And I will bless them that bless thee
William MacDonald teaches that God’s promise to bless those who bless Israel remains true, urging believers to reject anti-Semitism and support the Jewish people as part of their faithfulness to God.
In this topical sermon, William MacDonald explores God’s enduring promise to bless those who bless Israel, tracing the historical and prophetic significance of this covenant. He highlights the persistent persecution of the Jewish people and the ultimate divine justice that will come in the end times. MacDonald calls believers to reject anti-Semitism and actively support the Jewish people as an expression of their faith and obedience to God’s Word.
Text
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.” (Gen. 12:3)
When God first called Abraham to be the head of His chosen earthly people, He promised to bless the friends of that nation and to curse its enemies. In the intervening centuries the Jewish people have suffered untold hostility and discrimination, but the curse of God has never been lifted on anti-Semitism.
Haman plotted the destruction of the Jewish people in Persia. He inveigled the king into signing an unalterable decree. For a while everything seemed to be moving in his favor. But then snags developed. The arch-conspirator staggered from disappointment to failure till finally he was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai, the Jew.
Failing to learn from history, Adolph Hitler was doomed to relive it. He inaugurated a vicious program to wipe out the Jews with his concentration camps, gas chambers, ovens, mass shootings. It seemed that nothing could stop him. But then the tide turned and he died ignominiously with his mistress in a Berlin bunker.
Anti-Semitism will reach its most horrendous climax during the Great Tribulation. The Jews will be delivered up to be afflicted and killed; they will be hated by all the Gentile nations. Vast numbers will be massacred. But the pogrom will be interrupted by the personal advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who have persecuted His people will be destroyed; those who have befriended Christ’s Jewish brethren will enter the Kingdom.
No true believer should ever allow his soul to be tainted with a trace of anti-Semitism. His Lord, his Savior, his best and truest Friend was and is a Jew. God used the Jewish people to give and preserve the Scriptures. Although God has temporarily set aside the nation because of its rejection of the Messiah, He still loves Israel for the Fathers’ sake. No one who hates the Jews can expect the blessing of God on his life and service.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psa. 122:6). They shall also prosper who love the Jewish people.
Sermon Outline
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I
- God’s promise to Abraham to bless those who bless Israel
- Historical examples of anti-Semitism and its consequences
- The unbroken curse on those who oppose Israel
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II
- Biblical and historical instances of persecution against the Jews
- God’s protection and ultimate justice for His people
- The failure of persecutors like Haman and Hitler
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III
- The Great Tribulation and intensified persecution of Israel
- The return of Christ to deliver the Jewish people
- Blessings for those who support Israel and judgment for those who oppose
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IV
- The believer’s responsibility to reject anti-Semitism
- The Jewish roots of Christianity and God’s enduring love for Israel
- Praying for the peace of Jerusalem as a sign of faithfulness
Key Quotes
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.” — William MacDonald
“No true believer should ever allow his soul to be tainted with a trace of anti-Semitism.” — William MacDonald
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Reject any form of anti-Semitism as incompatible with Christian faith.
- Pray regularly for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem and the Jewish people.
- Support and bless Israel as a demonstration of obedience to God’s covenant promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the promise 'I will bless them that bless thee' mean?
It means God will favor and reward those who support and show kindness to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.
Why is anti-Semitism condemned in this sermon?
Because it opposes God’s chosen people and brings a curse rather than blessing on those who harbor it.
How does history demonstrate God’s protection of Israel?
Despite many attempts to destroy the Jewish people, such as by Haman and Hitler, God’s justice ultimately prevails.
What role does Israel play in end times prophecy according to the sermon?
Israel will face severe persecution during the Great Tribulation but will be delivered by the personal return of Jesus Christ.
How should Christians respond to the Jewish people today?
Christians should love, pray for, and support the Jewish people, recognizing their special place in God’s plan.