldiers in the IDF do not have that attitude or mindset. It does not change the fact that I believe this is a God ordained war on the side of Israel and possibly fulfillment of biblical prophecy (remains to be seen). It does not mean I agree with every decision or method that Israel is choosing. Each soldier individually will have to answer to God, about the attitude and heart they had in following the commands they were given. Each commanding office and politician in Israel will also answer to God in the method and motive they operated within.
Yes I stand with Israel and support their God given covenantal promise to return and posses the land of Israel, even if I do not completely agree with all their tactics. I stand with Israel but I do not rejoice in the suffering and loss of life amongst innocent Palestinian lives.
