U.S. Responsibility to Israel

In a recent text, a resident of Tel Aviv, Israel reported, “Because of the ‘Iron Dome’ and our highly skilled armed forces, we feel reasonably safe.  Nevertheless, we deal with disturbing air raid sirens which are sounding all the time.  Thank you for your prayers and please keep praying.”

To be clear: Israel is being attacked by violent rioters and the Palestinian terrorist group— Hamas.  America must stand strong alongside our ally and friend.  It is more and more evident that the nations of the world are turning against Israel.  This sadly includes the United States as seen in the recent changes in our policies regarding this long-time ally. The Biden Administration is turning its back on Israel to favor Palestine— and these moves will clearly not benefit us or the rest of the world.  God, who keeps His promises (Psalm 145:13), has stated, “Blessed is the one who blesses you [Israel], and cursed is the one who curses you!” (Numbers 24:5,9)

God is returning His people Israel to the land He gave them (Jeremiah 31:23; Ezekiel 37:1-14).  His blessings to Israel depend in large measure in their possession of their land— the land promised to them (Deuteronomy 30:16).  His promise of blessing to Abraham is given on the basis of their inhabiting this land (Genesis 26:3).  

However, not all are happy for this turn of events for Israel.  Many nations are turning against them— and in so doing, are turning against God.  This is why Israel needs our prayers and support in every way.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.  May there be peace within your walls, and security within your citadels … I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’” (Psalm 122:6-8)

Pray for their protection: Ask the Lord for His hedge of protection to surround them (Job 1:10), and a wall of protection for them (Ezra 9:9).  “Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you … you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12)

Pray for their prosperity: “For the Lord your God will bless you as He has promised, and you will lend money to the nations and borrow from none.” (Deuteronomy 15:6)  Pray that the Lord, “… opens the heavens, the storehouses of His bounty … to bless all the work of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 28:12)

Pray for their salvation: Jews need the Lord to open their eyes to see that Jesus is the Messiah.  “We have found the Messiah [that is the Christ].  And he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:41-42).  “Then Jesus declared, ‘I who you speak to am He [Messiah].” (John 4:26)

Listen: God’s chosen people are the “apple of His eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10)  He keeps them safely under His wings (Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8).  

In the well-known Aaronic Benediction, we are told just what to say to the Israelites. “This is how you are to bless the Israelites.  Say to them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to your; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:23-26)

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel