CPTnet
10 January 2009
PALESTINE REFLECTION: Gaza and Jeremiah

by Jim Roynon

The Old Testament reading last Sunday was Jeremiah 31:7-14.  The
pastor at our church in Jerusalem, Mike Powell, pointed out that this
passage is often labeled as Zionist, seemingly supporting the
establishment and preservation of a Jewish homeland.  Netanyahu even
quoted the passage in a letter to the United Nations, stating, "For
what, after all, is Zionism, but the fulfillment of ancient
prophecies?  Jeremiah 31:10 tells us "He that scattereth Israel will
gather him."

But is this promise from God fulfilled in the modern state of Israel?
If interpreted as God's will, it is not a large step to say any
action taken is not only justified, but divinely sanctioned.  Does
this include the slaughter of innocents in Gaza?

Jeremiah does proclaim God's people will return from exile.  He talks
of gathering from the farthest parts of the earth–including the lame,
the blind, "those with child and those in labor." (8)  The prophet and
the experience of the exile shed insight into God's promise, as not
narrowly centered to geography.  God's reign is over all nations.  God
loves every land and all peoples.

Seen this way, Jeremiah is far less about a modern state of Israel at
this moment in time, and more about God's reign in our lives.  It
describes a people full of life, people with a safe, secure place to
raise families, where even the most vulnerable have a place to call home.

Seen in this way, Jeremiah is not only denouncing activities like
those in Gaza, actions that destroy lives for all people.  But, God
stands on the side of life, Powell said, promising a `well watered
garden' for all God's people. . .everyone, everywhere.

Jesus came to claim the world not through rockets, riots and assaults,
but through love, grace and mercy.  He is a King who says to all, "I
love you.  Salvation is yours". . .a King who sustains us with the
`stuff' of life, like bread and wine.

As we shared Eucharist, the `abundant' bread we shared was compared to
the lack of bread and the `stuff of life' in Gaza; the wine,
representing the innocent blood of Christ, put alongside the blood of
the innocents caught in war. . .a truly holy moment in this un-`Holy
Land.'

I weep for us all. . .those suffering, those causing suffering, and
those who remain silent as such devastation continues.