Many people calling themselves Christians throughout history have taught incorrectly that God has rejected his people and that the church has replaced Israel. This theology directly contributed to egregious acts of violence against the Jewish people in the name of Christiandom. Christian anti-Semitism creates two victims. It has brought terror and death to numerous Jews, but it also attacks the very heart of Christianity and has led to persecution of many Christians such as Cory Ten-Boom and Martin Niemoller. In some cases Christians gave their lives to defend their faith and the Jewish people, as was the case for German Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer who helped Jews escape Germany during the reign of Hitler. He also was advisor to a high-level assasination attempt on Hitler that eventually brought about his arrest. He was sent to prison and later to a concentration camp where he was killed just days before liberation of that camp.

Paul warns against Christian arrogance in Romans. He uses an olive tree to illustrate the relationship of the gentiles to the Jews. He refers to the roots as the Jewish covenants and promises. The natural branches are the Jews. Paul reminds us that we gentiles are not the natural branches of the olive tree but have been grafted in.

Paul says, "Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the roots but the root that supports you...so do not become proud, but stand in awe" (Romans 11:18,20).

All that we hold dear God gave to us through the Jews. Paul says again in his letter to the Romans:

"They are the Israelites and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Messiah who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen"(9:4).

God's word commands us that we are to stand with Israel (Gen 12:3), comfort her (Isaiah 40:1) and pray for the peace of Jerusalem (PS 122:6).

It isn't just Ahmadinijad and most of the Arab world that is anti-Israel and anti-Semitic. The world at large is growing increasingly intolerant of Israel. But why? The nations are coming against Israel because the they are against God and his redemptive plans for the world. God has established Israel as a sign to the world to testify of His glory (Isaiah 49:3,6).

This is just one of the promise upon which we stand. In Numbers 23:19, Moses wrote, "God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He prophecy and not fulfill?"

The restoration of Israel to her ancient soil is evidence that there is hope and redemption for this world and when we stand with Israel, we stand with the purposes of God.

It is easy to watch the events unfolding in the world today regarding Israel and lose hope. Just the very existence of the State and her Jewish citizens incite anger and violence. However, it is the very existence of Israel and the Jewish people that gives us hope!  For Israel points to the existence of a covenant-keeping God who has not forgotten his promises.

Sometimes it isn't the ancient stones that are the most exciting news out of Israel, though the ruins from times gone by have a weighty significance. The story of Israel is as new as it is ancient. It spans human history and continues forward in ways that we can share in and impact. Today the people are living stones which communicate a unique story about what God is doing in our time.

Tomorrow's history is created by today's activity and it is ready to be molded by those who will actively pursue it. The Grafted tour of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is the perfect event to join if you are a young adult and want to contribute to the story of Israel. Grafted was started by our director, Liesl Hedding Maas, in 2003 as a global vehicle for young adults to express their love and support for Israel through practical educational and social programs. In January I joined the team as the Jerusalem Coordinator and project manager. It has been an incredible experience and really culminated in the July Summer Hands-On Tour.

We had 24 participants representing 13 different nations. The international aspect of the tour is one of its greatest strengths, though there are many. We engaged in a variety of service projects including a house make-over for a woman rescued from human trafficking, a musical program for Holocaust survivors, a fun-filled day camp for children of Sudanese refugees that have fled persecution and war in South Sudan, a cleaning project in the Muslim quarter of East Jerusalem, and a gardening project for an orphanage in an orthodox Jewish neighborhood..

I think I will take the next few blogs to share a few more details about the projects. Below are a few pictures from the projects.

Grafted’s purpose is to connect, equip and engage Christian young adults around the world to stand with the Nation of Israel based on God’s Word. It accomplish this through multiple programs including educational tours to Israel, the Jerusalem internship, the 232 Leadership program, International speaking tours, and multiple media outlets such as their website, blog, newsletters and social networking sites..

The yearly Feast of Tabernacles tour invites the rising generation to come to Israel and explore the land of the Bible, learn from internationally renowned speakers and theologians, and discover or renew their spiritual life and calling. The tour has brought from 60 to120 people from multiple nations for the past seven years..

The annual summer “Hands-On” tour provides our groups with the opportunity to meet and interact with many aspects of Israeli society. It provides meaningful service opportunities for the group to contribute to Israeli communities through projects which include working in community centers, soup kitchens, youth villages, African Refugee villages and hospitals to name a few. One of our most celebrated outreaches is the adoption of a Holocaust survivor. Grafted members throughout the world send regular contributions so that Grafted may give a monthly contribution to help sustain and bless our adopted survivor. .

Since starting in 2003, over a thousand young adults have come and visited the Nation of Israel on Grafted tours and events to learn more about the people, the land and their responsibility as Christians to support the Nation of Israel. Grafted educates young people from all corners of the globe about Israel’s unique calling, political situation and social issues while encouraging the rising generation of young professionals to confront the challenges of their day and to be a voice of love, hope and restoration to the people of Israel..

Thousands of people flock to Israel each year to walk to Via Dolorosa, stand atop the Mt. Of Beatitudes, hike to the top of Massada and maybe partake in an archaeological dig of some ancient biblical ruin. These are all incredible experiences and I highly recommend them. But when you make it to this amazing land, I encourage you not to overlook the living stories that are happening all around you..

If you are between the ages of 18 to 30ish, consider the Grafted tour! The 2010 Feast of Tabernacles tour is still open for registration. Check it out at www.grafted.org.