Post by Mark on Jun 7, 2009 6:30:25 GMT -8
Each time tension rises in the Middle East and the State of Israel faces danger, the rally cry rings out throughout our political mechanism, "America must stand with Israel!" So consistent and penetrating has been this message that it stands solely upon its familiarity. The mantra goes unchallenged simply because it is the position we have held for so long, any opposition or even logical questioning sounds uncomfortably wrong.
Genesis 12:3 is considered by many a biblical mandate that we must stand with Israel. Adonai says to Abram, "I will bless them that bless you and curse them that make light of you." This statement can’t be challenged in it’s simplest form; but the thoughtless extremes to which it is taken lacks understanding of Adonai’s relationship with His Covenant People, Israel, and the relationship that America presently inclined to compel Israel toward.
What troubles me more than anything, in the recent conversations I have had with Israeli citizens, is the position that they have taken under America, that the Americans are obligated to "protect Israel" and "defend Israel", in a plea that suggests that our military and diplomatic strength is the bulwark under which this Divine Nation may find her security. The Most High God who does not slumber or sleep also shares His glory with none other. In similar manner, when Judah was facing the judgment of God through the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the people sought refuge in Egypt. The result was that the discipline of the loving God upon His people penetrated in fury upon the government of Egypt (see Jeremiah 44). If Adonai is using the foreign nations as His instrument of discipline, as He has so consistently done throughout history, is America wise to stand in His way?
The tone with which the American governments (both this and previous administrations) has taken with the land of God’s possession is one of intimidation: not standing with Israel but standing over her threatening to remove support if she doesn’t commit to the agendas of the American position. This is not the relationship that may incur blessing from Adonai; but rather discipline as the schoolyard bully. If America imposes upon Israel its demands with threats of suffering her to the forces that are surrounding her, then America is really no different than her enemies. The alliance between these nations is a hollow shell which houses an oppressive regime attempting to coerce the smaller government under a veil of niceties.
What is tragic is that Israel has come to rely upon this relationship and accept this conditional protection as friendship. What is more is that while Adonai is wooing His people to Himself, to serve Him in obedience and truth, America flexes arrogantly to convince God’s people that their return to Him is unnecessary. "Israel doesn’t need God because she has America."
Should we stand with Israel under these circumstances? What may surprise you, in the tone and direction that this paper has taken is that the answer is yes. However, our stand with her must be a position of humility and reverence toward her Divine position, not as the reigning world super-power that holds the keys of balance toward all nations (acting as God). Our position must never interfere with the working of Adonai and His methods for drawing His covenant bride back to Himself. Standing with Israel does not mean keeping her from all harm: this is the role that the Sovereign King of the Universe has claimed for Himself, and our imposition is usurping His obligation upon ourselves. We may be His instruments but never His replacement (as current policies seem to suggest).
I fear for the nation and the people of Israel- an overwhelming secular society who is reaching out to everyone but to her King and Lord for security, just as she did in the days of Jeremiah. I fear for America who is all too willing to blindly stand in her defense, not realizing the pattern that is replaying before us. I fear that the coming wars that are facing Israel will result in an utter breaking of her reliance upon anything accept the Father who will stand over her in every situation. I fear that America will suffer greatly for standing in the path of the Almighty.
There is only one alternative to the sequences of events that seem so inevitable if we remain on the course that we are currently on. Instead of pressing our cause for political reconciliations and pushing an agenda of secularism, we must appeal to the people of Israel and join with them the pursuit of God.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)
