Sharing a comment dropped in the Chapel by Sharon regarding the events of today: The rejection of Israel’s best interests on the part of our State Dept and Executive branch has (perhaps) arguably, until now, been a matter of neglect and nuance and interpretation. We probably all expected (with dread) that the day would come when it would become a matter of policy. I guess that’s today, huh? Ordinarily, we would look to the Congress to refuse to authorize or implement such things, but our Congress is no longer consulted; and even if they were consulted, they are no longer trustworthy.
Genesis 12:1-3 says: The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. 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 curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Those who believe the Bible to be the Word of God acknowledge that our nation is no longer in a place to expect blessing according to this passage. God does not owe the United States a blessing. He is not obligated to bless any nation that curses Israel. He plainly says He will curse them.
He still provides mercy, strength and guidance for individuals within such a nation who approach Him on His covenant terms offered through the cross. As individuals, we are not without hope or resource, but the worst is apparently beginning to unfold.
Romans 1:18 describes wickedness as having an inherent effect of “suppressing the truth.” Deliberate, chosen wickedness is against God, is opposed to God, is anti-God: so by its very existence, it displaces truth. There can be no sharing of influence: wickedness displaces truth. Truth displaces wickedness.
I’m also reminded of Daniel 5:5, 6 “Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king (Belshazzar) watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way.” And that was before he knew what it said. v. 30 gives us the end of the matter, “That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain….” I think we need some writing on some wall.
Holy God, rise up and show Yourself strong on behalf of Your people Israel. They are surrounded by enemies on every side, and our nation who has been their friend is no longer. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on Your people, Israel.
Psalm 25:22: “Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!”