During Tuesday’s intense, and at times very moving debate on anti-Semitism, Sajid David, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, criticised Jeremy Corbyn for the lack of “moral clarity” on the issue.
“Moral clarity” is not exclusively needed by the Labour leader. Whilst it is something essential in addressing the issue of anti-Semitism, it is something that each and every one of us should yearn for in our own lives and desire as we seek the will of God.The lack of moral clarity in large parts of our society is intrinsically connected to a national decline in upholding Judeo-Christian values. For it is these values that bring clarity to morality. As these Judeo-Christian values continue to be undermined, so does regard for the moral compass which is so necessarily dependent upon these values for direction. Instead, confusion and contradiction cloud the view of what constitutes morality.

But the Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

During Tuesday’s debate we heard some very emotive accounts, particuarly by two Jewish MPs, Lucinda Berger and Ruth Smeeth, who bravely testified about the most horrific anti-Semitic abuse they have received. Meanwhile John Mann MP shared his shocking experience due to making a stand against anti-Semitism. There is no doubt anti-Semitism is a moral issue.

He said, “I did not expect my wife to be sent, by a Labour Marxist anti-Semite, a dead bird through the post. I did not expect my son, after an Islamist death threat, to open the door, when he was in the house on his own as a schoolboy, to the bomb squad. I did not expect my wife, in the last few weeks, from a leftist anti-Semite in response to the demonstration, to be threatened with rape. I did not expect my daughter similarly to have to be rung up in the last few weeks by special branch to check out her movements in this country. No, I did not expect any of that.”

The unprecedented debate included both tears and applause – appropriately so, because sometimes there are just no words that can effectively articulate the depth to which we have sunk regarding anti-Semitism.

At exactly the same time as the anti-Semitism debate was happening in Parliament – delayed by a few hours because of the emergency session on Syria – Israel was commencing its 70th anniversary celebrations. John Mann went on to tell the debate the crucial point that there is a link between the hatred of Israel with anti-Semitism and said a change in language regarding Zionism by the Labour party would “alter the dialogue in this country in a very big way”. It seems unimaginable that as Israel was celebrating its miraculous rebirth of seven decades ago, the UK was toiling with a hatred of Israel that is present in some sections of British politics. John Mann’s assertion is correct. Moral clarity over Israel is essential if the problem of anti-Semitism is to be addressed.

Let’s be clear. Standing with Israel is a moral issue. Defending Israel’s right to exist and defend itself is a moral issue. And unless this is embraced, there can never be a moral clarity in dealing with the anti-Semitic hatred rooted in the Far-Left, which is currently so prominently behind the Labour leadership.

May our prayer be that moral clarity will be found by those that choose to seek Godly wisdom. For it is only through His Word and by His Spirit that any meaningful moral clarity can be found. Praise God that He promises wisdom and understanding to those who earnestly seek it.

Proverbs 2:3-5,
“Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.”

Thank you for standing with Israel and joining us in prayer.

The following prayer points are to assist you as you pray. For the stories behind these prayer points, please view the CUFI Weekly News Round-up, by clicking here.

 

  • Pray that political leaders in the UK will find moral clarity regarding the problem of anti-Semitism in British politics. Pray specifically that the Labour leadership will change in its attitude towards Israel and make a clear demonstration to those in the Far-Left that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in any way, shape or form.
  • Praise the Lord for those MPs across different parties that spoke boldly at this week’s anti-Semitism debate. Pray especially for Lucinda Berger and Ruth Smeeth that have received horrific anti-Semitic abuse personally as well as John Mann and others who have suffered threats and intimidation for standing with the Jewish community. Pray for protection for them and their families.
  • Pray that CUFI will be an effective voice in the UK against anti-Semitism.
  • Please pray for CUFI’s advocacy event taking place in Parliament on Thursday.
  • Praise the Lord that Romania has become the latest country to announce it intends on moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Pray that other nations will follow in their steps…including the UK.
  • Praise the Lord that UNESCO has postponed two anti-Israel resolutions for six months. Pray that these will be cancelled outright.
  • Praise the Lord for the miraculous rebirth of Israel and for God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises to the Jewish people. Praise Him that He has not finished with His chosen people. As celebrations commenced this week with the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel’s independence (according to Hebrew calendar) and are set to continue throughout May, pray that Israel will experience God’s rich blessing.
  • As the world looks on at these celebrations, pray that more Christians will be convicted of their calling to stand with, pray for, and defend Israel.
  • In these perilous days in which we are living in, may we be thirsty to seek the Lord for wisdom and discernment, and be found faithful to obey His Word, which is a lamp to our feet, a light to our path and a revelation of God’s plans and purpose.

 

And “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”