Condemning Israel

If we are to condemn Iran for pursuing nuclear weapons, why shouldn't we condemn Israel for having them?

On the surface this seems like a reasonable question and is effectively the argument that Iran is making to the UN. But the difference is that the leaders of Iran is on record seeking the destruction of Israel while Israel only seeks to continue to exist. Israel's weapons are defensive serving as a deterrent to aggression against them; Iran not only wants to "wipe Israel off the map" but Ahmadinejad has said on multiple occasions that he considers himself to be the one who will cause sufficient turmoil between nations to enable their messiah, the 12th Imam to appear. The "Prince of Persia" referred to in Daniel 10:13 is again at work opposing God and His people.

Israel is a frequent target of condemnation by the UN so Iran's argument will likely fall on sympathetic ears. Fortunately, for Israel's sake the UN's proclamations go largely ignored by the world. But this constant wearing away at Israel will take its toll to the point where Israel will jump at the chance to make peace by embracing an emerging world ruler. Jesus told the leaders of Israel, "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive" (John 5:43, NKJ). God will use this experience to turn Israel back to Him... "blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in" (Romans 11:25, NKJ).

It bothers me that our country is increasingly becoming aligned with those nations that oppose Israel. The problem with this is a promise that God gave Abraham regarding his descendants: "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3NKJ). When the Lord returns, He will judge the nations on the basis of how much they helped His people in their time of need… "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me'" (Matthew 25:40, NKJ). I'm glad I will not need to stand with the delegation of nations when Jesus judges them; "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20, NKJ). Maranatha!