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By Steve Weatherbe
AS some observers contend that the prospect of
pre-emptive strikes by Israel against nuclear sites in Iran is growing, one
Canadian couple has conducted a cross-Canada junket to urge Christians to
support the embattled Jewish nation.
Jay and Meridel Rawlings were in his hometown of
Victoria in late July, before moving on to Vancouver, Alberta and Ontario
and then returning to their home in Jerusalem.
They told supporters at Central Baptist Church (where
the couple met), and the congregation at North Douglas Pentecostal, that
Canada was facing a time of testing in terms of its relationship with
Israel.
Rawlings told the audiences that Israel’s
survival was being challenged by Iran’s nuclear program – and
that it was naïve not to take Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at
his word when he promised to destroy Israel.
“I can see Israel taking out the nuclear program.
When they do there will be a world reaction against them.”
Christians should send the Canadian government a strong
message that Canada should stand with Israel, Rawlings insisted.
“Jesus talked about dividing the sheep and goat
nations on the basis of whether they helped those in need,” he
argued. He also cited Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless them that
bless thee and curse him that curseth thee” – to
reinforce the importance of defending the Israeli people (though not
necessarily supporting specific Israeli government policies).
Rawlings noted Prime Minister Stephen Harper had
already demonstrated courage in defending Israel in international forums.
The Rawlings felt called to move to Israel 40 years
ago. They first operated a publishing firm, then made documentary and TV
movies – and now have an online ministry called Israel Vision. They
disseminate general information on Israeli culture, and also promote the
Rawlings’ perspective on Christian-Jewish relations.
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It is their view that Christians should not be
evangelizing Jews, so much as assisting the world’s Jewish population
to return to Israel. Once this “gathering in” has occurred,
Rawlings said the Jews will experience a “national
revelation” of Christ. “Israel is on a collision course with
the Messiah.”
The Rawlings realize their interpretation runs contrary
to another controversial view: ‘replacement theology,’ which
teaches the Christian church has replaced the Jews as God’s
‘chosen people.’ But the Jews, says Meridel, “are still
in the heart of the Father.”
Jay maintained that only the Jewish people have been
given national redemption, salvation and survival by God – and they
are the only people he has called to bless other nations.
The in-gathering has already started, he said. Though
Israel is hardly the safest place for them these days, Jews from North
America and Europe are flocking there.
Moreover, he added, within what is a largely secular
nation, there is something of a spiritual revival taking place.
“In our own neighbourhood, a synagogue with six
members now has 250 families.”
Constant: israelvision.tv.
September 2008
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