Does America Need Israel More Than Israel Needs America?
As you know, there is serious conflict in the Middle East again. Hamas, an organization that supports terrorism, has been bombing Israel repeatedly. Missiles have landed in Tel Aviv and even Jerusalem, setting off air-raid sirens. 745 rockets have been fired at Israel since Wednesday! Altogether, some 1500 rockets have been fired at Israel in 2012.
As President Obama correctly pointed out, Israel has "every right" to defend itself against missile attacks by militants inside Gaza. It should be noted that Hamas deliberately targets Israeli civilians while shooting from within populated areas, such as near mosques, hospitals, and schools.
Hamas, with the backing of Iran, is stirring this pot and the leader of Iran has already stated his "end game." Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has vowed to "wipe Israel off the map." He said, "They ask, 'Is it possible for us to witness a world without America and Zionism?' But you had best know that this slogan and this goal are altogether attainable, and surely can be achieved. The regime that is occupying Jerusalem must be wiped off the map."
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Why this hostility toward Jerusalem? Because she plays a key role in the last days. Zechariah 12:2-3 says, "I will make Jerusalem and Judah like an intoxicating drink to all the nearby nations that send their armies to besiege Jerusalem. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone, a burden for the world."
Dr. John Walvoord, a very respected expert on Bible prophecy has said, "The prophecies about Jerusalem make it clear that the Holy City will be in the center of the world events in the end time. . . .The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Arabs will focus more and more attention on Jerusalem. . . .In all of these situations Jerusalem is the city to watch, as the city of prophetic destiny prepares to act out her final role."
The Bible tells us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Yet, we know that the people of the conflicts in the Middle East will not find real peace until Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, returns to establish His eternal kingdom.
As Americans, let's remember to pray for our friends in Israel as they face this increasing conflict.
Let me make a controversial statement:
In some ways, America needs Israel more than Israel needs America.
Years ago, God made a promise to the patriarch Abraham and to his descendants, the Jewish people. The Lord said, "I will bless those that bless you, and I will curse him who curses you" (Genesis 12:3). As we stand by the only true democracy in the Middle East, the Jewish homeland, Israel, I believe that God will bless our country as a result. I pray that America will stand by our friend and true ally Israel at this critical time.
