Peace of Jerusalem

Are there any serious people who actually believe that the Obama administration is a friend of Israel? The U.S. government rebuked Israel over their decision to allow new 1600 new housing units to be constructed in East Jerusalem. Where else in the world do we have the audacity to restrict the internal construction plans of another country? A recent poll shows that 42 percent of Israelis view President Obama as pro-Arab, and only seven percent see him as pro-Israel, the rest are reserving judgment.

Barack Obama promised change when he was running for president and we are certainly getting that in our official relationship with Israel. Obama’s reaching out to leaders in Iran, Syria, and the PLO who sanction terrorism is a direct slap in the face of Israel. And since Iran is ruled by leaders who believe it is their calling from Allah to wipe Israel off the map, it is clear to Israel they are on their own to deal with Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions.

If the U.S. government continues to ostracize Israel, I see great danger for our country. God promised Abraham, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. 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 12:2-3, NKJ). When we take actions that threaten Israel, we offend God since this “touches the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8). It will not be pleasant living in a nation that is being cursed by God.

It seems to me that God has already begun removing His restraint of evil protecting our country. Indeed we know that as we get closer to the return of Christ, “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). But I still believe we can turn around the immediate danger to the U.S. if enough of us turn back to God (per the principle in 2 Chronicles 7:14). Whether our actions can forestall the wrath of God or not, the United States will ultimately follow the world in offending God by opposing Israel… “it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it” (Zechariah 12:3).

Psalm 122:6 admonishes us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.’” While this may not reflect U.S. foreign policy, we may still benefit from it being the desire of our heart. While there may certainly be periods of peacefulness from time to time, true peace will not come to Jerusalem until Jesus returns. With even Israel’s “friends” lining up against them, that Day may not be far off.