Iran, Hezbollah, Israel, and America in Biblical Context

All students of scripture and prophecy should watch carefully the current events, treaties, and alignments going on in the middle east. This past week America and Iran, contrary to what we were told, did not sign a peace agreement, but rather a “memo of understanding” which halts war escalation for 60 days. That is not the same thing as a treaty with teeth. We are told that this will allow time to work out fine details. This memo however currently leaves out key issues such as Iran’s missile arsenal, support for regional proxy terrorists’ groups like Hezbollah, and aspects of Iran’s nuclear program which remain outside the scope of current negotiations… all of which Iran continues to declare they will not give up. In other words, “same old same old.”

This has raised giant red flags in Israel and should in America given Iran’s consistent history of saying what they need to say in order to delay opposition and buy time only to continue their efforts of terrorism and their agenda to destroy both Israel and America. Currently Iran’s missile stockpiles remain significant, their drone capabilities remain intact, and though its proxy network has been damaged it has not been dismantled and continues to launch missiles into Israel (a little reported fact in the media). Isarel is being told to stand down regarding its own defense and rebuked by our president who has gone as far as instructing Israel to let Syria (which itself is hostile to Israel) handle the matter instead. Meanwhile, in the end, Iran might emerge with significant economic relief, maintaining an extremely hostile regime, and without genuinely surrendering its long-term agenda.

President Trump has been one of the strongest Israeli supporting presidents in history. He recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, he relocated the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and he recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. These, among other things, have earned him high marks with Israelis and evangelical Christians. Yet this past week the president uttered remarks that should send a shiver down every Christian’s spine and have rightfully created concern among many prophetically aware Christians… "Israel would have been blown up a long time ago, had I not gotten involved," Trump declared. Elsewhere he stated, "Without me, there would be no Israel." Spooky!

While it is true that Israel has had no greater ally and friend than America for decades via our military aid, intelligence cooperation, political support before the world, and guaranteed defense in the middle east. It is also true that Israel’s existence depends on God and not a single political leader or nation. And that is an important distinction because neither Israel’s existence nor its survival started with Donald Trump. Long before Donald Trump, Israel survived Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Islam, the Crusades, and the Holocaust to name a few. And the reason is explained in scripture. Israel’s preservation is and has been an act of divine protection, not the result of any individual.  While God has historically used other nations and leaders to protect other nations, they are instruments in God’s hand and not the source—God is!

That is why in the context of scripture, the president’s statements go too far and should make Christians very uncomfortable given the statements elevate human accomplishment in place of God… and God has said, “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” (Isaiah 42:8) And since that is true, America should pray that God doesn’t judge us and our leaders while He is delivering Israel.

The Bible makes clear that a day is coming when Israel will be isolated from the nations around her. Is the president’s reprimand of Israel a part of this trend? Time will tell. But for now, believers should let this be a reminder… that while we can appreciate political leaders who support Israel, and we can affirm wise policies, we must never confuse God’s instruments with God’s authority. Because as scripture teaches, when the day comes that Israel stands alone, it will not be Washington that rescues her! And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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