As war, prophecy and the modern nation of Israel continue to dominate headlines, Bible teacher Amir Tsarfati is urging Christians to keep one foundational truth in focus: It’s never been about elevating Israel above God.
“It’s about the God of Israel,” Tsarfati said. “Don’t ever, ever try to be like Israel. He’s not asking you to be a Jew.”
Pointing to Exodus 33, Tsarfati noted that after Israel sinned with the golden calf, Moses’ greatest concern was not preserving Israel’s reputation but remaining in God’s presence. Moses pleaded with the Lord, “If your spirit, if your presence is not leading, I’m not moving out of here.”
Tsarfati said that same priority should define our walk with God. The goal is not to imitate Israel’s national identity but to pursue the God who called Israel and redeemed us by His grace.
Order Jonathan Cahn’s New Book, “The Altar of Pergamon” on Amazon.com!
It’s About God’s Name
Tsarfati turned to 2 Samuel to explain why God chose Israel in the first place.
“It’s not about them, IT’S ABOUT HIS NAME,” he said. “He is choosing them to make for Himself a name.”
God’s covenant with Israel reveals His faithfulness, His sovereignty and His unchanging character. Israel points to Him. When believers lose sight of that, they risk putting the spotlight on the wrong place.
“The emphasis is not on them,” Tsarfati said. “The emphasis on Him.”
He also warned against two opposite errors.
“And every time you idolize Israel, you take the glory from the God of Israel,” he said. “And when you hate Israel, you hurt the heart of God of Israel.”
Chosen by Grace
Tsarfati also challenged the idea that Israel was selected because of its moral superiority.
“There’s nowhere a single verse that says in the whole Bible they were so good and they were so perfect that that’s why God chose them,” he said. “Nowhere.”
He then connected that truth directly to every Christian.
“Show me a verse that says that you are perfect. That you are so good and that’s why God chose you.”
His point is the heart of the Gospel. God did not choose Israel because it earned His favor, and He does not save believers because they deserve it. Both demonstrate His grace.
Closing with Isaiah 44, Tsarfati reminded listeners of God’s enduring covenant with Israel: “Remember these, O Jacob and Israel, for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant, O Israel. You will not be forgotten by Me.”
As conversations about Israel continue to intensify, Tsarfati’s message serves as a timely reminder that the ultimate focus of Scripture is not merely God’s people, but the God who remains faithful to every promise He has made.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
