Usually, on special days, like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Independence Day, I fly an American flag in the front of our house. At the same time, I am against flying an American Flag in a church and never allowed it in any of the churches I pastored. A church is a place to honor the living God above all and for all of us to be reminded that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God first. I love my country, even with all of its flaws, although I am extremely disappointed at its current state of disunity, corruption and most of all, its spiritual apathy.
But today, for the first time in my life, the flag of Israel flies outside my house.
Why?
Complicated answer.
- I read history.
- I read Bonhoeffer.
- I am distressed by the rise of anti-semitism around the world.
- I am distressed by the rise of anti-semitism in our country.
- I am extremely disheartened by the rise of anti-semitism on college campuses.
- One report says that over 51% of young people between the age of 18-30 will not condemn the terrorist attack on Israel! Appalling!
- Because I remember the Martin Neimöller quote about coming to stand for the Jews too late.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”—Martin Neimöller
- And I have come to believe that if I am not willing to take some flack for standing with Israel, then I’m a phony. I don’t want to be a phony. Standing with Israel is not a statement that Israel is always right. It is not to say that there is no place for some sympathy for Palestine. But it is to say that Israel has a right to survive. And if Israel is going to have rocks thrown at it (in addition to missiles and bullets) and I’m not willing to at least risk having rocks thrown at me, then I’m not standing close enough.
So tonight, an Israeli flag hangs outside my house. I have no idea what my neighbors will think of it. It will be interesting to find out. As it flies, it is accompanied by my prayers for the peace of Jerusalem.
Update: I have decided to fly the Israeli flag every Saturday in honor of the Jewish Sabbath and as a reminder to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and end of hostilities between Gaza and Israel. Join me. Let’s start a movement of prayer and concern for peace in the middle east as well as solidarity against ALL terrorism.
Second Update: A neighbors knocked on my door and decided to follow my lead and also fly an Israeli flag. Had a great conversation at my front door and was even able to share the gospel story with him.
Third Update: my neighbor tells me of two more neighbors who have followed suit and are flying Israeli flags.
ChosenRebel's Blog 
Glad to read this post fellow-traveler. Because my family left Germany shortly before the Nazi takeover, and because they financially supported helping Jews leave in the 1930’s, the current crisis is something I can’t ignore. I know what you mean about to ignore it is to be a phony, as Bonhoeffer so often pointed out. I’m starting small….a Star of David sticker for my car. It was a moment of truth when I asked myself “Do I really want to invite someone to vandalize my car? Do I want the hassle? Do I want the inconvenience? Wow, am I that weak and pathetic?” With the rise of antisemitism showing itself in public, Christians must stand with the Jewish people everywhere. Bless you as you fly Israel’s flag.
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Good point! If I am willing to have my car be vandalized for having an Eagles sticker (it has been), why not for the people who gave us the Messiah?
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