In the midst of rising gas and food prices, a current housing crisis, an unwanted war in Iraq and numerous other domestic challenges, it is easy to overlook another, seemingly unimportant issue—America’s support of Israel. Why should we be concerned about this tiny nation that has supposedly brought us nothing but heartache? Many believe that our support of Israel was the reason for the terrible attack against our nation on 9/11. If we simply drop our support of Israel, they argue, all of our problems with terrorism will disappear. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
The Truth About Islam
Contrary to what may be “politically correct,” fundamental Islam is not a religion of peace and love, as we are led to believe. History has testified that Islam is ultimately committed to one thing—world domination. They worship Jihad, holy war. Yes, one of their immediate goals is the destruction of Israel; but it does not end there. America is not only standing in their way—anyone who is not a Muslim is an infidel, and either needs to be converted, dominated, or destroyed.
As one noted author observed, “The persecution or elimination of non-Muslims has been a cornerstone of Islamic conquests and rule for centuries. The Koran provides ample evidence that Islam encourages violence in order to win converts and to reach the ultimate goal of an Islamic world. Conversions from Islam to any other faith are often punishable by death.”
John Ashcroft made this powerful and revealing comment contrasting Islam to Christianity: “Islam is a religion in which god requires you to send your son to die for him. Christianity is a faith in which God sends his son to die for you.” How true.
In fact, 9/11 had little, if nothing to do with our support of Israel.
Why Should We Stand with Israel?
Way back in Genesis 12, God declared that He would bless those who bless the descendants of Abraham, and curse the one who curses them. History has demonstrated that this decree is just as true today as it was when first promised some 4,000 years ago. The Amalekites, Jebusites, Canaanites…all the “ites” of history that persecuted Israel have vanished. Only the Israelites remain. America has experienced the unprecedented blessing of God over our 230-year history, in part, because of our treatment of the Jewish People. The Lord refers to Israel as “the apple of His eye” and warns that anyone who touches her will be punished. (Zech. 2:8) Bill Koenig, in his book, Israel: Blessing or Curse, has documented case after case of God’s judgment on America each time our government has attempted to force Israel to give up Land to the Palestinians.
As Bible Believers, we need to look at Israel through God’s eyes, and understand that God gave the Land of Israel to the Jewish People as an “eternal possession.” Regardless of what the UN decides or decided some 55 years ago, beginning with Genesis 12, and again in Genesis chapter 15, there are hundreds of Scriptures that make this truth crystal clear. Regardless of what any government decides, this is the bottom line—the Bible is the Jewish People’s Land deed to Israel. God said it and that settles it. As Christians, we must believe, accept and set ourselves in agreement with what the Scriptures teach. God, in His sovereignty, gave this Land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—who are we to question His decision? While this does not mean that we should condone all that Israel does, we must understand that this is an unconditional promise in God’s Word and support this divine decision.
Israel in Unbelief
Many Christian leaders believe that although Israel was given this Land by God, it is a conditional promise. In other words, Israel’s entitlement to the Land is based on their obedience and right standing with God. And, because they are no longer in right standing with Him due to their rejection of Jesus as Messiah, they no longer have any biblical right to the Land. This erroneous understanding has led a significant number of prominent Evangelical Christians to strongly support the establishment of a Palestinian State and lobby our government to force Israel to give up Land.
While there is an element of truth in God’s blessings upon the Land being conditional on obedience, their right to the Land is unconditional. Numerous prophecies such as Isaiah 11, where God promises that he will “set His hand again a second time to regather the scattered remnant of Israel” and Ezekiel 36-37 where he declares that He will “restore the dry bones, put flesh on them and then breath His life into them and they shall live” clearly supports the idea that He is still very committed to Israel’s divine right to this Land.
God Loves Jew and Arab Equally
For those who support Israel, we must remember that God is not “against” the Palestinians, nor does He hate them. God does not love the Jews and hate the Palestinians. The Lord loves all of His creation and wants none to perish. Jesus died for all people, Jew and Arab alike and desires all to find everlasting life. We must pray faithfully for the Lord to touch, heal and reveal Himself to both Israelis and Palestinians; we need to intercede for both to be saved. This is the only way true peace and understanding can ever be found. No peace plan of man will succeed in the Middle East. Of this I am sure. We also need to understand that not everything Israel does, as a nation, is right and just. Israel today is primarily secular in their beliefs, and they are a nation (like America, Europe and the rest of the world) of sinners in need of redemption. It is a mistake to accept and support everything Israel does carte blanche. For one thing, the orthodox in Israel (about 15-20%) are very powerful and persecute the Messianic Jewish community there. We need to hold Israel to the same righteous standards as we hold our nation, while at the same time remain unwavering in our overall support of Israel’s right to survive and live in security amidst a hostile Arab world.
Praying for the Peace Of Jerusalem
Most Christians are familiar with the exhortation to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” I end every one of our television programs, Jewish Voice with Jonathan Bernis, with this exhortation from Psalm 122:6. But how do we pray? How can there ever be peace? The Bible says many will say peace, peace and there is no peace. The word in Hebrew translated “peace” is shalom and literally means, “to bring to completion.” God has a plan for this Land and people that will come to pass and that plan ultimately includes the return of Yeshua (Jesus)to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. We must pray for God’s plan to be fulfilled in this troubled Land, for the Messiah to be revealed in the hearts of Jew and Palestinian alike, and for His plan to be brought to completion, culminating in the Lord’s return to the earth. Only then will true peace be realized. The only peace plan that can succeed is God’s peace plan—the revelation of Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. He is God’s true peace plan. Only when Jew and Arab embrace Him and experience a changed heart can there be true peace in this troubled Land.
Make Your Vote Count
In conclusion, I want to urge all who are reading this to get out and vote! One of our missions at Jewish Voice is to educate you, as a follower of Jesus, to understand God’s plan for Israel and the Jewish People and what that means for you. Every believer has a mandate to be co-workers with the Holy Spirit in bringing the Good News to the Jew first and also the nations (Romans 1:16), and to standing with and blessing Israel. You need to make your voice heard, and one way to do this is to vote for the candidate that will best represent the laws, principles and standards the Lord has established in His Word. And there should be no greater concern than to elect the candidate most committed to continue our support of Israel. So find out about our candidates, pray, and go out and make your voice known!
