"... “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.” And he became their Savior.9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them;in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." - Isaiah 63:8-10
Monday, January 27, marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, in other words International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Holocaust raises complex questions about God's presence during suffering and hardship. Where was the Lord during that suffering? What happened to the Lord's Covenant with Israel? Where is the Lord when we face difficulties?
In John 9, Jesus' disciples encounter a man born blind. They asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus replies that neither the man nor his parents sinned; rather, it was an opportunity for God's works to be revealed in him. This response is significant because it emphasizes that not all suffering can be traced back to individual sin. In fact, it can serve as a platform for God's goodness to become visible.
There are many instances in life where we may not receive clear answers regarding suffering. Even if God were to provide an explanation, we might struggle to understand or accept it. Just like in the book of Job, where the Lord governs the universe, we only see a portion of what is happening. However, each trial can be viewed as an opportunity for God's healing and miraculous power to be revealed.
What often appears as obstacles can become a springboard in our spiritual journey. Some people feel that events like the Holocaust, and suffering in general, indicate that the Lord has abandoned them. Yet throughout Scripture, the Lord demonstrates His faithfulness as a covenant-keeping God. Experiencing hardships does not mean the Lord has forsaken you...
God made a profound promise to Abram in Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse." This promise extends beyond Abraham himself; it encompasses his descendants and the nation of Israel throughout history. The promises made are reiterated by the patriarchs—Isaac and Jacob also received similar assurances. In the Book of Numbers, we see how Balaam is hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel as they journey through the wilderness. Instead of cursing them, Balaam blesses Israel because God commanded him to do so. This incident reinforces the idea that God's blessing remains on Israel despite their shortcomings and failures. Even during times of judgment and suffering, God's commitment to bless Israel continues.
In Romans 9:6, Paul states that "not all who are descended from Israel are Israel," indicating that within the nation there is a remnant of born-again believers. He asserts that to be a true Jew, one must be ethnically from the nation of Israel AND ALSO born again, circumcised in heart. For no one comes to the Father except through the Son. As he continues through chapters 9 to 11, he emphasizes the importance of Israel as a nation. Romans 11:28-29 makes it clear that although the Jewish people may currently oppose the Gospel, they are STILL beloved by God because of the patriarchs; His gifts and calling are irrevocable. This understanding does not imply that everything Israel does is right; rather, it acknowledges God's enduring love for His chosen people despite their disobedience. Throughout history, we see evidence of supernatural blessings on those who stand with Israel.
The Holocaust raises profound questions about God's presence during times of extreme suffering. Many scholars and religious leaders have attempted to interpret this tragedy through various lenses. Some within the Orthodox Jewish community have viewed it as divine punishment for liberalism among Jews who abandoned 'traditional practices'. However, this perspective is deeply unsettling given the scale of innocent lives lost.
The staggering evil inflicted during this period cannot simply be dismissed as divine judgment; it requires deeper reflection. Someone once remarked that we could not explain the Holocaust with or without God. This acknowledgment reflects the complexity of understanding divine involvement in human suffering. Throughout history, Antisemitism has manifested as a sustained hatred towards Jewish people. This hatred cannot merely be attributed to divine judgment but is rooted in a broader spiritual conflict. Satan's desire to annihilate the Jewish people remains evident today. Before Christ, the Enemy sought to destroy the Jewish people to prevent the Messiah from coming. After Christ, he continues attempting to eradicate them, trying to thwart God's promises and Messiah's future return. When Yeshua/Jesus was on earth, the Enemy wanted people to stone Him, throw Him off a cliff, & even crucify Him—little knowing that the Father had a plan and would work all things together for good for those who love Him.
The same spiritual struggle that arose against the Messiah still stands against God's chosen people today. Despite persecution and judgment throughout history, God's promise to preserve His people endures. The existence of modern Israel stands as a testament to God's faithfulness amid suffering and loss.
Every believer also faces a spiritual struggle in our journey; however, God will work all things together for good for those who love Him.
But here’s a deeper thought: What if God was present with His people during their suffering? Isaiah 63 reminds us that "in all their afflictions He was afflicted." While there are remarkable stories of individuals preserved through divine intervention during the Holocaust, countless others suffered without such experiences.
Could it be that God chose to suffer alongside His people? In moments of anguish and despair during the Holocaust, He may have been intimately aware of their pain. The ultimate expression of suffering can be found in Christ's crucifixion. As He bore humanity's sins on the cross—experiencing rejection, mockery, and death—He identified with human suffering in its most profound form. For Jewish people around the world grappling with grief and loss, Yeshua offers understanding and comfort. By recognizing Christ's suffering as part of God's redemptive plan for humanity and Israel, we find hope amid despair. The message becomes one of healing—encouraging individuals to seek refuge in Him during their darkest moments.
The intricate relationship between suffering—whether experienced by individuals or nations—reveals deep truths about God's character and His plan for redemption. By understanding how Christ's suffering intertwines with that of the Jewish people and humanity as a whole, we gain insight into the mystery of God's overarching plan for salvation. As we navigate our struggles or witness injustice in our world around us, let us remember that within suffering lies an opportunity for healing and transformation—a chance for God's glory to shine brightly amidst darkness. In our pain and mourning may we find comfort in knowing we are not alone; God walks with us through every trial we face.' - Adapted from articles by Dr Michael Brown
This Holocaust Remembrance Day—please remember to intercede in prayer for the Israeli Messianic congregations and the Jewish people - in Israel and abroad. Lift them up before the Lord; pray for their safety, for open doors for the Gospel, and for God’s plans and purposes for Israel to be revealed in the hearts of Believers worldwide. You can support Messianic congregations in Israel with donations by partnering with the David and Jonathan Foundation.
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