Friday, May 1, 2009

Will the U.S. continue to "bless" Israel?

Many "modern-day" churches have re-defined God. In efforts to become "seeker-friendly" we focus on a loving, kind God, who doesn't "judge" people, but, like a kind old uncle, pats you on the back and allows you to do whatever you want to do without consequences. God is most certianly a loving God, as proven by His sending Jesus, His only Son, to die for us on the cross, allowing for salvation and eternal bliss in Heaven.

But we often forget that God is also perfect in His judgments. God hasn't "matured" or become "new age" over the last generation as many folks would like to believe. The God that we worship today is exactly the same as the God of the Old Testament. This isn't a popular view, but it is an accurate view.

In this context, God made a definitive statement in the book of Genesis, which has been upheld throughout the generations, as He declared to Abraham ("Abram") regarding the land of Israel (Genesis 12:3):

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you:
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will also curse"

God doesn't joke around, nor does He make declarations such as this and forget them. This statement has held up through the generations. By reading the book of Ezekiel, you can see multiple chapters and passages devoted to the "judgment of the nations", ie, "judgment" against those nations who "cursed" Israel.

I've been watching and waiting to see how the new U.S. administration would handle affairs with Israel. The first red flag, was Obama's frequent meeting with the heads of terrorists states, and other predominately Islamic groups. At the same time, the Obama administration has refused to meet with Israel, and on several occasions found themselves conveniently "out of town" when various Israeli officials were in the U.S. - attempting to meet with the new administration.

Now we see a report coming from Israel (read here) which is very concerning in reference to this scripture found in Genesis 12. First, the title is interesting:
"Report: Intelligence Warns Israel is now an 'Obstacle to Obama'". This verbiage is interesting, because the prophet Zechariah wrote similar words (Zechariah 12:1-2):

"This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel...'I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling...On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.'"

So we know that all nations (including the U.S.) will turn against Israel. We are seeing this process now.
In this linked article we see the following:

"A report in the World Tribune quoted an Israeli source familiar with the intelligence assessment who said that "Obama wants to make friends with our worst enemies and [those who were] until now the worst enemies of the United States. Under this policy, the source added, 'we are more than irrelevant. we have become an obstacle.'"

Additionally we see the following facts:

- the US will most likely restrict arms exports to Israel, effectively weaking their defense abilities
- the U.S. will want to show Iran, Syria and radical Muslims that the United States will pressure Israel (to give up land) and the pressure has already begun
- the U.S. administration will reject Israel's intelligence opinions on Iran and Syria, while advancing the Obama plan to reconcile with the two states, although both were listed as state sponsors of terrorism.

The prevailing view, unfortunately, within the U.S. is that Isreal is a "burdensome stone" and we should separate ourselves from involvment in assisting Israel. Rather, the administration (as a continuation of the Bush administration policies) is poised to demand that Israel give up more land in this mythical quest for peace in the Middle-East. The very land that God granted to Abraham, and in turn, Israel - the land that God granted to Israel unconditionally.

God hasn't changed. God hasn't "matured". If you want to see God's view of Nations who have opposed Israel simply read the first 30 chapters of Ezekiel. God can and will do the same to America.

The U.S. policy is hinged on having Israel give up the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and half of Jerusalem including the Temple Mount. How incredibly arrogant, for any nation to step in and demand that Israel give up their God-given land. Imagine if the UN demanded that the U.S. give up part of Texas, part of California and all of New Mexico - to Mexico, since that land was disputed at one time.

I doubt that anyone in the current administration has viewed Israel from a biblical perspective. At least, there is no evidence to suggest such reading is taking place. Even before the Tribulation, God will hold true His word. Genesis 12:3 doesn't make any exceptions to the "rule"...God will bless those nations that bless Isreal and He will curse those nations that curse Israel.

Demanding that Israel divide their land, demanding that Israel give up most of Jerusalem, demanding that Israel give up the Golan Heights (land which is vital to Israel's defense), demaning that Israel give up the West Bank (also critical from a military perspective) while weakening Israeli defense and then siding with the very terrorists states who are sworn to destroy Israel - to me, counts as "cursing" Israel. We are on very very dangerous ground if these trends continue.

God hasn't changed. His words in Genesis are as relevant today as they were during Abraham's life. It may be time to pray that the current administration changes the current direction and policy towards Israel. God will judge those nations who weaken Israel and those nations who are aligned in attempts to destroy Israel.

Personally, I hope that Jesus will gather up His church before any such judgment falls on the U.S., and I believe this is entirely possible. But the statement seen in Genesis 12:3, as given by God is unconditional and permanent, and could happen at any time.

Only time will tell. The U.S. policy towards Israel is important to God, and He is most certianly watching how the nations align with or against Israel. Lets hope something changes and the U.S. takes the side that God favors: full support for Israel. If not, the consequences could be severe. Its been proven throughout the Bible.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Of all the alarming news coming out of Washington these days, the turning against Israel is the most horrifying of all. The only encouraging thing is that we surely must be right on the brink of going home.

Kem

Scott said...

Kem

I completely agree. Its the most ominous sign of all - that we are in the process of turning against Israel. At a minimum, it appears that we won't support them.

I pray that the gathering up takes place before any judgment could come upon America.

Scott