Thursday, October 10, 2013

Book Review: To Ponder and Pray

Chosen Books graciously provided a complimentary copy of Why Still Care About Israel? in exchange of an honest book review.
     Honestly, I did not know what to expect. When one brings up the Israeli-Arab conflict it is any one's guess considering the myriad of opinions and prejudices what reaction will be elicited. Author Sandra Teplinsky, an American-Israeli Messianic Jew, reassesses the situation from a very concerned manner. In her book Why Still Care About Israel?: The Sanctity of Covenant, Moral Justice and Prophetic Blessing Teplinsky evaluates the past, present and future of the Israelis, their state and what it means to the church as a whole.
     In the current state of affairs amongst the world it seems you are either for or against the State of Israel. If anyone could be simply for Israel it would be Teplinsky. Yet, she has a tender heart for all people and takes that into consideration. She calls for support of Israel, but also for Palestinians . She is not against a people, but the ugly side of humanity that comes out in the name of God. It is within the remnant of Israel that God proclaims as His choice people, or firstborn son. Therein lies a covenant with his people to bless and prosper. Yet, the land that was originally given has been significantly reduced. Prophetically, looking to the future, the state of Israel is to be restored for the coming of its rightful King. It is in the greater picture that the world should care, that Christians and Messianic Jews should care.
    Why Still Care About Israel? serves as a voice for the Israelis. One point I found sad and interesting was the discombobulated journalism that sways public opinion along anti-Christian/anti-Jewish lines. The author as a part-time resident of Israel has seen first-hand what a spin on reporting can do to the detriment of a population. How can people form educated opinions when the news is  biased? With that in mind, I applaud Teplinsky for writing a book from an unbiased perspective, as much as humanly possible.
    Teplinsky does a wonderful job observing Israel from the inside with an outsider eye. She addresses the many facets of the problems religiously, culturally and politically. Easy answers are not given, yet options are surmised and analyzed. For all the strife and pain that resonates with this topic, there is a hope, a hope to be prayed.
     If you pick up Why Still Care About Israel? you may be shaken. The very ideology you claim may be swayed. On the other hand maybe you have given this topic ample thought already. However, my guess is you will ponder this some more from a completely different angle. This will be great reading for any and every believer.


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