I had the privilege yesterday of teaching on Hebrews 11:8.  This verse concerns itself with Abraham’s obedience to God’s command.  A review of Genesis 11:31-12:9 followed.  It could not have happened at a better time!  I had just returned from the Holy Land the Tuesday before.  There were sights and events that were still very fresh in my mind.

There are these very important verses in Genesis 12:3, “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.” (1)  Abraham was being talked to as the progenitor of the Jewish nation.  Notice verse 2, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you.” (2)

It was Sunday early in the morning while I was looking at my email, something I don’t normally do, that I discovered that it was being reported that our government had been in secret negotiations with Iran regarding their nuclear program and and the sanctions that they are currently under.  The most disturbing aspect of this is that none of our allies were aware of it.  The MidEast Daily News reported that, “The Associated Press is reporting that the deal was made possible by a year-long series of secret face-to-face talks between the Obama administration and the Iranian government – talks that were kept secret from allies such as Israel which were being told that they were being given all pertinent information by the Americans.” (3)

As I read these words and then the lesson for Sunday it was clear that something significant was happening.  The president of the United States had negotiated with our enemies while keeping our friends in the dark.  I would not call this standing with or blessing Israel.  All I could hear echoing in my ears were those scriptures in Genesis 12.  They are now a clear warning to America. Those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who turn their backs on her will not experience the blessings of God.  America is at another critical juncture.  Pray for our leaders and for Israel.  Stand with Israel.  Let your congressman know how you feel.  Write a letter to the Prime Minister of Israel and let Him know that you, as a Christian, are standing with them.  May it be that this is not another “Munich Agreement” moment in history.

 

(1) NKJV Genesis 12:3, Nelson

(2) NKJV Genesis 12:2, Nelson

(3) http://www.themedialine.org/index.asp