A THEOPOLITICAL KINGDOM versus A GEOPOLITICAL NATION: what the Gaza conflict exposed

John 18:36  Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 

Observing Gaza, with the loss of more than 17,000 souls, it seems like Christians have taken on the role of aggressor while Muslims talk peace.  As Christians we are consecrated to be impartial, full of mercy, and bold witnesses of the Kingdom of Peace.  If we fail to do so, we will inevitably relinquish our role as peacemakers.

Over the next week, I would love to explore five vices that the conflict has exposed and five reasons why Christians in the West have lost their influence in one of the most opportune seasons in history.

Today we look at the vice of embracing a Geopolitical allegiance instead of pursuing a Theopolitical Kingdom

1. A Theopolitical Kingdom versus a Geopolitical nation

First and foremost, it seems like most conversations in Christian circles today, when discussing the Gaza conflict is interpreted from a GEOPOLITICAL perspective instead of viewing it from a THEOPOLITICAL point of view.

Geopolitics focuses on political powers linked to a geographical space.  Put simply, geopolitics refers to political factors that are between countries and regions. Israel is the perfect example.  When we equate the geopolitical position of Israel simply as a nation within geographical borders then we lose sight of the bigger picture and the all-inclusive Kingdom.  Even if we fully explore the Biblical and prophetic significance of Israel but still view it as a geopolitical entity, we will lose sight of an eternal Kingdom with redemption at its core.

Theopolitics on the other hand observes the borderless Kingdom of God.  Learn Religions^[1] describes the Kingdom of God as follows:  The concept of a Kingdom of God is not primarily one of space, territory, or politics, as in a national kingdom, but instead, one of kingly rule, reign, and sovereign control.  The Kingdom of God is the realm where God reigns supreme, and Jesus Christ is King. In this kingdom, God’s authority is recognized, and his will is obeyed.

Ron Rhodes, Theology Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, offers this bite-size definition of the Kingdom of God: “…God’s present spiritual reign over His people (Colossians 1:13) and Jesus’ future reign in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20).”

Old Testament scholar Graeme Goldsworthy summarized the Kingdom of God in even fewer words as, “God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule.”

Regardless what you believe about Israel, it is not about Israel.  Let me explain

Simon the zealot (Acts 1:13, Luke 6:15) followed Christ with a geopolitical agenda and there is much to learn from this disciple.  Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus’ disciples. He was also a former member of a radical sect of Jewish patriots committed to overthrowing Rome.

The historian Josephus describes four prominent groups in first-century Judea. They were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, and the Zealots.  The fourth group, which Simon was affiliated with, was the Zealots—the most politically minded of the Jews.  But who were the Zealots exactly?

According to historical accounts, the Zealots were a notorious sect of Jewish patriots who sought to overthrow the Roman occupation—often through violence, terror, and political intimidation.  In their case, the Zealots were more known for their national patriotism and hatred of Rome than anything else. It was this animosity towards the Roman occupation of their home that motivated the Zealots to become violent extremists with “an insatiable passion for liberty.” (Josephus, Antiquities 18.1.6)

However, their zeal for country and hatred of Rome, a zeal they believed served God, were often misguided and misdirected. For example, the most extreme among the Zealots furthered their cause by attacking Roman soldiers, politicians, and even Jews friendly to Rome. On a broader scale, the Zealots also put themselves on the radar of the Roman army by burning Roman targets throughout Judea.

Now replace “Rome” with “Hamas” and it suddenly sounds vaguely familiar?

As Christ followers, we are transformed into a Christ consciousness that looks at wars and conflicts through different lenses.  The teachings of Jesus Christ centred on the Kingdom of God, so should ours.  We are called to embrace and pursue a Theopolitical worldview.  In doing so we do not focus on Israel as the nation of God but on God as the God of all nations.  Israel is the “geo” of the nation, but God is the “Theos” of this nation.  Once we fully comprehend this it will move us from supporting a nation within geographical borders, with an inclusion and an exclusion of people, to declaring a borderless Kingdom with a supreme deity that wants ALL to be saved – ALL – even the enemies of those who fight our allies. ^[2]

We stand with and belong to the Kingdom of God, not a nation confined within geographical borders.  We are in allegiance with this Kingdom.  Our mandate is to help to bring the Kingdom of Heaven on earth through restoration and reconciliation.  We do not defend a nation but proclaim a Kingdom.  We no longer bless one at the cost of another but seek to bless all, especially our enemies.  This is the supreme example we follow of a leader, called the Prince of Peace, who even at His death, used His last breath to bless those who persecuted Him

Jesus’ Kingdom Is Not confined to the borders of Israel. The words that Jesus spoke to Pontius Pilate will be the same that He declares today to those who align with a geopolitical nation and not a theopolitical Kingdom:

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, my kingdom is not of this realm.” Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice” (John 18:36,37).

[1] https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-kingdom-of-god-701988#Defining%20The%20Kingdom%20of%20God

[2] 1Ti 2:4  who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.